Advanced practioner vs. bedside staff nursing

[Sandwitch883RN]

Hi to all! I'm currently and ADN prepared labor and delivery nurse. I like what I do but for the most part i'm so disappointed in what being a nurse actually entails. I love pt care and enjoy that aspect of it, but I had no idea what a hostile work environment nursing can be. I stay frustrated and just dont enjoy what i've worked so hard to acheive...and thats being a nurse. I am looking at colleges that offer RN-BSN programs online. I would love to ultimately do a CNM or Women's health NP. I just am not sure of all of that schooling to end up still being frustrated. The politics of healthcare are depressing. So my question is.....do you find that working in an advanced practice role is more rewarding? Do you encounter negativity and hostility among coworkers or peers? Also, if so how do you or have you delt with those situations? I'm having a hard time doing so. Thanks in advance for any input/advice!

[mommy2boysaz]

I have done OB nursing with a ASN degree for 11 years. I know what you mean about the politics and being a little disillusioned.

I am now in school doing a bridge program to become a CNM. It will take a total of 3 years this way. Shorter than getting a BSN and then a MSN.

Anyways, I work with a couple of CNMs and they have to put up with a TON of politics! Right now they are dealing with a OB nurse manager that scrutinizes their every move and some staff nurses who don't like their more natural way of laboring women because it makes for more work for them, etc, etc.

Some days I don't know how they do it and I don't know if I'm really doing the right thing, jumping from the frying pan into the fire!

You really have to have a lot of fortitude and stamina to "fight" the system for what you believe in. So, if you are trying to get away from hospital politics...this may not be the right path.

Just my !

I am looking forward to the transition and the pleasure of caring for (mostly) one woman at a time with less charting, (we still do a ridiculous amount of paper charting) less cleaning and less grunt work in general. Not that I feel I'm above that, I have done it for 12 years. I'm just sick of spending such a large amount of my time cleaning and doing other work that any aide or tech could do just as easily. I want to care for patients!

Good Luck deciding!

[Sandwitch883RN]

Thanks so much for your reply. Thank you for giving your perspective on things. I sometimes have tunnel vision and having input from others is clarifying. Good luck with your program! I'm researching my options now. I wish I lived in an area that offered CNM provider birth centers. The closest one is 3 hours away. BTW I completely understand about the charting and cleaning. I wish being a nurse just meant taking care of people!