I've Had It! Nursing is NOT what it use to be!

Nursie30 · Nov 15, 2003

I am a fairly new nurse...I graduated in '99 from nursing school, but as a new nurse, I do remember the time when you are talking about, how wonderful nursing was, how glorious it was, because a younger child, and teenager, I remember being in the hospital and nurses were wonderful, repected, cheerful, not too overworked to sit on your bed and relate to you, not just empathize but sympathize.......I remember, because that is when inside of me I wanted to be a nurse

Now after being unemployed for a couple of months, and still feeling the pain, and hurt over how my employer treated me, and disregarded me, after I had given so much of my self to them, I to am wanting a different carreer, but not feasible to go back to school at this time with 2 younger children, but you bet your but, if I don't find my niche' in nursing when my babies get in school, I will be persuing a different career........you can only take so much abuse.....

God bless all of the "older" nurses, I know you hang on because you did remember the good times, and everyday, you try to get that back, I know you work hard and love what you do, even though it gets harder and harder to be a nurse these days, but remember, you all are the younger nurses mentors, and role models.......because we do remember the older nurses, you were the ones showing us compassion, and you were the ones that made us want to be nurses when we grew up..............

:kiss

mattsmom81 · Nov 15, 2003

Yes, we are good hearted nice people in this profession...this is why we became nurses in the first place. :)

Because we are this type of person, today's money hungry managers use it as a weapon against us in the workplace, and because we are so 'nice' we have been exploited. What was extra and appreciated 25 yrs ago is now mandated and expected.

As discussed in a related thread, we are trying in vain to still give our 'all' to recreate those better days. We now need to recognize that the institution has changed and we need to stop allowing ourselves to be manipulated. I know, easier said than done.

It is hard for me to slow down and stop being so efficent on the job. I have some coworkers who irritate the heck out of me because they are always an hour (or 2)over, always behind, get their breaks...but Ya know what? I am slowly beginning to see that if we keep killing ourselves nothing will ever change...so all the great nurses out there: practice slowing down a little...stop giving your health and wellbeing ... and if we all do it, we WILL effect change.

The day of the martyr nurse has to end. It's a hard habit to break.

ohbet · Nov 16, 2003

I hope I dont sound Unsympathetic to your plight,but in my opionon Nursing is not the Profession to be in if you are seeking acknowledgment,recognition or praise,this is my opinion based on my experience.

If its any comfort,or it might discomfort,these words come from the Book of Luke 17:7-10"Will any one of you,who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep,say to him when he has come in from the field,'Come at once and sit down at the table'? Will he not rather say to him,'Prepare supper for me and gird yourself and serve me,till I eat and drink: and afterward you shall eat and drink'? does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also,when have done all that is commanded you,say,'We are unworthy servants: we have only done what was ou duty.'

CseMgr1, ASN, RN · Nov 16, 2003

Originally posted by mattsmom81
Yes, we are good hearted nice people in this profession...this is why we became nurses in the first place. :)

Because we are this type of person, today's money hungry managers use it as a weapon against us in the workplace, and because we are so 'nice' we have been exploited. What was extra and appreciated 25 yrs ago is now mandated and expected.

The day of the martyr nurse has to end. It's a hard habit to break.

What keeps me going these days is that very soon (and possibly before the end of the year), my sister and I are going to be receiving a settlement from our late father's estate...and when that happens, MY days of martyrdom and working in "sweatshop" conditions are GOING to be over!

nursefiggy · Nov 16, 2003

If you are burned out then switch jobs! There are amillin of them out there begging for you! Find a different specialty. I used to be in LTC. When I left on maternity leaved I couldn't MAKE myself go back,. There was so much dread.....I coudn't stand the complaining of families, low woeking morale and being short staffed. So I got a new job at a dialysis clinic and I love it! My pts love me and appreciate me and tel me everyday. I am close with them and their families and they trust and repect me. It was the best move I ever made and I make more money!

So ry something else! Find a new niche but don't give up! Nursing isn't just a job; it's a ministry!

live4today, RN · Nov 17, 2003

Originally posted by nursefiggy
.........Nursing isn't just a job; it's a ministry!

Amen to that! :) It most certainly IS a ministry. :)

I appreciate all the great comments posted by everyone. Over 6,000 views to this thread should tell us that thousands of nurses and other healthcare workers are dealing with the overwhelming pressures in the healthcare field, ESPECIALLY nurses. How sad it is, too.

See ya'll tomorrow. I'm POOPED! Nighty night! :zzzzz

live4today, RN · Nov 17, 2003

Double post, so deleted this one. THAT's how POOPED I am from having worked like a mule all weekend. :chuckle

Pamelita · Nov 20, 2003

Yep, I've been a nurse only for 3 years and I feel burned out. Dealing with heavy issues like terminal weans, seeing death all the time, family members that think you are a maid, doctors that don't respect you, administration that only cares for money and don't give a crap about the patients or nurses.

I think: is this nursing? why did I became a nurse to deal with this??

I feel so frustrated sometimes, in nursing school they never told me that nurses have to change mattresses, fix call lights, call back family members long distance because they want you to do it, I mean, its crazy.

When I see new grads so excited I am happy for them but at the same time I think Oh boy... they don't know anything yet.

I love being a nurse and sometimes I feel we do forget the good things that we do for others. I think that out of 30 patients I had maybe one will thank me for taking care of them, but I know that I did a good job. Its priceless when a patient that I took care months ago, will come back to give me a hug and thank me and I truly feel that I made a difference in somebody's life and that what makes nursing special.

I think that if you are burned out of the hospital were you at, quit, go somewhere else, that's what I am planning to do, people get bored, burned out and change its always good and refreshing, plus is a learning experience.

I am in school trying to get more education, that helps too.

I wish nurses will stay more united and don't judge others or be mean to each other.

I love this website because it gives us a place to vent our feelings.

take care :)