Is nursing the best job ever?

hpcat · Apr 14, 2008

Every job has its drawbacks. I work in an office by day, I'm a nursing student at night. I work in a cubicle where everyone knows my personal business and I know everyone else's because we're on top of each other. I have 2 VPs fighting right now over the same stuff so I can't get a firm answer out of either one of them. I get in trouble for doing things virtually everyone does, but because I'm the one who's "changing careers" people single me out - guess I'm not loyal to the company. Our office is old and crappy, our break room is gross, our bathrooms are filthy - I can't believe what some women do - and yet my company pays one of the highest rents in the area. People steal stuff off my desk. I park in a dimly lit garage in a area where the management bears "no responsibility" for anything that happens to you, your car or the stuff in it. I'm a copywriter, and I have people who can't spell, can't use grammar correctly and don't have experience or common sense asking me to use "what they wrote" because they're in marketing department but they found out too late that being in the creative department is a lot more fun. I work with old timers who have risen thru the ranks by taking fingerpointing to whole new heights. At one point everyone sitting around me was related to someone else in our company - nepotism rules here, just try to get ahead! I have recent college grads being snotty to me and expecting to be handed the corner office because they GRADUATED - just like everyone else who's been here for years. To add insult to injury, my company just got bought (again) but this time my job is moving into the city, and if I want to continue with the company I have to travel 5-6 hrs a day by train (driving is out of the question - parking + tolls = $$$) if I want to keep it - which I don't, I want to be a nurse!!! :banghead:

It will be refreshing to frustrated by a whole new world of problems! :bugeyes:

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Apr 14, 2008

Here you there! I was working as a sunday school teacher when I decided to go nursing...and particular of interest to me was midwifery!

For some odd reason, they knew that I would be leaving their services eventually and where I had never had a probelm with anything I had ever done...all the sudden I was getting complaints!?!?! I was dumbfounded!

I found out later that the congregation felt that midwifes used natural remidies for everything..and get this...honest..I was actually TOLD that I had to attend parenting classes because people were afraid I would use "marajuana balm or something" on a child! Yeah, okay I left!

That really shocked me...why even would anyone feel I was any different because I chose nursing, even midwifery at the time (which never panned out...but as Heather explains rightfully I still can because nursing is diverse!)when I had always been a kind, considerate, compassionate, helpful and educated person???

littlepeach · Apr 14, 2008

No. I Would Much Rather Be The Door Greeter At Wal-mart (just With My Pay)

heatherwood · Apr 15, 2008

I tend to see things a bit differently on the financial side of the choice of nursing as a career…just as many people have their own twists on it to fit into their lives. All are just as valid to me…
I have always been one to give all of myself towards others…before I was a nurse, and now. When I got the opportunity to become a nurse…that was my basis in choosing it…not that I can have many different career paths, not that I get to have the satisfaction of helping others to take home with me, or some sort of Sister Teresa complex of angelic or even saintly work for my fellow man…I simply thought, wow…I can help people, I definitely have medical savy and a will to improve upon it, and I can have a career that will be always in need of employees…and the pay is great and I can support my family on it! That is it!!!! The humble realistic view of my foundation of nursing career choice!
See, I had worked in service centered jobs before…I know the good and bad side of the human condition. I knew this would NOT be a job where I need to depend or even feel that my client base will lift me up and make me feel of worth…or at times even give me the slightest human kindness of making eye contact or saying thank you. Personal fulfillment…That can only truly be done by the self and personal accomplishment, motivation (which at the time was certainly money founded for me), good working ethics, and realistic goals.
What matters to me comes from different sources, and a few of these are very realistic and I find overlooked or even shunned. Financial is a big one! Why is it a person in other careers don’t get the slack that nurses do if you say “I did it partially for the money!”. Money is a major motivator in choice, and I have a family and home to care for…what, are patients going to jump out and help me with my bills when I am having troubles…heck no, in fact…they don’t want to even discuss anything to do with me when I am caring for them…and rightfully so, it isn’t MY time…it is theirs. It is my JOB to tend to the sick, and I have a natural nack of being able to do it with a smile, patience, and knowledge! There is nothing wrong with that…to realize that nursing is your JOB, and to be the best you can be just like with any job! To take in the financial and benefits of such a job is totally reasonable and should be considered in the top three reasons! I mean, we don’t look at a employment opportunity saying…”well maybe I should work at that facility that barely pays and has no benefits because obviously those patients may need us more since they can’t afford competitive wages!” Money is a motivator…even when we candy coat it in the guise of the all giving sacrificing humble nurse stereotype. Heck, most of the nurses I know won’t even fork out 5 bucks for an annual birthday cake for employees for just a bit of appreciation for others!
So all in all…money is a legitimate and profound reason to get into nursing, however you must be able to actually do the job on many levels most people do not comprehend at first. It takes your mind, body and SPIRIT to do this job…it takes a very disciplined self insight to handle issues that come up from moment to moment that effect you in the facility and out…and for some, they find it overwhelming…some drink the pains away…and some find it the best most wonderful moments in their lives. It takes all types…and I appreciate that! Another area of the career that makes it unique… Nursing is NOT for everyone, nursing can be okay for some, and nursing is some peoples perfect fit! I hope for the latter in most nurses I know J.
Do I like nursing…yes on many levels…do I want to do it for 10 more years…not really, but I more than likely will…would I recommend it to a friend…depends on the friend…would I encourage nursing as a great career, I would if I can make sure that person really knows what they are getting into just like any career! Do I find it the best job…nope, my long term goals innately have a change in store towards the more private end of personal satisfaction that will not include medical at all…I want a change eventually to reward myself for my work in nursing to one of harmony and peace in my garden providing happy little plants for others on a small scale family farm environment…

Well said, you should be writing for a living. Unfortunately I became jaded with the bitchiness. I simply expected more from obviously intelligent people however the fundamental nature of people and women in general seemed to short circuit their common sense when dealing with their own. Sometimes this forum emphasizes my assessment of nurses, it can be so judgmental.

I expected with compassion being hopefully our primary asset, we would be able to be less so.

I fortunately have been able to invent a few things and dabble in a few businesses which pays my bills, yet I remain in nursing occasionally to keep my lic. current and keep grounded. I myself have almost despaired of humanity and will soon retreat to a farm in Colorado, I do not have the energy nor inclination to comprehend others anymore. People are simply too selfish and greedy.

What I love about nursing however is the frequency of finding a jewel of a person amongst the muck. Someone who talks the talk and walks the walk.They feed my soul and I can recharge my batteries.

On BBC America last night we Americans are regarded as the worst nation in the developed world, why, because our representatives, are our elected officials, which if greed were a religion, they would be gods! They murder,lie, cheat,steal and never accept responsibility and what's worse we support them in the name of PATRIOTISM! We pollute and abuse the planet more than others yet we blame China, India,Brazil and others. We use most of the lumbar, cutting the rain forests for our selfish luxuries and set limits on other countries.

I love this country because it's the best that's ever existed yet we deny a few mexicans, this country is their's if you want my opinion. Weren't they here 1st? until we drove them out of Texas,California,New Mexico,Arizona,etc.

I just expect more from nurses. We are as bright as any of the Dr.s I've worked with yet we demean ourselves with pettiness and jealousies and we can do so much better.

Sorry for the ramble!

heatherwood · Apr 15, 2008

Every job has its drawbacks. I work in an office by day, I'm a nursing student at night. I work in a cubicle where everyone knows my personal business and I know everyone else's because we're on top of each other. I have 2 VPs fighting right now over the same stuff so I can't get a firm answer out of either one of them. I get in trouble for doing things virtually everyone does, but because I'm the one who's "changing careers" people single me out - guess I'm not loyal to the company. Our office is old and crappy, our break room is gross, our bathrooms are filthy - I can't believe what some women do - and yet my company pays one of the highest rents in the area. People steal stuff off my desk. I park in a dimly lit garage in a area where the management bears "no responsibility" for anything that happens to you, your car or the stuff in it. I'm a copywriter, and I have people who can't spell, can't use grammar correctly and don't have experience or common sense asking me to use "what they wrote" because they're in marketing department but they found out too late that being in the creative department is a lot more fun. I work with old timers who have risen thru the ranks by taking fingerpointing to whole new heights. At one point everyone sitting around me was related to someone else in our company - nepotism rules here, just try to get ahead! I have recent college grads being snotty to me and expecting to be handed the corner office because they GRADUATED - just like everyone else who's been here for years. To add insult to injury, my company just got bought (again) but this time my job is moving into the city, and if I want to continue with the company I have to travel 5-6 hrs a day by train (driving is out of the question - parking + tolls = $$$) if I want to keep it - which I don't, I want to be a nurse!!!
It will be refreshing to frustrated by a whole new world of problems!

Stick with it! It will reward you in the end and for the rest of your life. Their really is no better job and I've tried a few. Just do not get embroiled in the pettiness, stay aloof and have an outside life.

heatherwood · Apr 15, 2008

No. I Would Much Rather Be The Door Greeter At Wal-mart (just With My Pay)

Funny!

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Apr 15, 2008

Well said, you should be writing for a living. Unfortunately I became jaded with the bitchiness. I simply expected more from obviously intelligent people however the fundamental nature of people and women in general seemed to short circuit their common sense when dealing with their own. Sometimes this forum emphasizes my assessment of nurses, it can be so judgmental.
I expected with compassion being hopefully our primary asset, we would be able to be less so.
I fortunately have been able to invent a few things and dabble in a few businesses which pays my bills, yet I remain in nursing occasionally to keep my lic. current and keep grounded. I myself have almost despaired of humanity and will soon retreat to a farm in Colorado, I do not have the energy nor inclination to comprehend others anymore. People are simply too selfish and greedy.
What I love about nursing however is the frequency of finding a jewel of a person amongst the muck. Someone who talks the talk and walks the walk.They feed my soul and I can recharge my batteries.
On BBC America last night we Americans are regarded as the worst nation in the developed world, why, because our representatives, are our elected officials, which if greed were a religion, they would be gods! They murder,lie, cheat,steal and never accept responsibility and what's worse we support them in the name of PATRIOTISM! We pollute and abuse the planet more than others yet we blame China, India,Brazil and others. We use most of the lumbar, cutting the rain forests for our selfish luxuries and set limits on other countries.
I love this country because it's the best that's ever existed yet we deny a few mexicans, this country is their's if you want my opinion. Weren't they here 1st? until we drove them out of Texas,California,New Mexico,Arizona,etc.
I just expect more from nurses. We are as bright as any of the Dr.s I've worked with yet we demean ourselves with pettiness and jealousies and we can do so much better.
Sorry for the ramble!

Thank you so very much for the comment on me writing...and my first reaction in my head is one I tell my patients from time to time when we talk about charting and paperwork. "If I knew I had to write so much, and deal with so much paper...I would have taken my chances as an Author!" LOL!

Yes, I do wish to write, but I get down to do it and 'duhhhhhhhhhhhh' settles in...LOL! I have some ideas, mainly light hearted nursing books on the funny side of nursing...you know, almost like a chicken soup for nurses! LOL! I think that would be a great start!

I hear you about moving to CO. gorgeous! I too want to settle down on my farm in Oregon (just a 2 acre plot, but lots of lovely potential). I started raising pheasants...which is cool, I love birds. So things are starting slowly towards a path to get out of nursing before it gets me so jaded that I won't be able to stand talking to people anymore...LOL!

I am so fortunate that on my floor, all us nurses get along and know the importance of teamwork and moral! We lend eachother a hand, vent about the same things but also try to find new ideas to ease them (including our charge nurses and management), brainstorm ideas, and give eachother hugs when you just are running too hard and fast! No catty stuff or complaints to the point of making work uncomfortable...or of course to the point you want to strangle the complainer..LOL! I went agency till I found this place...and that was a super move for me...found my niche! :yeah:

jessiern, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2008

If we are allowed to be nurses, then yes it is a wonderful profession and I love it. But all the customer service crap is ruining it for me. I ask a loud family to be quiter at 7pm for my patient in the next room who is 98 can sleep, and I am a "*****" and management sides with the rude family. A family complains because mom didn't get a blanket within five minutes of calling. Family nor management want to listen to the fact that the patient next door was throwing up and required attention. A CHF patient with a 1200 FR threatens to "have my job" because I will not keep his pitcher at the side of the bed filled up...I could go on and on. Sometime I feel don't have time to be a nurse becuase I am having to be a waitress/hostess. I keep expecting an inservice on how to juggle so I can keep them entertained.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Apr 15, 2008

Jessie I hear you LOUD and CLEAR sister! I even joked saying that we should go back to the days of the roller girls at the old drive-in's...can't do it all unless we have a faster way of conveyance! LOL, even my supervisor said "holly cow that would make things faster wouldn't it...but then they would add more to our day!".

My hospital started putting in dry erase boards in the patient rooms that say the names of the nurse and CNA. When I write my name on it, I explain (to those with a working mind) what tasks to address to who so they don't have to wait so long. I remind them that I am the nurse for 5-6 patients, and although I want to be there doing everything for everyone...alas I am just one person and people seem to like me..LOL! That has really helped!

Our Unit Secretaries also ask patients what they may need when they use the call light system so they can page the approprite person for the task to save time...typically they will say "what can that person bring you" because patients didn't respond well to "what do you need?". That too has helped.

We let patients know that the dietary team picks up trays for a reason of recording (eh...sometimes they do but they don't need to fret about that...LOL!), and to just leave the tray on the bedside table to be picked up when they make their rounds. We also have people fill water pitchers once every two hours along with vital signs that occur q4. And I remind them that if they want a drink of any kind except water...to call the dietary number and get it faster (we have dietary room service! It is awesome!).

This has helped with time managment...even if it is just one patient that realizes the time saving it does...it is worth it!

Oh yeah..and my favorite...I tell patient they CAN dump their own hat or urinal if they wish...just remember the number if they can! That has helped with the numerous calls taking me away from other tasks just to dump a toilet hat!!!!!

nursingdude08 · Apr 15, 2008

If you think the humanitarian aspect, then its one best of the jobs.

To get more details of nursing career and opportunities visit our blog at:

http://www.nursingjobworld.com/wordpress/2008/04/15/is-nursing-still-a-good-career/

mamason · Apr 15, 2008

"Is nursing the best job ever?" Well, last weekend it wasn't. LOL. Oh, well, tomorrow is another day! :rolleyes:

Otessa, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2008

I have changed jobs within an organization and have been happy with every change. I now work a 'desk' job and enjoy it although I don't receive the kudos from patients that I once did when I was doing direct patient care.

It is great that there are so many opportunities and chances for advancement along the way if you are willing to take on the challenge.

Otessa