After a few years of nursing, you don't care anymore?

chevyv, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2008

I'm not a nurse yet, but have been a CNA for over 12 yrs and I can say that I do care. Sometimes though the caring is 'seasoned'. You see things that pull at your heart, but after seeing the same thing over and over, you become 'seasoned'. It still affects you, but differently. I think if I feel burnt out, then I know its time to switch units and keep things fresh. Hope this gives you a different perspective. :heartbeat

Dolce, RN · Jun 26, 2008

I couldn't disagree more. I have been a nurse for 4 years now. I would say that, after 4 years, I care more about my patients than I did as a new grad. It is true that I don't stress as much over the little things now, but I do make a genuine effort to provide the best possible, hands-on care that I can for each of my patients. As I have gained experience I have found that my frustrations with patient behavior have worn off a little. I no longer am trying to "change the world" and so I find that I do not try to control my patients and expect them to respond in a certain way. I have grown in my tolerance for patient's non-compliant behaviors. I guess you could say I am "growing up."

The symptoms that your nurse friend is describing sound like classic burnout. Sounds like she needs to make a change somehow.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jun 26, 2008

In a word: No.

I've been a nurse for eleven years, and to this day I vow that I will hang up my stethoscope if I ever stop caring about my patients. There will always be favorites, as well as those who are definitely NOT favorites, but I give all of them the attention they deserve. There's nothing more useless than a nurse who can't feel. It doesn't mean going into hysterics over every death, or falling in love with everyone you care for; but it does mean treating everyone with human dignity and compassion, and trying to work through your own personal prejudices (and we all have them) so that you can give the best care possible.

Yes, we tend to get a bit jaded after we've heard "I'm allergic to everything but Demerol" for the hundredth time, or admitted the same COPD'er so many times that we can fill out their medical history from memory. But I think that most nurses never lose the part of them that made them choose nursing over other less stressful or more lucrative careers........and I've worked with some of the best!

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2008

Yes, it can happen. But obviously by the response you're getting, it doesn't happen to everyone. If and when it does happen, it's time to consider alternatives.

I care. But the way I care now is not the same way I cared when I was a new grad. It's not better or worst. It's just different.

ERNurse752, RN · Jun 26, 2008

I've been a nurse for seven years. I still care. I care a lot!

3Angels · Jun 26, 2008

You never stop caring..in high stress you may compartmentalize and not express your emotion until crisis is over and there is no audience but that does not mean you don't care. :heartbeat:redbeathe

:saint: :saint: :saint:

ONCRN84 · Jun 26, 2008

If you find you're not caring in your position, you need to change focus.

I still care about my patients a lot, but it was starting to get really hard on me, so I found a new job in a different area. Still nursing, new focus.

So no, it's not true. And IF it becomes true, thankfully there is so many different dimensions to nursing that you can completely change jobs and focus without going back to school.

allnurses Guide · Jun 26, 2008

I couldn't disagree more. I have been a nurse for 4 years now. I would say that, after 4 years, I care more about my patients than I did as a new grad. It is true that I don't stress as much over the little things now, but I do make a genuine effort to provide the best possible, hands-on care that I can for each of my patients. As I have gained experience I have found that my frustrations with patient behavior have worn off a little. I no longer am trying to "change the world" and so I find that I do not try to control my patients and expect them to respond in a certain way. I have grown in my tolerance for patient's non-compliant behaviors. I guess you could say I am "growing up."
The symptoms that your nurse friend is describing sound like classic burnout. Sounds like she needs to make a change somehow.

:yeahthat:

Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN · Jun 26, 2008

after so many yrs the way you care changes. I was passionate about critical care for a long, long time and retired. (Hated retirement by the way) But now that I have been in recovery for a long time my passion changed. I just hate to see wasted lives d/t drugs and alcholol. I am now working in a medical detox center. I know just a few actually go on in recovery but it is a start. I also volunteer at the BON for the Peer Assistance committee. I was given a second chance and I think every one should be given another chance.

NurseNora, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2008

I've been an OB nurse for longer than most of you have been alive. I've never lost the joy at being present at the miracle of birth. Although I no longer cry at all deliveries but I do still get misty at some.

If you find yourself feeling like you're not enjoying what you do anymore, you can always try another area. Nursing is wonderful that way. You can always try another area of nursing.

Go for it, you'll do fine.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2008

i wondered if this is true. my name is jen, i'm new here. i'm not a nurse but am thinking about becoming one. i'm currently an huc/secretary in the nicu and have had some interests in pursuing nursing. i have a friend who is a cna and while i was walking and talking with her yesterday she told me not to become a nurse because after a few years you just don't care anymore. don't care about your patients and things will start to lose feeling. now, i'm not going to go make any decisions based on what she just told me, but i did wonder if there was any truth to that. after so long, does everything just blend together? thanks in advance.

it's a load of poo.