Are you treated with more dignity now?

Trauma Columnist · Nov 9, 2008

It is not a question of dignity for me, but rather, I'm where the decision gets made many times. I never had any problem with physicians when I was an RN or LPN. I had my ducks in a row when I called them, knew what I wanted to report or want ordered and I had no problems.

As to pay, I get paid well and have no complaints in that department.

When I work in the hospital, I don't have a "supervisor" per se, I am still part of the nephrology practice and if I have a question/concern/problem, I discuss it with one of my colleagues.

When I work in the ER as part of the physician practice, again, I discuss concerns with the attending on duty. However, he is not my supervisor.

allnurses Guide · Nov 9, 2008

I know it's a bit different because I am in the UK but my supervisor is my lead consultant surgeon as far as dignity, I am lucky to work with both doctors and nurses who are fantastic, so there is mutual respect within the professional relationships

allnurses Guide · Nov 9, 2008

Dignity? Please. One chooses how to allow people to treat you. I have never been treated without "dignity" as an RN - if I was, they would have been apologizing pretty soon thereafter.

You seem to have such a dim view of the role, function, training and remuneration of nurses... you need to question why you're planning to enter a profession you don't appear to respect at all.

Jo Dirt · Nov 10, 2008

Dignity? Please. One chooses how to allow people to treat you. I have never been treated without "dignity" as an RN - if I was, they would have been apologizing pretty soon thereafter.
You seem to have such a dim view of the role, function, training and remuneration of nurses... you need to question why you're planning to enter a profession you don't appear to respect at all.

You want to know what I mean about no respect for nurses you need to come to where I work for a shift or two. The DON berates the nurses and threatens to fire them in front of whomever happens to be there. Visitors, patients, other workers, family members. When we have a problem with the CNAs and try to tell her about it she says she will get rid of every nurse in the place before she would get rid of a CNA. There's none of this mutual respect business there. No sir.

Oh yea, I can "choose" to not allow someone to treat me like that, then I'd also be choosing to be out of a job.

So save the please comment. Yea, really, please. I'm not going to feel stupid for asking an honest question, sorry if someone doesn't like it (though I'm totally unrepentant.)

And you don't know what view I have of the role of nurses.

allnurses Guide · Nov 10, 2008

So long as you're asking the questions on a public board, you get all the answers people care to post. All I know of you is what you post here, and it's nothing but negative.

If your workplace is that bad, leave. As long as people put up with poor treatment, it will continue. That's not restricted to nursing, but a universal phenomenon.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 10, 2008

Everyone has the point of no return: where the job negatives are more then the job positives. GoLytely - your posts do seem pretty negative of the nursing profession in general. Maybe, sit back and take a look at your motives for pursuing an advanced degree? Then...you should be able to pick a track that will suit your needs.

Jo Dirt · Nov 10, 2008

Everyone has the point of no return: where the job negatives are more then the job positives. GoLytely - your posts do seem pretty negative of the nursing profession in general. Maybe, sit back and take a look at your motives for pursuing an advanced degree? Then...you should be able to pick a track that will suit your needs.

I've spent so much time with nursing I'm not quitting now. I'm chugging right along until I am a psychiatric NP. I hope I can make a positive impact on people suffering with mental illness.

I'm jumping through hoops now but as positive as I'm trying to be I just can't beat the drum for some of the ridiculous classes I'm being forced to go through. But I'm grinning and bearing it and trying to realize it is a means to an end.

I thank you for having the grace and class to be more diplomatic than some posters have been.

lalaxton · Nov 10, 2008

My supervisor is the Director of Professional Practice (a nurse). I am employed by the hospital so my physician collegues are not my direct supervisors.

AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN · Nov 11, 2008

Well, to answer your question, somewhat, but not really. I precept in the hospital where I worked as an RN, and they treat me great.

OTOH, I have a cousin who is also an RN. I was telling her the other day about how I never send an RN to do something unless I have tried to do it already, ie: disimpaction, enema, etc. (I remember how it was)

She responded with "I'd tell you if you wanted it done, go do it yourself. NPs don't GIVE orders. How would that hold up in court? Those nurses who follow you are just setting themselves up."

I'm thinking it's more jealousy than anything, but it still gripes me that my family will take her word over me in a medical sense every time. My family would not listen to me if I was the Surgeon General.

allnurses Guide · Nov 11, 2008

Clearly she doesn't understand the role of the APN. Don't worry about it.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Nov 12, 2008

Well, to answer your question, somewhat, but not really. I precept in the hospital where I worked as an RN, and they treat me great.
OTOH, I have a cousin who is also an RN. I was telling her the other day about how I never send an RN to do something unless I have tried to do it already, ie: disimpaction, enema, etc. (I remember how it was)
She responded with "I'd tell you if you wanted it done, go do it yourself. NPs don't GIVE orders. How would that hold up in court? Those nurses who follow you are just setting themselves up."
I'm thinking it's more jealousy than anything, but it still gripes me that my family will take her word over me in a medical sense every time. My family would not listen to me if I was the Surgeon General.

I'm in the same boat with you sweetie! LOL

I can tell hubby over and over again that he has a raging sinus infection, but until our physician says it (and says "jeepgirl already told you had one, right?) it is NOT TRUE!! LOL