A Nurse tells it like it is

[Anxious Patient]

My name is not Catharine. My name is "Nurse!!" Not "Nurse?" Or "Nurse." But "Nurse!!" Sometimes "Nuuurrrrsssse!!!!" That is what I'm called by the patients (if they can talk), their families, the doctors, social workers, dietitians, respiratory therapists, chaplains, visitors, physical therapists, everybody calls me "Nurse!" Calling me "Nurse!" amounts to a Master calling a slave. And slave I am.

In my job I am not allowed to curse under my breath, disagree, look serious or speak my mind. I am not allowed to be anything less than warm, friendly and accommodating. Male nurses, of which there are many in critical care, are not held to the same standards. As long as they are knowledgeable and skillful, they are considered "good" nurses. Female nurses, no matter how knowledgeable and skillful, still have to do a lot of a**-kissing to be considered "good" nurses.

Hold on to your hats, she's just getting started....

http://scienceblogs.com/clock/2009/06/on_being_a_nurse_-_a_guest_pos.php

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

Yup that is exactly how it is. Sad but true.

[emmalou*]

I thought it was a well written, passionate, honest, confrontational, realistic (if a bit jaded and burned out) article.

I agreed with pretty much most of it, including the end when she talked about how meaningful nursing is despite all the challenges.

The realities of nursing indeed ....

[metal_m0nk, BSN, RN]

Just from the excerpt, I'd say it sounds a lot like being a MOM! (hehe) Just substitute the "Nuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrssseeeee!!!!" business for, "Moooooooooooommmmmm!!!"