I have been a bit disheartened by recent posts on here dealing with the older vs. newer nurses.
I am a new nurse. Is this what I have to look forward to in my career?
I feel like it is politics instead of nursing where both sides are too busy throwing insults and working against each other unwilling to come together for a common goal.
I feel that there are inappropriate stereotypes on both sides. I do not like being lumped into the "lazy, sense of entitlement" generation. The only thing I feel entitled to do is busting my rear, paying my dues, and learning from earlier generations like those before me have done to become the absolute best nurse I can be.
I believe that nothing comes easy or free and it shouldn't. I get such a great feeling achieveing something that I worked hard and struggled for. Not something that was handed to me.
And on the other side of the debate...I don't know about others, but I was raised to respect and admire my elders as they are the ones who have paved the way for me.
I have always been extremely grateful for the older nurses who have shared their knowledge and tips with me. What I didn't realize until the recent posts is just how badly
I may be viewed by them because of the generation in which I was born. It saddens me, but I will hold on to the hope that not ALL older nurses view young nurses that was just as not ALL younger nurses sterotype the older nurses.
I think that every generation has something to offer. I just wish it wasn't a tit for tat type of mentality on allnurses. Those who so quickly jumped on a previous poster for what they perceived as stereotyping turned around and did the exact same thing.
I feel it is hurtful to all and is useless. I am sure many of you may say I am just a naive new nurse, and maybe I am. But what I KNOW I am is passionate about nursing and people in general and am willing to work hard and give 100% at all I do. I know that it won't be and don't expect my nursing career to be easy or glamorous.
I myself plan on working until I can absolutely no longer physically do so. It gives me a sense of purpose. I don't feel that age matters, but yes I agree that people need to know their limitations despite their age. So, as I start my new job I will continue to admire and respect the older and newer nurses who I feel all are to be valued.
I hope that all will give me the same chance instead of being so quick to stereotype. I know this was a long post and appreciate those who took the time to read it. I needed to put my feelings out there.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Don't be discouraged honey. There is a lot of venting that goes on here but don't let you think that is the norm...because it's not. Respect is earned and shared. If you respect you will be respected. If you are disrespectful you will not be respected.
Most nurses are very kind to new nurses. I love the newer nurses who hit the floor running ready to learn and embrace the profession hungry to get experience....I LOVE teaching and sharing all that I have learned. It gives me a good feeling when I teach newer nurses that I am leaving my knowledge and the knowledge given to me in good hands to be given to the next generation. Someone who isn't willing to share their knowledge aren't very secure and probably don't have any knowledge to share.
Us "the older nurses" are quick to defend the nursing profession and it's integrity against attack. I think there is a lot of street and anxiety out there. The economy is poor and frankly scary. Many bought into the "recession proof" propaganda and feel lied to and cheated with thousands of dollars in debt in loans....and they are angry. Me? I am angry that the profession didn't/doesn't provide better benefits so we could retire like firemen, policemen and teachers......before we are so broken and old.
Have heart....it a tough job....but even after, soon to be 34 years, I can't think of anything else I would want to do. :hug:
Holy moly. When did I become an "elder?" How did that happen?
I have also been saddened by the recent spate of posts pitting nurses against each other. Two of those threads were started by the same person though, so perhaps an axe to grind.
I am at the top of the career "hill" looking down, rather than the trail leading TO the hill......Sometimes folks are unfriendly and not helpful just because that is the kind of people they are, age is not even a factor!! Yes, there is a little truth to the old vs new nurses stuff......both groups have their issues to work through and do their best on most days. MUTUAL RESPECT and kindness go a LONG way to cut through so much of it. We all need to be kind,understanding, and patient with one another......especially when it is really difficult.:cheers:
Specializes in Geriatrics, Med/Surg, Rehab, Home Care.
I have been a bit disheartened by recent posts on here dealing with the older vs. newer nurses.
I am a new nurse. Is this what I have to look forward to in my career?
I feel like it is politics instead of nursing where both sides are too busy throwing insults and working against each other unwilling to come together for a common goal.
I feel that there are inappropriate stereotypes on both sides. I do not like being lumped into the "lazy, sense of entitlement" generation. The only thing I feel entitled to do is busting my rear, paying my dues, and learning from earlier generations like those before me have done to become the absolute best nurse I can be.
I believe that nothing comes easy or free and it shouldn't. I get such a great feeling achieveing something that I worked hard and struggled for. Not something that was handed to me.
And on the other side of the debate...I don't know about others, but I was raised to respect and admire my elders as they are the ones who have paved the way for me.
I have always been extremely grateful for the older nurses who have shared their knowledge and tips with me. What I didn't realize until the recent posts is just how badly
I may be viewed by them because of the generation in which I was born. It saddens me, but I will hold on to the hope that not ALL older nurses view young nurses that was just as not ALL younger nurses sterotype the older nurses.
I think that every generation has something to offer. I just wish it wasn't a tit for tat type of mentality on allnurses. Those who so quickly jumped on a previous poster for what they perceived as stereotyping turned around and did the exact same thing.
I feel it is hurtful to all and is useless. I am sure many of you may say I am just a naive new nurse, and maybe I am. But what I KNOW I am is passionate about nursing and people in general and am willing to work hard and give 100% at all I do. I know that it won't be and don't expect my nursing career to be easy or glamorous.
I myself plan on working until I can absolutely no longer physically do so. It gives me a sense of purpose. I don't feel that age matters, but yes I agree that people need to know their limitations despite their age. So, as I start my new job I will continue to admire and respect the older and newer nurses who I feel all are to be valued.
I hope that all will give me the same chance instead of being so quick to stereotype. I know this was a long post and appreciate those who took the time to read it. I needed to put my feelings out there.
The field is changing so rapidly, we can barely catch our breaths. Older nurses are tired and disappointed. Don't worry though, I believe you will find one nurse that will make a difference. She will be one that remembers what it was like to be "the new Grad" and hopefully she can mentor you into the bad and good of the wonderful profession of nursing.
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
20,908 Posts
Don't be discouraged honey. There is a lot of venting that goes on here but don't let you think that is the norm...because it's not. Respect is earned and shared. If you respect you will be respected. If you are disrespectful you will not be respected.
Most nurses are very kind to new nurses. I love the newer nurses who hit the floor running ready to learn and embrace the profession hungry to get experience....I LOVE teaching and sharing all that I have learned. It gives me a good feeling when I teach newer nurses that I am leaving my knowledge and the knowledge given to me in good hands to be given to the next generation. Someone who isn't willing to share their knowledge aren't very secure and probably don't have any knowledge to share.
Us "the older nurses" are quick to defend the nursing profession and it's integrity against attack. I think there is a lot of street and anxiety out there. The economy is poor and frankly scary. Many bought into the "recession proof" propaganda and feel lied to and cheated with thousands of dollars in debt in loans....and they are angry. Me? I am angry that the profession didn't/doesn't provide better benefits so we could retire like firemen, policemen and teachers......before we are so broken and old.
Have heart....it a tough job....but even after, soon to be 34 years, I can't think of anything else I would want to do. :hug: