Are the new nurses to blame

BellaInBlueScrubsRN · Aug 5, 2010

I'm "fresh" too. (Nice term!). I want to go to grad school too. However, on some of these posts (hope I don't get blasted for this) but sometimes it sounds like some new grads... or almost grads... feel like they are too good to work bedside. Instead going straight for CRNA, NP. Whatever. Skip the experience and go straight for the gold. Thats just me and my :twocents:

Intern67 · Aug 5, 2010

"

I'm "fresh" too. (Nice term!). I want to go to grad school too. However, on some of these posts (hope I don't get blasted for this) but sometimes it sounds like some new grads... or almost grads... feel like they are too good to work bedside. Instead going straight for CRNA, NP. Whatever. Skip the experience and go straight for the gold. Thats just me and my

No matter the career, good solid experience in fieldwork is a requirement for success whether you plan to get advanced degrees or not.

Those who disdain the very work they need to advance are setting themselves up for misery. They won't enjoy the trip and when they get their coveted degree they won't be anywhere near as proficient or satisfied as those who applied themselves. People will notice this.

I have classmates who refuse to get any healthcare experience while they are in nursing school. These are the same people who scream, "No one will hire me!" when they graduate with no experience, no contacts, and no network.

You get out of a profession what you put into it.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 5, 2010

I agree...the bedside is rough for people. With the consistent addition of the responsibilities, but yet, no real authority, it can break down even some of the more dedicated persons in nursing.

Just a few weeks ago, administration rode HARD on the RNs and LPNs who supported the PCAs/CNAs in a better rotation of assignment. What happened was that they were only allowing certain PCAs to draw blood, meanwhile, all of them have the same job description. Of course, it made sense that they all rotate there, because most of them have lost their skills and confidence at this point, making it very hard for the RN to assign when so few people actually knew how to do it comfortably.

Meanwhile, after we signed a petition supporting the PCAs, the first thing the top dogs say to us is "What issue is it of yours that the PCAs are miserable? You are a licensed professional. Don't get involved with their problems". Now, THAT is the teamwork we want to encourage? This list can go on and on, but the gist of it is that if behavior like this continues, more people will leave direct care nursing by the droves, or just doing their required stint before moving onto greener pastures.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Aug 5, 2010

Hmm - if you guys are "fresh", does that make me "stale" or "wilted"? Actually, I would prefer the term "tenured".

I think the crux of the matter is that our nursing workforce has changed far more rapidly than the workplace environment. New nurses are bringing a new set of values with them - I'm not saying 'bad' or 'good' - just new. At the same time, the workplace is the same as it has been for decades; heirarchical and rule-bound, with organizations still measuring success in terms of profitability. Most CEOs still come from a finance background. So - we now have a real mis-match that seems to be worsening at a rapid pace.

My gut feeling is that nothing is going to change until we reach a 'tipping point' - when organizations are forced to change. I have no idea when that will occur or what will eventually be the trigger. Maybe when an organization's financial status (including bond ratings) actually hinge on factors like employee turnover/satisfaction?? What if nurses would not accept jobs with organizations that had a bad 'nurse rating'? What if insurers/payors refused to do business with organizations that had high nurse turnover? Wouldn't that be interesting to watch?

In the meantime, please be patient with all us 'tenured' nurses who are caught in the middle. We continue to hold down the fort while watching the new grads come and go in a rapid cycle; barely becoming comfortable at the bedside before they are off to friendlier environments. It's not our fault. We didn't create this mess. We just inherited it & are coping with it the best we can -- creaky knees and all.

Zaphod, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2010

OMG I loove that idea. Creating a web site that does RN to RN hospital rating, or even doing it here. Where RN's can go to their insitution and annonumously post good and bad things about their unit, turnover, staffing ETC. Gives you a good idea if you want to work there or not..If employers know this kind of info exsists they might be more careful how they treat us. Just an idea.

LOL about stale. definetely not - nicely seasoned:)

To add about new grads-Im just saying you cant blame them for wanting to leave. On another hand the few that went to NP after one year cant find jobs now-need that dreaded bedside:)

anonymurse · Aug 5, 2010

In general, younger members of the workforce starting with Gen X have the reputation of jumping at the slightest hint of greener pastures elsewhere.

This is good in that they won't put up with any nonsense. This is bad in that there is certain nonsense that goes with the territory anywhere they go.

It's also bad because it gives admins the willies about hiring them, especially for their first job.

Boomers have an earned reputation of loyalty to the company.

This is bad because employers think they will put up with anything they dish out.

This is neutral in hiring, given the general shape of the economy.

Also, given the general shape of the economy, employers can afford to indulge their stereotypes as much as they want. It's a buyer's market.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Aug 5, 2010

i see a lot of new nurses who start graduate school before they even get that first job -- nevermind the five years of experience that used to be the norm. i also see a lot of new nurses who had no idea that as rns, they'd have to clean up poop, give baths or turn their patients every two hours -- aren't there cnas for that? combine that with the new nurses who are horrified when they find out they're going to actually have to work nights, weekends and holidays and think they're above that . . . and the newbies who want three weeks of vacation in the summer, christmas off every year and their pick of plum assignments . . . .

i've been around for a long time, i've been to graduate school (and graduated, thank you very much). but i think those who want to skip the basics on their fast track to the top are going to find out they're not nearly as knowledgeable as they think they are.

Lorien_LPN · Aug 5, 2010

Speaking as a future new grad, the reason I decided to take up nursing as a career was for bedside nursing. Working in the hospital setting and doing clinicals attracts me to the role of the bedside nurse. Although I have only gotten a watered down version of what it really like for that nurse at the bedside, I still believe it is where I want to be for a while.

Advanced practice has interested me, but I think a good solid foundation in nursing practice is essential to the success of an advanced practice nurse. I personally love going to a nurse practitioner for their highly developed assessment skills and the 'nursing' approach to treating me. And in my opinion, and this is just coming from a nursing student's point of view as well as a consumers, I do not think someone can develop that level of nursing expertise in only two to three short years. Just my opinion btw.

nurseynursej · Aug 5, 2010

I'm a recent grad having a TERRIBLE time even finding any new job...and with $$ running out I'm considering going back to school until something does come along. I feel as though I am treading water right now and losing my momentum quickly. I'm to the point I've almost considered applying for foodstamps. Isn't that the craziest thing you've ever heard? An RN (even a new one) asking for gov't assistance??? P.S. I am applying all over the country but the 'catch' at the moment is they all want a license in their state, which requires apprx 150-200 dollars that I obviously don't have. SO bring on the NIGHT SHIFTS, the OT, the HOLIDAYS, the WEEKENDS...Hell work me every weekend for the next year, I don't care! I am just dying to begin my career:vlin:

Zaphod, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2010

I agree, Ruby there are many of those who did not realize what nursing was. And the profession weeds them out because theyll either adapt or drop out. Mainly my point was not to say that the new generation of nurses is somehow "spoiled" but that maybe many of them try to go to advance practice is because of the sometimes toxic environment of nursing and are we to blame them for this? This way-I feel we only get ARNP's who are not even good bedside RN's(not good for anyone). As I said in the end many senior nurses end with bad backs and management that finds them obsolete. Where are the rewards for staying-something has to change for these new graduates to want to stay in the bedside.

And on another hand-why not Ruby? Why not Christmas off and 3 weeks in the summer. ARNP's do get these benfits and many other professions do as well. If anyone-RN's deserve these perks. I know it is not the reality with the shortage, but I think RN's should have vacation when they want, the shift of their choice and some holidays off. Maybe then we would enjoy coming back to work more.

pedicurn, LPN, RN · Aug 5, 2010

Hmm - if you guys are "fresh", does that make me "stale" or "wilted"? Actually, I would prefer the term "tenured".
I think the crux of the matter is that our nursing workforce has changed far more rapidly than the workplace environment. New nurses are bringing a new set of values with them - I'm not saying 'bad' or 'good' - just new. At the same time, the workplace is the same as it has been for decades; heirarchical and rule-bound, with organizations still measuring success in terms of profitability. Most CEOs still come from a finance background. So - we now have a real mis-match that seems to be worsening at a rapid pace.
My gut feeling is that nothing is going to change until we reach a 'tipping point' - when organizations are forced to change. I have no idea when that will occur or what will eventually be the trigger. Maybe when an organization's financial status (including bond ratings) actually hinge on factors like employee turnover/satisfaction?? What if nurses would not accept jobs with organizations that had a bad 'nurse rating'? What if insurers/payors refused to do business with organizations that had high nurse turnover? Wouldn't that be interesting to watch?
In the meantime, please be patient with all us 'tenured' nurses who are caught in the middle. We continue to hold down the fort while watching the new grads come and go in a rapid cycle; barely becoming comfortable at the bedside before they are off to friendlier environments. It's not our fault. We didn't create this mess. We just inherited it & are coping with it the best we can -- creaky knees and all.

And I reckon ....that just has to be the best post of the day.

I look forward to organisations having to change. Perhaps nursing groups can play a role here ...informing the public of their risk regarding utilizing facilities with high nurse turnover.

How about some nurse-friendly public education campaigns?

Picture an exhausted, dehydated nurse ....'They don't treat her well ....and she would like to treat you better, but she can't'