I got a job!At an abortion clinic?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello,

My friends that are nurses and other people have been giving me grief about taking a job at an abortion clinic. Is it really that bad. I have a "things happen" attitude about abortions, but I kind of have an uneasy feeling about the whole thing (mainly because everyone disapproves). What do you guys think? I have bills and they are paying me VERY well.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
I think you need to pay attention to the uneasy feeling. Probe it, talk with others about it, make sure before you take a job, any job.

People who have made up their minds on either side could be characterized as "closed minded". Pro-life and pro-choice. I wouldn't toss rock at glass houses.

I also wouldn't make a blanket statement that women don't have any emotional repercussions or do have them. Women (I know, I say this all the time) are not MONOLITHS. We are individuals who experience life in different ways. I do know many women who have had abortions and struggle and I have a good friend from college who has no qualms at all. Please don't stereotype.

This is your choice - educate yourself and then make the decision that is right for you.

steph

Excellent advice.

I think the OP should examine her own feelings, and pay attention to that uneasy doubt. Just as Hospice nurses have to examine their feelings of death and dying, the abortion clinic nurse must examine her own feelings....how she/he feels personally on the inside without influence of others feelings.

We need to own our feelings, without allowing others space in our heads telling us how we are "supposed" to feel, regardless if it is a popular or majority feeling.

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Specializes in Utilization Review/Case Management.
You don't see anyone taking their dogs and cats in for abortions. We seem to be able to quite easily put those babies up for adoption.

Yes they do. Many people find out their dog is pregnant, and then decide to have them spayed. Depending how far along they are, some veterinarians will perform the procedure for a slightly higher fee. I actually worked for one who did not have a time limit. On two occasions, we had to euthanize the litters during the procedure. Also, many times those animals put up for adoption don't get picked, and get tossed out to die in the streets, or end up euthanized by the pound when they don't get adopted.

Sorry for hijacking the thread, but this is one of my pet peeves:angryfire

To the OP, be the best nurse you can in the job you feel is right for you. Nursing is not always easy, and there are many positions people have about abortion, euthanasia, right to life and death as they see fit. There will always be someone who disagrees with your view on these things.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

I can say without a doubt, if this is the job you want, and you are comfortable there, then by all means do it. My only concern would be safety issue. Are you and others safe there?

This is not an abortion debate. I for one am pro-life personally, BUT abortion IS legal and I support the legal right to do so. My personal convictions and personal willingness to work in such a clinic have no bearing on this debate.

Do the work you want to do. Do not let anyone tell you that you are wrong because of their beliefs. You will no doubt touch someone's life in a way they will remember your kindness, support, and professionalism.

Be Safe, and Peace.

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Specializes in ER.

its a womans right to chose what her body goes through and your taking this job puts action to that idea that many only talk about. i would investigate the arguments of each side i try to thoughtfully make your decision about how you feel.

here in chicago there was a new planned parenthood protested by the religious right, led of course by a man. some of us rns wrote the employees there and thanked them for providing the services they provide, which includes sex education and birth control. the protesters focused mainly on the abortion services but also oppose pre-marital sex, birth control, and frank education of adolescants about these health matters.

thanks again.

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Do what you feel is right.

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Hello,

My friends that are nurses and other people have been giving me grief about taking a job at an abortion clinic. Is it really that bad. I have a "things happen" attitude about abortions, but I kind of have an uneasy feeling about the whole thing (mainly because everyone disapproves). What do you guys think? I have bills and they are paying me VERY well.

It sounds like you don't have strong feelings either way about abortion. Personally, I think it would be very difficult to work in a setting that is so emotionally charged unless I felt very passionate about the work itself.

I know ideally friends and family should love and support you no matter what, but if so many people in your life disapprove, as you say, it may make things miserable for you. If you really believe in it, I say go for it, but if you don't, is it worth it? Money isn't always the most important factor.

Good luck in your decision.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Not to be repetitive, but I agree that you should make the choice to work there because YOU want to. If I let everyone in my life influence my every decision, I would probably not be in nursing school. Do what you feel is right, and make sure that money is not the number one driving force behind your decision. I personally would love to see what it is like to be a nurse in a setting like that, and to be able to give compassion and be understanding to the women who have the procedure.....now that would be rewarding.

Good luck with your nursing career.

Lauren;)

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I think as long as you listen to your heart, whatever job you take is right.

I know people have strong opinions on abortion, which they have every right to. But I also know that women who make a choice to have an abortion need to be taken care of as well. As a nurse you are there for the patient in whatever context. Since abortion is legal ane will occur, these women need nurses who are caring and empathetic. I salute nurses who are able to enter an area which is potentially dangerous and political.

Best of luck, whatever you decide.

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Specializes in LTC, office.

As others have mentioned; my only concern would security. I would make sure they have a good system in place to ensure patient and employee safety.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I would never take this job no matter how much they paid me. But that is ME not YOU. You have to do what is comfortable with you, every one has their OWN convictions that they own and they should not try to make other people own them too. Not that people will not try to push their ideas and ideals on you for working in this environment. I do not think there is anything wrong with you working at this place if it does not bother you, but be prepared to be harassed, and it will never stop.

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Specializes in Anesthesia, CCRN, SRNA.

Doctors take the Hippocratic oath of "First, do no harm". We're not doctors but as a nurse I take the same oath to heart. Can you say in your line of work you are doing no harm? If you can't then perhaps you might want to find another area of nursing to pursue.

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To the original poster, examine your feelings, as others have said. Then make your decision. Maybe you could job shadow just to be sure once they have offered you the position (not an uncommon request in other fields, not sure about this one). Good luck~

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