Happy Being a Nurse?

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Apr 28, 2004

Hi, I'm nearly finished with my studies, and have had some of the same misgivings as you are having, mostly from hearing some nurses complain bitterly about their jobs.

Work satisfaction seems to be low on the list, doesn't it?

Tell you what, your post made me realize something I think is important: All this study, all this intensity, all this attention to detail to support the patient, our colleagues and our employer--and not too much said about taking care of ourselves!

I think a lot of the complaining is plain old garden variety burnout. It happens in every profession--but in ours, the protections are actually written into the Code. (Just learned that yesterday, as a matter of fact.) We are often just too tired to take care of ourselves, though, and it seems that natural caretakers often put themselves last.

Also recall that humans are built such that we may not say anything until something is wrong, so the happy nurses might just be the quieter ones, much of the time.

I think there are plenty of nurses who are happy with their profession--I plan on being one myself.

Thanks for the post--hope some happy nurses get in here and chip in their two cents too! (BTW, kudos for getting in on the master's entry level. I didn't know about that, already have a master's in a related field, but took the ADN route--no regrets, just would have liked to have known.)

Good luck!

Hopegirl · Apr 28, 2004

I think there are plenty of nurses who are happy with their profession--I plan on being one myself.
Thanks for the post--hope some happy nurses get in here and chip in their two cents too! (BTW, kudos for getting in on the master's entry level. I didn't know about that, already have a master's in a related field, but took the ADN route--no regrets, just would have liked to have known.)
Good luck!

Hey Chris! Looks like it's just you & me! I completely agree with your statement that people who are happy tend to be the quiet ones...good point. While I appreciate hearing the "realities" of nursing... I would sure like to hear the flip side as well - the side that drove us to take all those prereqs, work our butt of to get in and stay in school, etc...

Anyway, what is your Masters in?

Best wishes!

Jenn

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Apr 28, 2004

My Master's is in Human Relations, a little known break off of psychology. I earned it at Oklahoma University--but I heard once that there were schools in California that also offered the program.

There were two tracks: chemical dependency and professional psychology. I wanted to do them both, and I still think I should have been able to, but it wasn't permitted by the battle ax that ran the psych part of the program, so I became a marriage and family therapist, which I still am today.

Helpers come in all shapes. I think I was called to nursing, in the true spiritual sense, but the rest of me was already on the slippery slope!

I could've done a masters entry program, it seems, but I'm glad I chose the ASN instead. I can transition easily enough--been looking at a site (which is mostly broken--boring story--but has some very good info) called allnursingschools.com.

I've been happy doing almost anything I trained to do. Stuff I got stuck with because I couldn't do anything else (file clerk for an insurance company right after high school), that stuff I hated and it made me crazy.

Do you have a non=nursing Master's or a bachelor's or what? What brought you here (to nursing)?

Hopegirl · Apr 28, 2004

I have a non-nursing bachelors...and now want to pursue nursing. I'm in the early stages - I am starting prereqs this summer, but hope to get into the MEPN for Summer 2005, which I must admit is somewhat unlikely. Here in southern California, the waitlist for ADN programs is ridiculous and you can't even apply until ALL of your prereqs are complete, which btw, I just think is silly. :rolleyes: So I have a bit of a dilemma, but I'll get there eventually. I am going to apply this September to the MEPN program, and see what happens. If I am denied, I may go for a second bachelors, but sadly, this will take me 3 years! However with the waitlist at the CC's here, it would probably still be quicker to go that route.

Chevelle · Apr 29, 2004

Hi! I have also been concerned with the negativity-but appreciative of the reality check! I am another who has been called to nursing and even though I have no idea what is in store for me, I couldn't be more content. I am going to do my best to make the most of the opportunities that are out there and I wish you both luck!

I would love to hear from nurses who love their job too! Inspiration!

kar212 · Apr 29, 2004

Hello. I have been a nurse for nearly 6 and a half years and frankly I can't imagine doing anything else. I've worked on a medical oncology unit. Yes, the work is stressful a lot of the time, but I still love what I do. I recently moved out of state and one of the hardest things about moving was leaving my job and all my wonderful co-workers. I have met people (co-workers and patients) who I'll never forget. Work is never boring, either. I can't imagine being, say, an accountant. To me, that seems so boring! I can't imagine being a teacher, either. That was something I considered once upon a time. Becoming a nurse was one of the best things I ever did! I have no regrets.

Chaya, ASN, RN · Apr 29, 2004

I have been a nurse for five years now (my second career). There are a lot of things I do not like about the structure of nursing but am happy in the basic career.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Apr 29, 2004

Thank you guys for adding your positive notes. Reality checks are important, as long as you don't emotionally bleed to death! :coollook:

I can hardly wait--I should be NCLEX eligible in about 3 months. Just have to do my CPNE (clinical performance in nursing examination), then I graduate!

:balloons::balloons:

(The best thing? My DH says he is "proud" of me....)

Hopegirl · Apr 29, 2004

I'm so glad to hear some positivity from people who are happy with their choices! :) PLEASE - keep em' coming!

-j

Mandee · Apr 29, 2004

I have been a nurse 14 years and I can honestly say there is nothing I would rather be doing, I have always been able to find a job(my hubby is military so that's important), I was able to change specialties when I felt I was getting burned out and I have always loved caring for my patients. Sure there are crappy hours etc...but in the end I'd do it again in a heartbeat. :)

Mandee

TDub, MSN, EdD · May 1, 2004

I love being a nurse---I can't imagine a more honourable profession. I feel such a thrill when people recognize me as a nurse and I love to hear the pride in my family's voice when they tell people "My mom/wife/sister etc is a nurse!"