I think I'm done!

[smg]

I posted a message about 2 months ago about the working conditions at my hospital. Not only are we poorly staffed (sometimes on nights I have 12 patients) but the bickering and backstabbing that goes on btw. the nurses is crazy.

I am a 2nd career nurse and I've never been exposed to a workplace such as this. The nurses are overworked and they seem to prey on each other.

Well I'm finally sick of it. I have worked 6 nights in a row with too many patients each night. I feel like I have no support at work.

I've seen other posts that people have made and there situation seems to be the same as mine.

Is there any good place to work? Somewhere where I can pee sometime within a 12 hour shift? And a place where I can come to a co-worker for advice without being looked down upon??

[sharann, BSN, RN]

There are jobs out there with better conditions, though not necessarily in a hospital setting. Just research it a bit and I'm sure you will find the right position! It's good that you are leaving an unsafe situation. Get out while you still have your liscence and havn't killed anyone for lack of staffing!

[dphrn]

I have worked in five hospitals in four different states, and they were all more or less the same. Poor staffing, negative attitudes, and all the other things you mentioned and have read on these boards. It was not until I made the decision to leave the floor that I found a job I can say I am happy with the working enviroment.

I am at a clinic now where the people actually like their jobs and it shows! We work hard but we are not overworked to the point of exhaustion. People come in to work with a smile on their face. That is such a nice way to start the day. Most of the days, I have time to eat lunch. I even get to use the restroom when I feel the need. What a job!

[futuregaspasser]

Originally posted by dphrn

I have worked in five hospitals in four different states, and they were all more or less the same. Poor staffing, negative attitudes, and all the other things you mentioned and have read on these boards. It was not until I made the decision to leave the floor that I found a job I can say I am happy with the working enviroment.

I am at a clinic now where the people actually like their jobs and it shows! We work hard but we are not overworked to the point of exhaustion. People come in to work with a smile on their face. That is such a nice way to start the day. Most of the days, I have time to eat lunch. I even get to use the restroom when I feel the need. What a job!

I agree with dphrn. I have worked many different places, and until I left the floor and went to a specialty area (O.R.) felt exactly as you do. I dreaded the thought of having to drag myself to work for the next 20+ years. Now I actually enjoy it!

Search around to find an area that is right for you.

[Mazzi]

Thanks for your post. It has helped me put things into persective with my working conditions. We have a boss that is not management material. We all have complained. We even had a mediator come and talk with us all and she advised corporate to let her go. They instead gave her 3 mo. probation to try to improve. Well, it has been 4 mo. , another mediator session, with results that things have slightly improved and (you guessed it) she remains, with all of us doing her work as before. Corporate has not given any one an answer....just letting things ride. BUT all of us workers have time to eat, pee, and laugh. Soooo I guess things are not so bad.

[debx]

Maybe you should get out of the hospital environment for awhile. My first 10 years of nursing was in the hospital. It was crazy but it was what I knew. I then ventured out to home health. AAAHHH. One patient at a time. Sure, you can be busy but it is much slower paced. Then I tried corrections. Sweeet. Now I'm back in a crazy, busy ER. What's wrong with me!

Try different environments before you throw your training away. You'll find your nitch, I'm sure.

Good luck. It's not all bad.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I too advise researching different venues. I have also worked at several hospitals in different states (thanks to the military) and you shouldn't have to work in a horrible place. Good luck...judi