Changed Perspectives

[whalestales, ASN, RN]

What is a perspective/idea that has changed for you since starting working in healthcare?

For me the age that is considered "young" has shifted by 20ish years. I used to feel you were "old" if you were approaching retirement, but now I don't see people as old until they get into their late 70s-early 80s

I also have learned death isn't always bad, sometimes it is a relief to family and friends. No matter the age of the patient.

[LibraNurse27, BSN, RN]

Before becoming a nurse I was very idealistic. I thought being a nurse meant “fixing” patients and seeing them go home healthy with no addictions, psychosocial needs, etc. now I realize some diseases, including addiction can be chronic, and that a hospital stay cannot fix all of the problems in someone’s life. People leave the hospital still poor, still homeless, still uninsured.

My goal is to treat all patients with respect, meet them where they are and support them during our time together, encourage them, take good care of them and not project unrealistic expectations on them.

[caliotter3]

I thought people that go into healthcare cared about others. Boy was I surprised!