I have seen several recent threads about the salary of nurses, the amount of OT you could work, etc. At least some of the replies I have read seem to indicate that the preoccupation with money does not a good nurse make. I am wondering why?
Do we believe as a profession that focusing on the salary we make is somehow incompatible with the calling of nursing?
Should nursing be a calling? Can we not be as caring, attentive, involved if we are only in nursing to make money?
Does anyone believe that focusing on nursing as a calling is part of what allows for the abuse we hear about from physicians, management, fellow staff? That it contributes to understaffing (after all, you're called to be here - you will work regardless of what we staff you with)?
I do believe that on some level you have to enjoy what you are doing. Whether that is the excitement it brings, the feeling of contentment helping a patient brings, the thrill of holding a new baby as it is born, you have to find some enjoyment other than money other wise the negatives rapidly overpower the positive. However, those things can be learned. When I joined nursing I knew nothing about it (I didn't even know what acetaminophen was). I joined because my sister in law said I could make good money, would always have a job, and it was primarily female (I was single at the time )
As I studied nursing and got my first job - I discovered I had a passion for what I did. I learned that passion (for me the excitement of CCU, the constant learning that went on, and even the contentment of helping a dying patient and their family accept death was very gratifying). But I started with selfish goals. I don't think it hurt me.
I have seen a lot of threads by people that have always dreamed of nursing, that felt they had a "calling" and were leaving because of the realities of nursing. So maybe it is better to focus on "selfish" goals (money, stability, women) and learn the other enjoyments nursing can bring. You might not be so dissapointed in the end.
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