I hate to say this, but I think it's true.....

Published

I think alot of people are going into nursing these days because of the economy and the stories drilled in peoples heads about how nurses make alot of money for only a 2 yr degree. I can tell this by listening to students in my pre-req classes. Some whom I talk to don't have the slightest clue about nursing but they can spout off how much money they think they'll make when they first start out. I'm sure some of you on here will agree with me. I was talking to this one student and he told me, "Yeah, I'm going into nursing. I was a mechanical engineer and was laid off. I can't find work in that right now. Nursing is only two years. I made good money on my last job."

Specializes in adult nursing.
I do notice that the younger generations (I'm 52) think they should get a pat on the back for anything they do, and expect the world to shift out of its way for them. Life isn't like that, especially nursing! Nursing includes working bad hours, holidays, and missing out on some family events. Spending time with family on a major holiday is not always possible. Nursing can wear a family down emotionally. In the U.S., the financial benefits are pretty good though.

I am sorry but I think this is a pretty harsh generalisation. As a younger generation student nurse I could say that during my clinical placements I have found older nurses to be: obcessed with heirarchy, using out of date practice, terrible manual handling that endangers both them and the patient, utter disreguard for evidence based practice and for the current teaching of nurses and frankly a wee bit bitter at the way nurses are now trained. I am, however, not really saying this because while some of the older nurses I have met have been very much like that some of the younger ones have been too. Many of the older nurses have have been fantasitc, again as have younger ones. It is a truly unfair thing to say. I work hard at my academic work and my clinical and I do expect a bit of encouragement while I am learning but I certainly do not expect prasie for something I have mastered a good while back. On the fli p sidea little bit of praise goes a long way to boost moral.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg.
Nursing is the only profession I know that judges the motives of others for going into it. And it's one of the professions mainly packed with women!

Why not worry about your motives and let others do their own worrying?

I agree. I think these people who look down on those who go into nursing for reasons other than "it's a holy calling" need to back off and maybe reexamine their own motives before they start throwing rocks at others.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

I've met people going into nursing who seem to be going into it for job security. I remember a guy that was in my Chem. lab class said something about "being an Art student, but that didn't pay the bills, so he switched to nursing." He didn't seem very happy about it though, and he ended up dropping out of class cause he wasn't doing well. I believe nursing is my calling and I think its important to have some kind of passion for nursing besides money. That being said, I completely understand why people would look to nursing for a secure job. I constantly feel nervous & worried for my friends and family who are in non-nursing majors. I can't help but think to myself "what if they can't get a job? will they live comfortably?" Ideally, nursing should be a true calling you care about but... these are not ideal times & you have to be pragmatic.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree that most of the nurses that only go into nursing just for the money most often don't make it.

Who does not think about money when considering a career choice or changing a career? I am sure the

money was a reason why you got into nursing. It may not have been your only reason or the most important

reason but I am sure the money had a lot to do with sticking to your choice or staying in nursing school.

I made a career change and got into nursing and I sure did think about the amount of money I can make and

the ability to get a job in the health field quicker than most other careers, but I also love my new career and

my responsibility to my patients. I suggest you have engaging conversations with more grown up individuals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just skimmed this thread but had to comment on it... this is just my opinion

IF a person is getting into the medical field (espically nursing) who is doing it for the money alone and not for the LOVE of nursing... the first time they have to disimpact a screaming patient (if they even make it in nursing that far) will be done after that!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I agree that most of the nurses that only go into nursing just for the money most often don't make it.

.

You're so wrong. Let's get this straight- A Hardworker is a Hardworker. Money may be the underlying factor but a hardworker gets the job done all the same. Now deriving joy from the job may be a totally different ball game. But still the fact remains, a hardworker gives their all to the job even if money is their underlying factor.

To try this analogy,there are multitudes of CNAs using that as a stepping stone towards becoming a nurse. I wonder why no one is saying, "oh they are only doing that for now.", but cos it's nursing and face it, the pay is good!, people all of a sudden can guess at the "true" reason why so and so is going into nursing. Relax, the pay will go round and if not, another career will come forth.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, those of them who are going into nursing just for the money willl be in for a rude awakening when they see exactly what it is they'll be doing for the $$ and frankly, for what we nurses do, the money isn't that great! It is a vocation and a calling as well as a job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in babysitting.
Well, those of them who are going into nursing just for the money willl be in for a rude awakening when they see exactly what it is they'll be doing for the $$ and frankly, for what we nurses do, the money isn't that great! It is a vocation and a calling as well as a job.

can u be more specific?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree, Katie. I currently work in the healthcare field, I totally hear ya on being overworked and underpaid. I do feel nursing is a calling, but.... ALOT of people think its all about the money. Those are the people that get burnt out really quick and dont last very long (hence, nursing shortage) They end up hating their job and unfort. they take it out on others. Thats why I always say..... I never pay attention to what others do in their life if that makes them happy (thats up to them. ) For myself, I have a True Calling for Nursing. Not to sound selfish, Im only concerned about myself, and the patients that DESERVE Excellent patient care ! The True Nurses will be the BEST Nurses and the nurses that are in it for the money ... well GOD will take care of them :) I try not to wish/judge anyone on what they do in their life. Thats GOD's Job, my Job is to be the BEST nurse I can be ! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The only one that can judge a person is GOD. We as nurses, LPN's, CNA's, or even DR's ... should not judge one another. The only thing we should be doing is examining/making judgements on whats best for our patients. Instead of complaining about one another and focusing on the negative. We as HEALTHCARE workers should ALL WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM instead of complaining of what other people do and why they are nurses. NEVERmind, all that BS !!! We are all nurses, not THROAT Cutters. :) WE NEED PEOPLE TO SPREAD COMPASSION NOT ANGER !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
The True Nurses will be the BEST Nurses and the nurses that are in it for the money ... well GOD will take care of them :) I try not to wish/judge anyone on what they do in their life.
Sorry, but I will disagree with you an an agreeable manner.

A person can be motivated by the dollar signs and still be a technically competent nurse who displays a sense of caring and commitment to each and every patient. The only "true nurses" in existence are the ones who do this job absolutely for free, without receiving one dime of compensation for the things they do.

If there are any "true nurses" out there, please share your experiences.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.

I went into nursing as a second career, and yes, the pay raise from being a landscape laborer/supervisor was a huge motivation for that.

Being indoors when it snows was too. As was finally doing something that......satisfied my desire to feel like a valuable community member. Not that as a landscaper my work had no value, but I needed more.

People who feel the need to point out all those who are in it "for the money" are usually just...........passive aggressive personalities who are scared of something themselves.

Notice, most people who make posts of this nature are...........students or new nurses. Some are not even nursing students yet, they are still trying to be accepted into a school.

They are scared, of not getting into school or not completing it or of not becoming a good nurse.............so they feel the need to beat their chest by preaching about how "there are too many people here for the money. Not me, I am here because God spoke to me and said I could heal with my love".

Its a coping mechanism. It goes away quickly after you are in the field.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion