Experienced Bedside Nurses Future?

[nottheproblem]

Are there any experienced bedside nurses who feel like they have a target on their back? Meaning, anything could get them fired or forced out in someway because they make more than the cheap new grad? The hospital I use to work for made it glaringly obvious the new grad was preferred.

I think it is sad that in a profession where experience could mean life or death for a person just does not seem valued at least not for the bedside nurse. This post is not knocking new grads either because we all have to start somewhere. Its actually to warn them that if you think experience will just make you more valuable and job more secure in the future need to think again.

Agree or disagree?

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I think some managers who lack integrity may be targeting their highest paid staff to shave down their staffing budget, but I don't believe it's a terribly widespread problem. Senior staff tend to weed themselves out as they retire, seek cushier jobs or (sadly) become too weak/tired/unhealthy to keep up with full time work.

Usually, if the senior staff work well with management and are respected, they aren't targeted. That means taking on projects such as precepting, designing the orientation program for new staff, representing the unit (or the department) on a hospital wide committee, volunteering to update the procedure manual, organizing a skills day, teaching classes . . . something beyond just showing up for your shift. I've often found that the "above and beyond" stuff is what kept me interested in my job during periods of extreme burnout! Senior staff who are known for "rabble rousing" or for just "phoning it in" are much more likely to be targeted. If you keep up your certifications, continue to learn new things and provide mentorship and a good example to new staff, I don't think there's much to worry about.

[nottheproblem]

Thanks for the input. I agree 100% on the lack of integrity with the managers. Sadly, on that floor in my decade there they went through several managers and found the ones who stood up to Administration for their employees did not last long.

[saskrn]

Unfortunately, I've seen this a few times as of late. It's infuriating.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Unfortunately, I've seen this a few times as of late. It's infuriating.

You've seen what?