Job Satisfaction: Can it be real in this field?

Nurses Stress 101

Published

I see a lot of people starting threads about how much they hate their jobs. In fact, I think I see a lot more people on here complaining about their careers than being thankful that they have a job in the economic circumstances. It almost makes me mad that there are so many nurses that feel unhappy in their current positions when there are probably about 367584 new grads who would be dying to get that same position. I understand that people use the site to vent and it can't be that bad all the time. I also understand that some new grads haven't worked in medical positions before so they may not know what they are getting into.

I just started a position last month as a PCA on a surgical floor and so far I love it. I want everyone to explain to me:

Is it burnout?

Is it the facility itself?

Is it other staff members?

Is it patients?

Is it the demanding work life?

Is it the lack of work/pleasure balance?

What is it that gets so many nurses on here complaining about their careers? I would just like to get some insight before I delve into nursing school, so I hope nobody takes offense to this.

Nurses with a higher degree should get more respect?

Why not, if they earned that degree? But you and I BOTH KNOW, it won't belong that that will get brushed aside by the reality of how the nurse practices. Heck, at least it should.

I mean, I respect those that worked more time and had to cram in more knowledge that I--MDs or DO for example--but that only lasts for so long. Once I see their practice, that's where the respect is really going to come in to play.

But believe it or not, at least for a number of folks, more education is NOT a bad thing. I can make you a better practitioner than you were before, IF, you apply it well, and then continue to grow and have good sense and integrity.

I mean there is more to it than a title, but for some people, they learn for the moment, get through their education, and pretty much forget 90% of what they learned--I mean beyond the normal curve of forgetting. For those folks, well, other than a title, their degree really didn't get them much in terms of overall value. I say a truly educated person continues in being educated, no matter what their degree or how long they have practiced.

Outside of backing it up though, the degree will not carry much weight, except to certain employers and the political-agenda-pushers in nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I never meant to condemn anyone or come off as self-righteous for that matter. I was just curious to see what some major complaints all are. I know I am not a nurse, but I do work bedside with 12-18 patients as a PCA and I help out my nurses as much as I can and they are thankful for it. I can see just how hard it can be for nurses now that I've seen so many replies, but my main question was whether or not a nurse could truly be satisfied. The golden answer: it depends. In situations such as yours where you are expected to do the work of everyone and get paid for the work of one, it is easy to see how it could be frustrating. I wanted to apologize for coming off as offensive to you.

Once again, I'm sorry if I sounded as if I had "an idea" or if I have a right "to talk". I was merely trying to weigh the pros and cons of a nursing career. I did not mean to offend any of the nurses on the website and I know you mentioned that you also mean no offense to any CNAs or unit clerks. It seems that your answer to my question regarding other staff would be that they can lead to poor job satisfaction.

Thanks to everyone else who answered honestly, so I can weigh out the pros and cons. It seems as though most of you are highly satisfied with your jobs despite a few hiccups within the healthcare system and within the workplace in general. As for everyone else I can assume that the positive side must outweigh the negative because most of you plan to continue as nurses. Thanks again!

You are very wise to weigh all the pros and cons. Do an opportunity cost analysis as well. It can help clarify things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If I could just work with the patients and never see management I would be VERY happy. Its kinda funny considering on the weekend and holidays everything runs really smooth. But during the week days its a mess. And the only difference is that management is there.

On the weekend we can actually be nurses. Be with the patients and families. Dealing with care issues and trying new things. During the week it seems like all that we do is give management updates on pt conditions that they would read if they pulled th chart out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was relieved to read your comment, NurseFrustrated. I am also very frustrated. On one hand I don't want to over-burden my PCA/CNA but on the other hand, I don't have enough hands or time to do their job and mine. As a new nurse, this is beyond discouraging. I am beginning to think I chose the wrong profession! I hope I can get over the hurdles in front of me but feel like the only thing that can be sacrificed is individual patient care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If I could just work with the patients and never see management I would be VERY happy. Its kinda funny considering on the weekend and holidays everything runs really smooth. But during the week days its a mess. And the only difference is that management is there.

On the weekend we can actually be nurses. Be with the patients and families. Dealing with care issues and trying new things. During the week it seems like all that we do is give management updates on pt conditions that they would read if they pulled th chart out.

AMEN!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in neuro/ortho med surge 4.

I can count on 2 hands the number of uninterupted meal breaks I have had away from the floor in 4 years. Still have to punch out though. I am done with bedside nursing as soon as I find a way to get away from it. The worst thing is that Itruly enjoy the hands on care of patients. It is all the other bull that goes along with being an RN that makes the job miserable.

To all who said the nurse is responsible for every thing I could not agree with that more. Even down to getting dinged for the nursing assistants not documenting the meal supplement. Too much micromanaging on the charting.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The hands-on care is what puts me so behind! while other nurses and techs are willing to ignore pleas to go to the rest room or put the tray closer, etc., I am very attentive to my patients. They ALL say I am the best nurse they ever had and are very grateful and appreciative. Several have actually cried with thanks for my care. :cry: They have no idea I must stay an extra hour or more to complete my charting! I always hear that the patient never saw their nurse except to pass meds or do an assessment. This should not be OK! I suppose as I progress in my nursing career, it may become easier for me to be detached and hardened. I never thought I'd hear myself wishing that I wasn't so compassionate and caring. Thank you ALL for your feedback. :cat:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment