Any advice would be appreciated

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I am currently in a RN program and will be graduating in May. I would appreciate any advice anyone has to give about the world of nursing. Thanks!

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Welcome to the board! I'm not a nurse yet but have learned SO much from reading the posts here. Do some browsing--you'll learn tons!

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

Welcome to Allnurses!

As for the world of nursing, it sucks big time, and I'm sorry I came out of my five year sabbatical and returned to it. To be a hospital inpatient nurse today requires combat training and protective gear from head to toe. You not only have to battle with the patient, but also with Administration who pays attention only to themselves, and not to the nurses. Nurses...IMHPPO...are not respected or recognized as professionals. We are nothing more than "handmaidens" and puppets to be yanked around by those superior to our standing in the hospitals. I've never been more disappointed in any job that I've ever worked as I am with being a nurse.

I told a teenaged girl today to NOT become a nurse, but to use her talents elsewhere where she would at least be appreciated.

I just finished working two of the most hell on wheels days where I work, and it took all that is within me to not walk out both days. Therefore, when my time is up there 13 January, I will be more than glad to say my goodbyes without ever looking back. If I'm going to be abused as a human being and a nurse, I want to get paid for it at least.........soooooooo....traveling nursing here I come! :nurse:

Become a nurse today? HECKY NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! RUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNN the opposite direction! QUICK!!! :o

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Ummm... I still like nursing. I think the secret I learned is another member's signature line: We will only get as much crap as we are willing to take. My best advice would be don't compromise your safe practice and be assertive. If you find yourself in a place where this is impossible, then MOVE and fast!

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Thanks to everyone that responded. I really appreciate the advice. I know nursing is rough, so I'll just have to take the good with the bad.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

yes you will have to take the good with the bad. Like anything, it has ups and downs. Hopefully, you will find more GOOD than bad in it. You can control your own destiny if you are SMART about it. Best wishes.

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Wash your hands and always keep one days work clothes in reserve.

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~~~~RUN AWAY WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME! ~~~~

Just kidding. Someone has to be there to take my place so I can quit!

In reality, it is an honor and a curse to have the ever increasing responsibilities nursing requires. I just know the pt's need good care and if I can help, it's worth it. Maybe there will be a few good nurses for me if & when I need them myself. ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE! :cool:

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
Originally posted by Mytlibra

I am currently in a RN program and will be graduating in May. I would appreciate any advice anyone has to give about the world of nursing. Thanks!

Buy the best shoes you can afford-and wash -wash -wash your hands...And don't forget a good multivitamin,excercise and eating right-most especially during your first months on the job.You'll be under amazing stress and it will take a toll on you physically.....
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Specializes in med/surg, cardiac/telemetry, hospice.

1) Take a break sometime during your shift! Sometimes it's hard, especially during the first few months, but GET OFF THE FLOOR! It's not fair to you or your patients to have you running like a nut for 8 or 12 hours. It's not safe and it's not healthy.

2) Keep a spare uniform (scrubs, undies, shoes, the whole 9) in your car or locker.

3) Take notes. I still carry "cheat sheets" with me stuck to my clipboard.

4) Eat well (HA!), sleep well, and take your vitamins.

:D

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keep learning. People who get in a rut tend to become disgruntled. The more you learn about your profession the prouder you will be to be part of it.

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Watch your mouth, you don't know who is listening, watch your back, sometimes your first impression is wrong, ask why there is a position available, look at the nurses expressions on the floor, ask if you can talk to one of the nurses in private, see what she has to say, if you see red flags don't ignore them, make sure everything promised is in writting so you don't need to fight later, don't under estimate your value there is a shortage, if a job is bad get out quickly

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