Does nursing really suck that badly?

[Irish_Mist]

I know this discussion has likely been hashed and re-hashed several times. However, I wanted to discuss not only my concerns but my specific situation.

Here is some background information on me:

I recently graduated with a non-nursing bachelors degree. For the past two years, I have had my heart set on entering an ABSN program. But, I wanted to finish my bachelors first as I felt since I was almost done, I could apply for a one year accelerated program and essentially not "waste" my almost completed degree. I am taking A&P2 and Nutrition this semester and Chemistry and Microbiology in the fall with hopes of applying for two ABSN programs in my area.

Here are my concerns:

I read so many negative things on here about nursing. Whether it is someone complaining about their boss, a high patient to nurse ratio, backstabbing co-workers, patients who treat you like a slave, managment that doesn't get it, concerns about losing nursing license, etc etc. I understand that NO job will ever be perfect. I understand that people come here to vent. I am not judging the nurses who complain on here because everyone needs an outlet to release stress.

My fear is that I will get into a career that I hate. My fear is that I will be chewed up and spit out. I am already at a cynical point in life where I see employers in general as crapping all over good employees and rewarding the bad ones. I am at a point where I am so tired of my government internship that I will do ANYTHING to get away from it. I love the idea of helping people. I love science. I've thus far enjoyed the academic pursuit of nursing. Additionally, I consider myself to be a compassionate, loving person. I can take a lot of things in stride but I have my limits. Is entering the nursing field really that scary? Are hospitals really that toxic? Are co-workers really a reincarnation of that evil witch and her possee from junior high?

I could really use some advice from some of you RNs who are already "there" and have been in the trenches.

-Signed-

Someone who wants to help others and wants to be a nurse but is terrified of the future

[Irish_Mist, BSN, RN]

One of the problems with those who insist that you must have a "calling" is that they're contemptuous of those who DON'T have the calling. After many, many threads berating nurses who were "only in it for the money" and insisting that "that slot in nursing school should have gone to someone with a real Calling!", many of us crusty old bats became somewhat tired of "the calling".

Mostly, those of us without a "calling" are respectful of those who do have it, or say they do. But the reverse has not always been true.

Among those who insist upon "the calling," the opinion seems to be that little else matters. Not the ability to retain complex information, not the math ability to calculate drug dosages, not the ability to think critically. Only those who have "the calling" will be good nurses. And that's just not true. "The calling" isn't going to help you calculate your drug doses, think critically or remember complex protocols or procedures. You might have the truest "calling" in the world, but still be unable to graduate from nursing school or to pass the licensing exam. And "the calling" seems to dissolve in the face of reality more often than other reasons for entering the profession.

Ruby, I saw a post in the pre-nursing forum where these girls were basically implying they hoped their "competition" would jump ship. After all, only those with a true calling would make it through nursing school. Well, that didn't go well with many of the "crusty bats". Haha. At least Esme is respectful in her beliefs. These posters were not. They were being presumptuous.

As far as I'm concerned, you (Ruby) and Esme are just pure gold.

[mtngrl, ASN, RN]

Yes, it sucks. I have been in it for 10 years. The burden of responsibility is huge and NOTHING in nursing school prepares you for that. Not until you are on your own do you realize that. And I agree the pay should be extremely higher. I am going to try to live as cheap as I can from now on so I can pay off my mortgage...so hopefully then I won't need my current income and can quit nursing. Just like the one poster says how she fantasizes about being the cleaning lady....I guarantee you will think like that at one point when you are a nurse, you will fantasize about being a cashier or flipping burgers.....

[mtngrl, ASN, RN]

I also might had that in my years as a nurse it seems the nurse that want to do things right and really care are the ones that get burned out and depressed the most. The ones that take shortcuts, don't really care about people, and just don't seem to put their heart into seem to the ones that can stick it out and it doesn't bother them.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

No.....wanting to help people isn't a bad thing. It's a good thing. Personally I think it takes a certain "calling" or type of person to be truly "happy". But....I am a dinosaur. I went to school when we were barely paid over minimal age upon graduation...even with a college degree. My first hourly rate was $3.75/hr as a graduate nurse when minimum wage was $2.90/hr...I got a $.50 raise when I got my board results 4 months later in October. None of us went into nursing because it was a "good paycheck"...but it was a steady job. We knew up front that we were low man on the totem pole would be working nights after orientation, you were NOT hired for specialty areas until you "got your feet wet", and you WOULD do as you were told. Kind of like the military. We were taught to be nurses....not wanna be Nurse practitioners or CRNA's just biding time until you could shake off the dirt and move on to a real career or the manager position. We expected to work hard and that for the most part nursing is a thankless job. I think those that find real dissatisfaction are those who went into nursing because they couldn't do something else....whether they couldn't get into med school/law school...whatever or graduated and couldn't find a job. So they went to plan B because "there are good paying jobs with flexible schedules for little education expense". I think those that look to nursing for the solely for the "money"....quickly find that after thousands of dollars of college debt that the "money" isn't near what it should be for what is expected of them in the workplace and there dreeeeeam job isn't instantly laid at their feet. IN this instant satisfaction society with instant communication, gratification, and feedback with texting/social media patience isn't a forte....so they are frustrated and angry. They had unrealistic expectations...not every one can work with babies, the ED, or ICU upon graduation. Then there are those who want to be nurses but don't want shift work, patient contact, nor bodily functions. These individuals believed the hype that they would be able to "write their own ticket" and "get a job anywhere" with "whatever hours they wanted"...which simply isn't true. They feel cheated and let down.....they didn't expect to find how little input/control they actually have...they are frustrated and angry. They expected to be molly coddled and petted with the "everybody wins" mentality and constantly told they are perfect...that doesn't happen in nursing the stakes are too high. Patient lives are at stake...and the general public isn't always nice. I think it has even more to do with the sudden plethora of nurses and a saturated job market. Employers are behaving badly. Benefits are being cut. Employers no longer try to keep employees because there are 200 more who want that spot. CEO's are getting exorbitant salaries ad have no medical knowledge causing decisions that are not beneficial to patients nor nurses. For many....The negatives are out weighing the positive right now. Nursing is cyclical and this too shall pass. ****Nursing is a great profession...if you're strong enough.[/quote']

****THIS.

Not everyone is built for nursing; it does take a certain "strength".

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I'll post my experiences on nursing; I've posted this response in a variable form; however, I will continue to share :

I been through nursing since the early 2000s. I have been a CNA, LPN, and a RN...If I wasn't happy with this profession, or felt I couldn't be objective and assertive or personally happy with this profession, I would've probably found something else to do, or found a rich man, lol.

Seriously. I have friends in healthcare, public safety, military, education, research, business, IT, real estate, construction, public health, social work...people are people are people...personality does not always transcend professions....the most important aspect in interacting with people; especially peers and the public is your expectations of YOU...

The only expectations that I have of myself in this profession is to remain objective and to maximize myself and my profession; I have the attitude of "what can be done?" MOST of the time throughout my time in this business in each role I have been in; and I have been able to be an Independent contractor, a W-2'er ( basically employee, lol :) ); worked in nursing specialties such as Peds, Stepdown/Critical Care, Home Health/Community Health, Rehab (Spinal Cord Injured, Trauma/Traumatic Brain Injury), Wound Care, and Skilled Nursing.

Do I vent? Sure; but I vent and move on; tomorrow is another day; life is too short to be unhappy.

As far as discouragement; I remember going to a career day when I was in middle school in the mid 1990s-around the time when the other financial crisis occurred, there were new changes to insurance and the delivery of healthcare back then as well; a nurse outright told me not to go into the profession; I'm very fortunate that I was very objective at the time; she was VERY negative; and if I think back on what she stated, it was most of the venting that people talk about ad nauseum; if I had listened to her instead of remembering the nuggets of what my parent and family instilled in me, and being the objective child I was, I would've missed out on a career that has been a wonderful fit in my life.

OP, I suggest to be objective; seek out nursing chapter leaders and organizers; nursing union and organizers your area. SHADOW as one poster suggested and placed the examples of what you may encounter, put it very nicely, I might add.

I found this place as a new grad LPN in 2004; I found valuable information on a thread on how to become IV therapy "certified" (now called competency). I've found wonderful resources, venting sessions, and threads that I found to be informative, entertaining, and found my way to help contribute with my two copper pieces that I choose to rub together. I find the Admins and guides and most posters to be intelligent people who provide resources and opinions for professional practice, career experiences, and venting (when applicable) to be a GREAT resource; I am serious; to me, they remind me of the team I am a part of at work, although they are across the country or across the world; across GENERATIONS, yet, have millennials of information and experience that makes this site enjoyable.

Branch out and find the Nurses Rock! Forum; there is also a recent brag thread as well; and plenty of "positive" and inspirational threads as well. Seek and ye shall find...personally and professionally

If you decide to be a part of this business, understand the various people and the intimacy that is invoked with your patients, their families, YOUR communities and your peers of various backgrounds, culture and personalities; this business is NOT for the weak or faint hearted but it can certainly be as satisfying as any other profession, it's what YOU put into it.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

There seems to be a dichotomy at work here.

Either A) If you can't handle nursing, then nursing is not for you. There is something about you as a person that was not cut out for the job. Nursing is what you make it.

Or B) There is something wrong with nursing in and of itself. Nursing today is reimbursement driven, and thus patient satisfaction is a primary focus. Nurses are caring for sicker patients with fewer resources, while documentation requirements increase the time away from the bedside. Nurses are working short staffed, and are working off the clock (i.e. staying late to chart while not getting paid for that time). These things are leading causes of job dissatisfaction.

I tend to fall into both camps. Sure, nursing is what you make of it- heck, LIFE is what you make of it. Your own attitude and internal dialogue has a tremendous impact on what your experience of nursing, or of anything in particular, is like. But to say that external influences, such as the problems we see today in nursing, should not have an effect on one's experience is really unfair, IMO.

I go to work every day feeling lucky to have the job I do, and open to learning something new and growing as a nurse and a human being. But that does not mean that I am unaffected by short staffing, rude co-workers, lack of supplies or resources, cumbersome documentation requirements, or being stretched too thin to feel like I am able to do the kind of job I want to do.

I think both things are true, and to dismiss those who's experience of nursing is not all positive as people who just don't have the right attitude is short sighted, because it places the blame on them, rather than focusing in on some real problems that should be of real concern in nursing today.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I also like to add that I find nursing to be empowering; we have the ability in out scope an practice to question the orders that are given, as well as our efforts in being "health managers"; what we see makes ALL the difference in a plan of care.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

There seems to be a dichotomy at work here. Either A) If you can't handle nursing then nursing is not for you. There is something about you as a person that was not cut out for the job. Nursing is what you make it. Or B) There is something wrong with nursing in and of itself. Nursing today is reimbursement driven, and thus patient satisfaction is a primary focus. Nurses are caring for sicker patients with fewer resources, while documentation requirements increase the time away from the bedside. Nurses are working short staffed, and are working off the clock (i.e. staying late to chart while not getting paid for that time). These things are leading causes of job dissatisfaction. I tend to fall into both camps. Sure, nursing is what you make of it- heck, LIFE is what you make of it. Your own attitude and internal dialogue has a tremendous impact on what your experience of nursing, or of anything in particular, is like. But to say that external influences, such as the problems we see today in nursing, should not have an effect on one's experience is really unfair, IMO. I go to work every day feeling lucky to have the job I do, and open to learning something new and growing as a nurse and a human being. But that does not mean that I am unaffected by short staffing, rude co-workers, lack of supplies or resources, cumbersome documentation requirements, or being stretched too thin to feel like I am able to do the kind of job I want to do. I think both things are true, and to dismiss those who's experience of nursing is not all positive as people who just don't have the right attitude is short sighted, because it places the blame on them, rather than focusing in on some real problems that should be of real concern in nursing today.[/quote']

I'm curious is to where that is being said; personally, I have presented my own POV.

My experiences alone have made me a better nurse; again, My experiences have made me advocate at the bedside in all instances; we CAN'T win them all in this business; that reality has helped me know WHAT I can advocate for , and what plans of actions I can make based on reality.

The reality of nursing being a business has made me be able to so what I can within REASON; that's not to diminish the diffiuculties IMHO.

Our business is rife with the human condition in its vulnerable state, the good bad, ugly, horrid, homicidal and indifferent and uncategorized. It CAN be frustrating; many make a choice in reaction and action to it makes a difference.

It is true, nursing is NOT for everyone; and many do flame out, many stay; and there's a percentage that are drowning during their stay.

I don't see the diminishing of ones experience; however it does take a certain "strength" to put your foot down to a surgeon or doctor, to speak up to a actively flaming out nurse; to enlighten and investigate s/s of a patient when no else knows what is wrong with them, have a come to Jesus moment with a family with unhealthy dynamics and navigate a plan; and above all command respect and spell out the nurse-pt relationship clearly, and to bow out gracefully (and sometimes gleefully, lol) to pts who don't "want" a nurse for some unusual reason they can think of, valid or invalid...you get the idea.

I am sure you can agree it takes a certain strength.

[ceccia]

I think it's more accurate to say that to be happy and successful in nursing takes a certain combination of personality traits and aptitudes. of course that doesn't sound as catchy . but sometimes people come across as implying (whether they mean to or realize it or not) that anyone who isn't suited to nursing "isn't strong enough", like they have some kind of moral failing or character flaw. Not being temperamentally suited to nursing isn't a weakness.

i don't have a problem with anyone who says nursing is their calling; i DO have a problem with martyrs who claim that we should put up with all sorts of abuses without complaint because "it's a calling". Happily sacrificing your legal rights as a worker and/or allowing people to treat you with blatant disrespect should not be part of your calling.

fwiw i don't think doing a job just for the money is morally wrong either. the problem with going into nursing "for the money" is that you can't be sure the money will even be there - and if anything changes you're left with no money AND a job that you hate. (i.e. the purposely-created nursing glut forcing wages down and working conditions backward, facilities across the nation using the ACA reforms as an excuse to claim they're suffering financially and "need" to lay off staff and reduce hours/wages/benefits, etc.) imho there's risk in every profession; you might as well pursue something you actually enjoy.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I think it's more accurate to say that to be happy and successful in nursing takes a certain combination of personality traits and aptitudes. of course that doesn't sound as catchy . but sometimes people come across as implying (whether they mean to or realize it or not) that anyone who isn't suited to nursing "isn't strong enough" like they have some kind of moral failing or character flaw. Not being temperamentally suited to nursing isn't a weakness. [/quote']

Anyone who reads into and interprets that having a certain "strength" and being upset about may be internalizing something; I agree that not being "suited" for nursing is not a weakness.

i don't have a problem with anyone who says nursing is their calling; i DO have a problem with martyrs who claim that we should put up with all sorts of abuses without complaint because "it's a calling".

That is something I can definitely agree about; nursing is about advocacy; It's not relegated JUST for the pt's

Happily sacrificing your legal rights as a worker and/or allowing people to treat you with blatant disrespect should not be part of your calling. fwiw i don't think doing a job just for the money is morally wrong either. the problem with going into nursing "for the money" is that you can't be sure the money will even be there - and if anything changes you're left with no money AND a job that you hate. (i.e. the purposely-created nursing glut forcing wages down and working conditions backward, facilities across the nation using the ACA reforms as an excuse to claim they're suffering financially and "need" to lay off staff and reduce hours/wages/benefits, etc.) imho there's risk in every profession; you might as well pursue something you actually enjoy.

well said.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Ruby, I saw a post in the pre-nursing forum where these girls were basically implying they hoped their "competition" would jump ship. After all, only those with a true calling would make it through nursing school. Well, that didn't go well with many of the "crusty bats". Haha. At least Esme is respectful in her beliefs. These posters were not. They were being presumptuous.

As far as I'm concerned, you (Ruby) and Esme are just pure gold.

WOW! I'm in great company. Thank you!

[Irish_Mist, BSN, RN]

Seriously. I have friends in healthcare, public safety, military, education, research, business, IT, real estate, construction, public health, social work...people are people are people...personality does not always transcend professions....the most important aspect in interacting with people; especially peers and the public is your expectations of YOU...

EXACTLY! This! Well said, LadyFree!