The Good Side to Nursing

[Katie5]

Everyday, I log on, there are more and more threads on the short-comings in nursing- It's begining to get depressing. C'mon folks, our profession can't be all that bad.

So let's instead, write something positive about nursing today. If we actually have to say it out loud, we'd be surprised how much better things look. The count your blessings, name them type thing:)

Here goes:- I love nursing because of the flexible hours and cool people.

[teensmom]

I have a new job in San Francisco, been there since September. I love it!!! For the most part my co-workers are so nice. I had a really bad experience my first year out of school but this new job more than makes up for it. What a contrast. Have some really lovely patients too!

Teensmom

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

I never wanted to be a nurse, I was quite happy to bimble along working as a secretary when I got the phone call from my mum saying that I could get an interview for nursing school. It was un-intended but I loved it from the very first minute.

I think one of the best moments in the last couple of years has been when dealing with a little 10 year old with a rare cancer,she was a very independent, very opinionated lively and very assertive little girl. She was definitely in charge and made it clear that I was going to have to deal with her and not her mum

I am an adult nurse but because of the specialty I work in I occasionally have to work with children. It's not an area I am particularly comfortable with but it's part of my job I didn't do anything differently, just sat with her and her parents and explained what we would be doing and what she could expect, I needed to take some blood from her, she asked if it would hurt and I told her it would sting a little but she could have some magic cream to help. They were very scared because she had cancer so I took them lots of information and reassurance that it was very treatable. She was understandably quite demanding and it took every ounce of my communication skills to deal with all of her questions. Everything was my fault, the food, the post op pain, the need to take bloods, when she saw me coming she'd let loose with it all.

She was only with us for about 3 days, and I saw her every day. Every day she gave me a really hard time, I was convinced that she didn't like me (I know it's not about me but I'd worked very hard to try to build a relationship and try to support her and her family but felt I wasn't getting anywhere with her)

She was discharged day three on our ward round and went on her way after recovering well. Before she left I had a phone call from the ward to be told that she was demanding that I go down there (she was quite stroppy about it as well by all accounts because the ward staff didn't want to bother me when she was about to go home)

When I got there she told the ward staff "see there she is, my own special nurse. I told you she would come"

She had spent all day making me a little card to say thank you, declaring me to be the very bestest nurse that lived. which to this day is still hung on the wall in my office, it reminds me that even when we have the most difficult patients to deal with, they are usually like that because they are scared. Most of our patient really appreciate our efforts and those that are most difficult are usually the most scared.

[athena55, BSN, RN]

I went to nursing school (diploma program) in 1973 and have worked as a nurse since. I have always worked in critical care or step-down/telemetry and several years ago attained another professional goal by becoming a Commissioned Officer in the Army Nurse Corps.

I have never regretted my decision (to "become" a Nurse). I have met the most nicest, caring, professional people and the most awful, non-professional, non-caring people, as well. As for patients: have met them all: the good, bad and the ugly (in spirit)

I will work as an Army RN as long as I can carry a weapon and a stethescope

athena

Iraq

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I love nursing because (among many reasons) of the variability of my career. I was a later-in-life nurse, graduated @ age 40. In the 13 years since then, I have held 3 distinctly different types of jobs. However, each position has built upon the prior positions. That is the beauty of nursing. Changing to another specialty only increases your worth.

Also, at an age where lifting and pulling and constant on-my-feet floor work was becoming hard, I now have a full-time desk job. I know, not attractive to some people, but I love it.

[Jules A, MSN]

I also love nursing. My coworkers for the most part are awesome, the patients are challenging but incredible, my schedule flexible and the money is good. No complaints. :)

[Simba&NalasMom, LPN]

I have to say I do love the education part.

[laura collins]

One thing I love about the profession is seeing the patients wearing that beautiful smiles after you had served them and would thank you and be appreciated.. That's make my day really fulfilling.. Go Go Go Go Nurses....

[inkedRN]

You won't get much in the way of complaints about my job from me. I love being an RN. I have 2 very good jobs that support my family. My husband got laid off in October 2008 and if it wasn't for my jobs, we'd be screwed.

I work lots of hours. I really like almost everyone I work with. Of course you have some bad apples, but you get that in any profession. I like learning new things. I like the excitement. I like helping people.

[daisymae0]

i just wanted to thank you guys for this. it makes me feel like i've made the right decision about applying to nursing school.