Do You Hate Nursing

bellehill, RN · Jan 8, 2004

Gerard,

No I do not hate nursing, I love what I do. The conditions that you have read about on this board cause frustration for all of us. Keep in mind that people come to this board to vent and relieve frustration, when you start nursing you will understand this need.

I don't know of anyplace where nursing students are treated like "pets" and actually most nurses (correct me if I am wrong guys) will go out of their way to find new experiences for nursing students and help them learn. Some students walk on the floor and expect to take over because they know everything and take the time to point out how the nurses could do things differently...these type of nurses are not welcome. As for how nurses treat each other, I have mostly been treated with respect by my peers. There are always a few rotten apples in every hospital, every job for that matter.

I agree that nursing needs an organization that is proactive, fighting for the rights of nurses. Each state has their own nursing association, some are better than others. Personally I am not impressed with the ANA, just my opinion.

As for leaving if we aren't happy, that sounds like a good solution but not always possible. Nursing is pretty much the same in all hospitals. There is always the same administrative crap that flows downhill and causes our jobs to be harder no matter where you are.

Most of what you posted is second-hand info. I would be interested in seeing if your opinions change once you start nursing school and eventually start your nursing career.

P.S. yes the work is hard and the pay is low, you can stop imagining that!

morr4336 · Jan 8, 2004

Yes you are corect in that I am sure that my views will change once I do enter the profession. I must also say that I have read about nurses that have had pleasurable experiences, so infact I may be guilty of sensationalizing this topic (as the news media frequently does). I must say that it does make me a bit nervous about becoming a nurse, but I do realize, as you stated, that there are a few bad apples in this profession, and by in large it a decent and honorable profesion.:) Thanks for the reply! I do appreciate it!!!!

Gerard

Nurse1202 · Jan 8, 2004

I have been an RN for almost 3 years, and the more experienced I become and the more I observe reinforces my love for the profession of nursing and my dedication to my patients health, safety, and overall welfare. I will say that nursing is a very dynamic, challenging, and, yes, very stressfull, but nursing provides many personal rewards that are found from within yourself.

Commenting on your statement regarding how nurses treat students and "newbies," I found that many nurses were very helpful and were always finding learning experiences for us during clinicals. I had many staff nurses find me in the hall and say"you have got to see this." I also found that some nurses were not very helpful and did tend to "eat" the students, but in observation they treated everyone this way. As a "newbie" I found that most peers are very helpful and willing to impart knowledge and experience. Don't worry, your nursing career is what you allow it to be; you are in control of the direction it takes. The negative experiences as a student and as a new nurse brought a decision on my part to be a positive role model and mentor to those folwing behind me. Good luck!!:)

redshiloh · Jan 8, 2004

A lot of it depends on where you work because attitudes change from place to place.

Yes, sometimes I DO hate nursing. But I think everyone has those days. But (hate to be cliche) I always knew this was it.

This is the one profession that you can really make a difference in someone's life AND still make a decent living.

Quote the Desiderata: With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Sometimes it just gets harder to see the beauty, that's all!

kc ccurn · Jan 9, 2004

Sometimes it just gets harder to see the beauty, that's all!

Redshiloh said it correctly. There are some days that are worse than others. There are days though when everything goes right, when you can see that something you did either saved a life, changed a life or eased someone else's pain. Those are the days and the moments that you need to focus on. There is so much negative in the world that it is hard to find hope and good but it's there. We just have to remind our selves of that.

Don't let the negativity that you read in many of these posts taint your expectations of nursing school and nursing. These are individuals experiences and responses to those experiences. Go into nursing school with positive expectations and an open mind, your attitude will play a big difference in your education and your professional career. Good luck!

I personally love to have student nurses and new grads working with me, they do offer new insight in how things can be done, the old way isn't always the best way. I enjoy their challenging questions--it helps keep me fresh and out of a rut. I wish I had the opportunity to work more with nursing students!

live4today, RN · Jan 9, 2004

I am quite passionate about being a nurse. I do NOT care for the drama associated with the health profession as a whole, particularly that which affects the care nurses desire to give their patients.

I liken any career field to the most ultimate of all career fields.....motherhood. I love being a mother, but wouldn't mind doing without the difficulties that often come with being a parent.

There is NO job or career that is problem free. All things come with challenges that aren't always a bed of roses. Nursing is no different. That is why it is so important to choose a career path that one is seriously passionate about because when the going gets rough you may begin to second guess a lot of choices you will come to make down the road from now.

I wish you well no matter what career path you elect to follow. :)

hmccartn · Jan 9, 2004

You hit the nail on the head Gerard..I am a student..I notice the same things you do but still want to pursue a career as a nurse..Unfortunately i think you have to pick and choose areas that will be best for your own well being...Some areas, with excessive patient assignments etc just cant be managed in the long run without wearing down yourself.. Best of luck

Rapheal · Jan 9, 2004

In school I had two preceptors who took me under their wing. Both were the type of nurses I hoped to be (and still have not accomplished). I am sure you will be exposed to both positive and negative aspects in school and work. Good luck in school.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2004

I guess I was lucky when I was a student I only noticed one rude nurse to students. Whatever reason she had a chip on her shoulder.

I work with only one nurse who is a trouble maker and one CNA while a good worker has a mean mouth.

Some I'm blessed I guess. I don't let the sour apples spoil the whole bunch.

Not that we have to have rose colored glasses. I don't hate nursing. I'm in it for life, so I have to deal. There's a lot of stress, a lot of it unnecessary. But when one sour puss acts out, I don't let it cloud my judgement of nursing or my job. When we're horribly short staffed and I have to work my butt off, I realize that it doesn't happen every day.

Also, try not to judge nursing based on what you read on a message board. A lot of people come here to vent, to talk about things, and sometimes it seems as if all nurses are evil witches who hate their jobs.

Look for the good, stick with the winners, stand up for yourself, change what you have the power to change, leave situations that are unacceptable, develop thick skin and work hard.

Good luck!

angelbear · Jan 9, 2004

Dont hate nursing just what it is becoming. But like tweety said I am probably a lifer so we just do the best we can with what we have and try to advocate for change.

MikeLPN · Jan 9, 2004

Absolutely not :cool: . Some nights are definitely better than others though. And some nights are WAY definitely better than others.