how do we improve the image of nurses

Nurses General Nursing

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i am just curious on how do we improve the images of nurses, i know some people see us as non skilled general laborers, doctors handmaids, as well as many other misconceptions i have noticed over the years. I am just curious if anyone has any ideas on how to improve our status.

Ya gotta luv a nurse ........I might put that on my license platesssssssssss.................LOL

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

Howdy yall

from deep in the heat of texas

Wowsa, exotic nurse. You got me excited there.

and a doo wah ditty to you

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Specializes in correctional, psych, ICU, CCU, ER.

I am finally convincing the guys that I work with, (and except for the Cmdr's secretary, they are ALL guys) that I'm not here to be their best friend, listen to them whine about the women in their life, their wives, and girlfriends, not here to feed them, not a waitress from Hooters, not a popularity contest, not looking for a date or a booty call, but that I am here to keep the city liability free, to try and prevent inmate deaths, and screen prisoners, and medicate same, because were it not for the nurses, they would have to do it. Leave me alone and let me do my job. So far, most of them are convinced, not all, but,hey opinions are like a$$h8les, everybody has one but at least an a$$h8le has a purpose.

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Originally posted by shay

dude, is the troll back? :eek:

I MISS EVERYTHING!!!

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These are all wonderful answers... I believe it is also necessary for us to work amongst ourselves for solidarity.. In one state nurses can do this.. in another they can not.. also.. with the new labor laws.. it is difficult to weed out those nurses that are terrible.. when calling for references.. all one can get is..yes he/she worked here..some places won't even say if they are rehireable!!..soooo you take a chance.. it is a winsome..losesome situation.. Nurses need to respect themselves more as well.. with that comes respect from others.. including doctors.. and the public

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okay I hear ya teeituptom..................LOL

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Oh by the way jailRN I think I will use your last words and put it on a tee shirt.....I like that !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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First, let me confess to graduating nursing school in WHITES & CAPS a long time ago...

Second, let me tell you I work in barff green surgical scrubs....

Our staff are daily frustrated with looking just like the housekeepers, the doctors, the laundry crew, etc. In Labor & Delivery, we have to be able to rush back for emergency surgeries, hence the green scrubs. But they fit poorly, look unprofessional, and really encourage what I call a "pajama" attitude of slobbing around.

I wish our administration would put the nursing staff in a different color/style of scrubs. Even whites, since supplied by the hospital.

Another alternative: everyone purchase and wear the RN pins that ANA sells...I think their campaign was "Every Patient Deserves A Registered Nurse"

Professional attire contributes to professional behaviors like appropriate, correct language, punctuality, etc. If we look at work on the floors like the day of our job interviews, boy would that be a shocker! For the better!

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I think the first thing we need to do is:

a. Assess the situation...what is the problem?

Lack of respect, lack of identity as a cohesive unit beneficial to

society resulting in a lethargic response to our needs.

Question: Are we even being heard?

b. Plan an intervention. What do we do? Do we somehow elect

a nursing body that will articulate our needs so that we can be

heard? Do we start a lobby group? Do we all wear identical

clothes? Do we all pay dues to this body? Do we adopt a code

of professional ethics and behavior? Do we make this manda-

tory at license renewal? I suggest we start something like

The National Federation of Nurses.

c. Implement this plan of action

d Evaluate the results and REASSESS.

It would be my luck there already is a National Federation of Nurses.....there isn't, is there?

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We need a new name. What do people think of when they hear the word 'nurse'? They think doctor's helper, someone who will fetch the bedpan and feed them dinner. The general public has no idea what nurses are actually accountable for. I think we need a more professional sounding title...

Also, I think we need to stop being lumped together with HUCs and Nursing Assistants... don't get me wrong, I think everyone involved in healthcare is a vital team member, down to the dietary aides... but I did not work my butt off in school to be lumped in the same category with someone who only had to complete a 96 hr nursing assistant course... JMO

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Nurses sometimes have the reputation of "eating their young" I think we should be more supportive of each other!!!!!!

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