Is Nursing in NOLA Really That Bad?

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I'm only a pre-nursing student with a hope of starting a program in Fall '09; however, about 7/10 New Orleans nurses I talk to roll their eyes and tell me not to do it. I understand about being overworked, understaffed, and how nasty people can be at times, but why discourage a hopeful? I, for one, will not be discouraged, but I am still curious as to why so many nurses down here absolutely hate their jobs? Can anyone offer some better insight? Thanks.

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Exactly! I would like to know also. I haven't talked to any N.O. Nurses but please chime in. I want to move back so bad but not getting much support:(

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Specializes in Critical Care.

thats just bitter nurses that im sure your talking too. here in NOLA the pay isnt the best, but if taking care of the sick and experience is what you seek... come on down the price is right! Nursing like any other profession has its pro's and con's and it is up to you to have a good attitude. I find the older nurses who complain re just plain burnt out on nursing. However, this field has too many opportunities to have the feeling of bing stuck and miserable. I love it here in NOLA. Born and raised!

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Finally!! Some encouragement!

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Thank you! I guess I just hang around some bitter people. I just don't want a job that I come home hating everyday - I've already done that!

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The old saying birds of a feather flock together holds true in every field. You just need to move in a different circle. I am sure not all Louisiana nurse hate their jobs and are so bitter. I have meet many who are helpful and love to share in thier knowlegde but there is always a bad apple in every batch. Just smile and move on :wink2:

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I believe management has a lot to do with nurse dissatisfaction. I work in numerous facilities, large and small, and that is the number one complaint.

I work for several agencies and I love it. Best decision I ever made career-wise. Yes, I've met some nasty nurses, but I can choose not to work with them!! BTW-they are few and far between and just jealous because I make more than they do. I hand them cards from my agencies and tell them I'll split the referral fee with them. They usually warm up after that!

The pay is pretty good for agency nurses-$22-26/hr and since I work for more than one agency, I never have to beg for work. My phone rings constantly.

Hope this helps a little-keep the faith!!

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I will be keeping the faith, no worries. Hopefully, I will find my niche once I graduate. A woman next to me in an exercise class just said, "Why would you want to be a nurse, it sucks and I don't even work in a hospital." Another just asked me what my major was and said, "Oh honey, no, don't. Bless your heart." Those who are from the South know what "bless your heart" really means. :wink2: They're not exactly in my normal circle but the ones who are still love their jobs. I was just curious about the general consensus. Thanks!

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I've been a nurse for over 30 years and I think it's a great career! There are so many avenues that you can take. I was a nurse on med-surg floor for only 3 months and then, even before I knew if I had passed boards, went to work in a Burn Unit. Talk about rewarding! I am now a legal Nurse Consultant, Forensic Nurse and Private Investigator. You would not imagine how much added value being a nurse gives to my PI job. We have excellent interviewing skills, a keener observation ability, and just the soft touch that other PI's who haven't been in caring type jobs do not posess.

In my 30+ years of being a nurse, I've been a Flight Nurse on a Helicopter ambulance, Organ Recovery Coordinator, ED supervisor, and my last 8 years pre-Katrina, Forensic Nurse Liaison for families and Law Enforcement. After the storm, I went back to work in a surgical trauma unit and experienced some of the bad things yall are talking about. However, there are too many opportunities available to stay in a place that doesn't value the contribution you make.

When i was in nursing school, I had a poster on my door that i would see every time i went out the door to class or clinicals, and the first line read, "Don't Quit."

So, that's my advice to you: Don't Quit!

KC007

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:dncgbby:My neighbor is the person who I can credit for motivating me to continue my studies into the NURSING PROFESSION. This young woman absolutely LOVES her job, I know that she has had a pay increase because she as switched hospitals, and NOW she is talking about going to get her MSN so that she can go into the ANESTHETIST program........and make the BIG BUCKS!!!! I think you will be okay...a born and raised NEW ORLEANIAN is always welcome home!!

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Specializes in Public Health, Med Surg, HIV Care.

Which of the hospitals in NOLA is the community/public hospital? I'm thinking about moving to NOLA from San Francisco, and I have no idea about the hospitals in NOLA, beyond a couple of names. Also, how welcoming is New Orleans to outsiders? I've never been to New Orleans, but it sounds like an interesting place.

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