At a Crossroad

Sour Lemon · Dec 10, 2018

Hello All. I have a bit of internal struggle going on right now. I have been in school as an LA (Liberal arts) Major and I am struggling with the Idea of Nursing school. I want to be a Nurse ( former EMT for a decade) but I worked as a nursing assistant for an ER for two Months and hated it!! I felt like all did was change diapers and take vitals. I know its vital to Patient care, but I felt like "what am I doing here"? . The nurses (some, not all) where very stand-offish too. They made me feel like I was truly beneath them. The attitude above all made me leave. I understood my role is limited, but I felt like a "pee on" not a co-worker. Especially that we did ALL the grunt work. EMS has this to, but I felt like it was worse in the ED. I felt like this gave me a negative outlook at work and it showed which reflected on the job so I left. Its been just over a year since the ED and a year and half since I been on the Truck ( I do Telecom for a Hospital) and I have debated this issue with myself for some time now. I know that only I and I alone can decide to be a nurse, but I want to know if others have had some similar experiences with good outcomes in their careers? What is the Nurse Doctor dynamic like? Also, new nurse vs senior nurse, is that a rivalry? Should I expect a "mind" measuring contest every time I walk on to a unit? I miss treating patients and I miss the work, but if its like this in most places, I may reconsiders my options.

Honestly, you seem like the type who looks for ways to feel inferior and offended. I work with people in "lower" roles and "higher" roles ...people who know much more, and people who know much less. I can't say it ever feels like a contest, though. If it feels that way to you, you're not doing it right.

TheMoonisMyLantern, ADN, LPN, RN · Dec 10, 2018

Honestly, you seem like the type who looks for ways to feel inferior and offended. I work with people in "lower" roles and "higher" roles ...people who know much more, and people who know much less. I can't say it ever feels like a contest, though. If it feels that way to you, you're not doing it right.

This is very harsh, you cannot blame a toxic workplace on the OP. It is in fact possible to be offended without "looking" to be offended. And some healthcare providers can look down on others though thankfully in my experience they've been in the minority.

I think one of the problems with nursing is that we sink our claws into each other instead of supporting and encouraging each other.

thehurd456 · Dec 10, 2018

I think we know what category we can place you in

Davey Do · Dec 10, 2018

I want to be a Nurse ( former EMT for a decade) but I worked as a nursing assistant for an ER for two Months and hated it!! I felt like all did was change diapers and take vitals. I know its vital to Patient care, but I felt like "what am I doing here"? . The nurses (some, not all) where very stand-offish too. They made me feel like I was truly beneath them. The attitude above all made me leave. I understood my role is limited, but I felt like a "pee on" not a co-worker. Especially that we did ALL the grunt work. EMS has this to, but I felt like it was worse in the ED. I felt like this gave me a negative outlook at work and it showed which reflected on the job so I left.

I understand the food chain thing. I felt somewhat inferior when I was an LPN compared to the RNs.

However, no one can make us feel any way. It is within our power to choose how we feel and/or react to situations.

you seem like the type who looks for ways to feel inferior and offended.

And I can relate to blaming others for my feelings of inferiority.

This cartoon exemplifies that:

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Davey Do · Dec 10, 2018

I think we know what category we can place you in

With all due respect thehurd, seasoned professionals have a tendency to categorize based on repeated and numerous past episodes with a multitude of those we serve, subordinates, peers, and supervisors.

Requesting feedback allows for open season in giving feedback.

I suggest an eclectic approach be taken: use what is desired and leave the rest.

I would also suggest avoiding passive-aggressive responses if positive feedback is desired.

The best to you.

Sour Lemon · Dec 10, 2018

I think we know what category we can place you in

You can place me in any category you'd like, but I hope you're able to consider that there might be some truth to what I've said.

This is very harsh, you cannot blame a toxic workplace on the OP. It is in fact possible to be offended without "looking" to be offended. And some healthcare providers can look down on others though thankfully in my experience they've been in the minority.
I think one of the problems with nursing is that we sink our claws into each other instead of supporting and encouraging each other.

I don't see anything that indicates a "toxic" workplace. I see someone who felt "lowly" about doing their job and not revered enough after a whole two months of work. Top that off with "EMS has this too" and concerns about mind-measuring contests with charge nurses and doctors ...and maybe nursing wouldn't be a spectacular fit.

As the "coordinators of care", we have a lot of responsibility and very little power. Encouragement is not always nice. I'd rather hear the truth before jumping in head first.

Davey Do · Dec 10, 2018

I don't see anything that indicates a "toxic" workplace.

Yeah, Sour Lemon, but didn't you once say that you liked getting a good hard punch in the face on Saturday nights?

In other words, what one would call a toxic workplace, another might just see it as par for the course.

I'd rather hear the truth before jumping in head first.

Wise words for one who, I believe, faces the music.

Sour Lemon · Dec 10, 2018

Yeah, Sour Lemon, but didn't you once say that you liked getting a good hard punch in the face on Saturday nights?

I still do! ...after a certain amount of vodka.

JKL33 · Dec 10, 2018

What is the Nurse Doctor dynamic like?

In the ED, working together taking care of patients.

Also, new nurse vs senior nurse, is that a rivalry?

No.

Should I expect a "mind" measuring contest every time I walk on to a unit?

No.

:up:

jobellestarr · Dec 10, 2018

Usually, you come to work just to work. I personally wouldn't have time nor the inclination to ponder all of this. Just be friendly, do your work, offer to help, etc. and you might have a better experience. That said, there are always unhappy people and that is their issue not yours.

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Dec 10, 2018

Much of your experience, in any job, will be based on your ability to take a situation and make it acceptable. I'm not someone who looks for anyone to tell me "good job" or "we're so happy you're here". Sure, than can be nice to hear sometimes, but the important thing is the feeling I have in my own mind when I punch out in the morning that my patients are better off because I was there. Whether it's wiping their butt (which it often is), or participating in a code, I'm a nurse providing care for my patients. If someone wants to think they're better than me, fine, they can think that and it has absolutely no bearing on how I will do my job. Even within the hospital, ED nurses sometimes look down on med-surg nurses, and ICU nurses sometimes look down on everyone. It's all stupid, because every nurse, aide, therapist, MD, dietitian etc. in the hospital is doing something that's needed. If you think you will like nursing, for the work that YOU will be doing, not for the people around you, then go for it.