I took ten minutes this morning and read a lot of the recent titles and some of the messages. WHY are nurses SO miserable? I am a new graduate and I OFTEN do not like my job, but I FULLY realize that we, as nurses in 2007, have SO MANY opportunities. My life goal is to see the world AND help people. So, I am starting a master's degree in public health in January. If you dislike your job, try something different...within nursing! If you feel like you're not getting paid well enough, consider going back to school to earn a master's degree or to become a nurse practitioner or... Better yet, take a stand and write the CEO of YOUR hospital. That's what I have decided to do. Why should I earn $20.99 per hour at night based on ideal staffing (i.e. six patients) IF I have eight or, sometimes, nine? I am NO mathematician, but I CAN do the math! Several recent postings addressed "rude" patients, colleagues (doctors and nurses), etc. You're ONLY a doormat IF you let yourself be! I have politely and professionally READ a patient (and my HOLLABACK girls KNOW what I'm saying!). We have two unit clerks (the "nice" one left last week) and I left her speechless last week when I politely reminded her that her reality check OBVIOUSLY bounced because the last time I checked, they aren't giving sign-on bonuses to unit clerks. RIGHT?!?!?
I don't LOVE my job, but I do realize that I have to make it work for ME. I may have to work three or four 12-hour shifts in a row, but I WILL be getting five or more days offs before I do another stretch. I hope each and every one of you finds your way in world...nursing or otherwise! Happy holidays! :)