Attention All Nurses....

Orange Tree · Feb 18, 2013

I'm pretty much doing the same thing you are- just in a hospital setting.

Mulan · Feb 18, 2013

What do you, personally, contribute to nursing?!!
I am contemplating a career change from corporate america to nursing and one of the main reasons is, I feel this need and desire to make a difference even if in the life of just one person. I feel my current career is all about simply helping the corner office executives make a buck, and that my career - and thus a large part of my life has no meaning. So I am asking you help me by answering - what is it as a nurse, that you contribute?!
Thanks in advance

If I had a job in corporate america I'd keep it.

You could always become a Big Sister.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2013

Do a search op on allnurses. I have a feeling you may not hear what you want today .

Jenni811, RN · Feb 18, 2013

I wipe butts, i fetch ice chips, clean up sputum and get treated like crud and put up with it all.

that is what i contribute.

roser13, ASN, RN · Feb 18, 2013

Keep your day job, save the tuition $, and find a way to significantly contribute to the world. Be a Big Sister/Brother. Tutor in an adult literacy program. It's really hard to practice nursing these days and be able to feel that you're contributing to anyone's betterment.

Ruas61, BSN, RN · Feb 19, 2013

You need to decide for yourself what gives you purpose. Meaning in life is not just derived from one's job you can impact the world on so many levels. Best of luck.

netglow, ASN, RN · Feb 19, 2013

I'm pretty much doing the same thing you are- just in a hospital setting.

Yup OP, you will really just still be helping the guys in the corner office make a buck - You will often feel you cannot help people simply because the guys in the corner office will prevent you from helping people. And often you'll probably feel that a part of your life has no meaning because of this. And all of this wonderfulness only if you find work once you graduate.

RNperdiem, RN · Feb 19, 2013

Sometimes I do help the patient make the transition from a critically injured patient to an alive, talking person ready for a transfer to the floor. This brings real satisfaction.

I have to honest. Hospitals ARE corporate America. I have been in nursing long enough to see the "corporate" attitude harden and become deeply entrenched over time.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Feb 19, 2013

I do damage control. and put out fires.

Wave Watcher · Feb 19, 2013

Eh..............................................................................................................I sit around and diagnose myself. I save my employer & insurance company money.

mustlovepoodles, RN · Feb 19, 2013

I train and educate adults who care for children in foster care and developmentally disabled persons. There are over 100 persons in the company. I am the only nurse. The others have degrees in IT, business, social work, and finance. Obviouslly, I am merely a cog in the wheel of the engine that runs the whole show. I love what i do, but so does everyone I work with. We're *all* working to benefit our clients.

OP, you don't have to go to nursing school to make an impact on those around you. Look around you and see what you can do RIGHT NOW. Can you help a child with homework? Teach an immigrant to read English? Photograph pound pooches for a rescue group? Drive a vet to his doctor appointments? I would strongly urge you to search your heart to discover what it is you really want to do. I won't try to discourage you from nursing, but you need to know that it's a lot harder, a lot stinkier, and a lot more aggravating than you might think.