REASON FOR YOUR PROFESSION

[CNA1111]

I AM SURPRISED AT THE NURSES OUT THERE THAT FEELS THE WAY THAT THEY DO. I JUST WISHED YOU WOULD SIT BACK AND THINK OF THE REASON YOU WENT INTO THE NURSING FEILD AND REALIZE THAT SOMETIMES YOU MIGHT WORK SHORT OR IT MIGHT JUST BE A VERY BAD DAY FOR YOU AND OTHER STAFF MEMBERS BUT REALIZE THAT YOU ARE THERE FOR THE CARE OF THE PATIENT AND REMEMBER THAT IS WHY YOU WENT INTO THE NURSE FEILD IN THE FIRST PLACE AND IF YOU DID IT FOR JUST THE MONEY THEN YOU PICKED THE WRONG PROFESSION. IT IS ABOUT CARING AND NOT THE PAY. I KNOW THAT IN MY CASE THE PAY IS GOOD BUT I WORK FOR A GOVERMENT FACILITY BUT I DID IT BECAUSE I CARE AND NOT HE MONEY SO IF IT IS MORE MONEY YOU WANT GET ANOTHER PROFESSION AND LEAVE NURSING TO THE ONES WHO REALLY CARE FOR THE SICK AND ELDERLY.

[justanurse]

The thing is: WE DO CARE!!!!! Why do you think many of us continue to nurse? We are sick and tired of the double talk, the two-faced ways our administrations work. They tell us one thing, and do another. They aren't honest with us. They tell the public one thing and instruct us on another. Just look at your facility. Is it as neat, orderly, nice today as when JCAHO or your state inspector is coming around? Bet you not. Most of them aren't. And, I didn't go into this to be called at home and mandated to come in on my day off, let alone in the middle of the night. I love being a bedside nurse. But, I am much more than "justanurse". I have a family, I am a human being and should be treated with respect, I have a LIFE outside of that facility. I have heard many things that would appall the general public come out of the mouths of our administrators. Most patients know you're short staffed, they aren't stupid, just sick. Yet, you can't answer their question honestly at our facility, because some have been threatened with discipline for being honest. And, they know you're not telling them the truth if you say "no". Do you think they really trust you as much after that? I have to give them the old "We're just busy today" answer, I didn't really lie, but didn't really tell all the truth either, kind of ride the fence answer.

No, the money's not good for what I have to put up with, and the dangers to myself, and the responsibilities I have. But, I am not in a position in my life yet to start another career. And, I love what I do! I just wish my administration would let us do it well, not just half-a**ed as we have to most days.