Published
Everyone seems to be turning to nursing. I remember way back when (5 years ago) when nursing was a calling. There were still other jobs a person could do and make a living--like heating and air conditioning. Now nursing is a lifeboat--a recesion-proof job that anyone and everyone is considering.
I see post after post in here of people who have no experience, no particular desire, and no particular aptitude for nursing inquiring about nursing as a job. They need something to pay the bills. I just went to a restaurant tonight, and two of our waiters are starting nursing school.
Let's face it, with the coming depression, nursing wages are attractive. So here's a prediction, please tell me if you agree or disagree:
What do you think?
Mahage, LPN
376 Posts
Wow, Must be a nice place to work. I wonder if the RN's and LPN's have the same version. I can remember when I was first off orientation, running behind as usual, desperately trying to get all my electrolytes hung and 6 am meds given and a tech who was sitting at the desk answered the call light and announced to me that Rm 5 wanted to go to the bathroom. I told him very specifically that he needed to go help her ot the bathroom. I was amazed that he would be so lazy and presumptious. He then made remarks that some nurses thought all they were supposed to do was to make med passes. That was one of many remarks this young man made directed not only at me but all the other nurses. He eventually got fired for stating loudly that a certain patient was crazy and the patients wife heard him and complained. He was on the line anyhow for failing to do his job. Another tech who is still with us will almost without fail ask me if I have got all the linen and supplies together when I call her for a change or cleanup on a patient. Last night I was busily giving meds and she had called me about a patient who had a big bm. I was giving meds at other end of the hall and told her I would be there shortly. I finished my med on the one patient and went to the one who had bm and was getting her meds set up and the tech comes to the door and asks me if the patient has septisoft. I just told her I didn't know as I was trying to get her ativan ready to give to calm her down a bit. Well she actually walked the 4 steps to the sink to check it out herself. :clphnds:
There is a world of difference between her and some of the wonderful techs we have who go out of their way to see that the patients are well cared for.:redbeathe Believe me, my patient had two huge BM's last night and I was in on the clean up of both. Cleanups are not a highlight of my night, but if I can cut loose at all to help, I do. That is the norm on our unit. Our techs do backbreaking work, but we do too! If someone sleeps on nights it is because they have lost consciousness then they would get a trip to the ER, LOL!
If you are planning to become a nurse, take my word for it, you will remember you thoughts on this subject when you are trying to track down the tech who won't answer their phone and your 250 lb pt is playing in the poo.
Mahage