Just need a little emotional support this morning!

[MelBel]

It was one of those nights where everytime you walk into the room, SOMETHING is wrong! I won't go into details...but ugh! And tonight will be worse I'm sure because of the staff I'll be working with.

Is it possible to really LIKE being a nurse? I used to love going to work every single day. Even on a not-so-good day, I enjoyed it. Now, I look forward to the paycheck, I try to be positive before I go in, and it turns into a stressful night where I don't give nearly as good care as I'd like to give.

Am I just working in the wrong place? I've considered looking for another job, but I've been told the grass isn't always greener on the other side. I also really like and appreciate most of my co-workers.

I think I just need a few encouraging words today :)

:trout:

[marie-francoise]

I left 24 years of desk jobs for bedside nursing. I don't want the the desk job back. By and large nursing is cooperative (and not competitive) and I like that. How many people does it take to reposition someone in bed? Usually at least two. How many people does it take to move a person from a cart to the bed? At least two again. How many people to hang blood? Two. I have had enough of working on corporate projects that only the people at the top got credit for. I have had enough of working for months on projects that get scrapped at a whim. I would rather do real hard work every day and my feedback is the appreciation from patients. For me, following nursing was following a 'call'; following a vocation. I had a much better night tonight, even with some of the same needy patients.

Yeah, I've been there - doing entire projects that only the top dogs got credit for, and working on projects long and hard that got scrapped or phased out shortly...

I am glad to know you enjoy nursing and are not looking back at your desk jobs.

Those patient:nurse ratios do scare me though...

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

I dunno... I'm really trying not to come to the conclusion that bedside nursing these days is mostly stress and misery, which would explain the nursing shortage. I'm just a nursing student, so could certainly be wrong, but I doubt it... Bedside nursing is so important, so needed, yet has become so stressful, it seems. And it seems as though one almost needs a martyr mentality to put up with it.

Understaffing due to managed care is one culprit, among many. And also dealing with the general public every day in very intense ways, lots of responsibility without commensurate respect, being treated like a maid, a mostly female profession, too much documentation required, etc., etc. Makes a desk job seem like paradise.

There's no question that bedside nursing has its downside--or, actually, several downsides. But it isn't all bad. I don't consider myself a martyr, but I do find that the rewards generally outweigh the problems. From speaking with more experienced nurses, I gather it isn't uncommon to reach a phase where one says to onesself, "Hey, I can do this!" and to feel pretty happy and excited about that. It seems to be pretty typically a second year phenomenon. Taking a tough assignement and getting through it with no major problems is an empowering experience. Having a crisis and remembering how more experienced nurses handled a similar situation is a big confidence boost. Sometimes it's something as minor as starting your own IV on a tough stick. Other times, it's being there for a very anxious patient, or resolving an issue for a disgruntled family member, or a doc who says to you, "Nice catch." Moments like that can do a lot more than a paycheck to keep us coming back.

I'm told, and am inclined to believe, that after being surprised and delighted that one can do the job, the next logical step is evaluating whether one should do the job. Some of the challenges we have to overcome are inherent in the work. Others may be obstacles we shouldn't have to face--short staffing, inadequate equipment, patients who belong in a more acute setting, and so forth. And I think it's probably appropriate to step back and consider whether it's worth it. Under the best conditions, bedside nursing is hard work, and some may find they simply belong in a different area of nursing. Or if conditions aren't at their best, one may move to a different place where conditions are better--better ratios or whatever. Or, hopefully, one may find that conditions are tolerable, ones colleagues are supportive, and most of the challenges can be overcome--in short, that one is happy.

But one will inevitably complain, and wonder, at times, if it's too late to look into driving big rigs.

[marie-francoise]

There's no question that bedside nursing has its downside--or, actually, several downsides. But it isn't all bad. I don't consider myself a martyr, but I do find that the rewards generally outweigh the problems. From speaking with more experienced nurses, I gather it isn't uncommon to reach a phase where one says to onesself, "Hey, I can do this!" and to feel pretty happy and excited about that. It seems to be pretty typically a second year phenomenon. Taking a tough assignement and getting through it with no major problems is an empowering experience. Having a crisis and remembering how more experienced nurses handled a similar situation is a big confidence boost. Sometimes it's something as minor as starting your own IV on a tough stick. Other times, it's being there for a very anxious patient, or resolving an issue for a disgruntled family member, or a doc who says to you, "Nice catch." Moments like that can do a lot more than a paycheck to keep us coming back.

I'm told, and am inclined to believe, that after being surprised and delighted that one can do the job, the next logical step is evaluating whether one should do the job. Some of the challenges we have to overcome are inherent in the work. Others may be obstacles we shouldn't have to face--short staffing, inadequate equipment, patients who belong in a more acute setting, and so forth. And I think it's probably appropriate to step back and consider whether it's worth it. Under the best conditions, bedside nursing is hard work, and some may find they simply belong in a different area of nursing. Or if conditions aren't at their best, one may move to a different place where conditions are better--better ratios or whatever. Or, hopefully, one may find that conditions are tolerable, ones colleagues are supportive, and most of the challenges can be overcome--in short, that one is happy.

But one will inevitably complain, and wonder, at times, if it's too late to look into driving big rigs.

Well said! Very good points. These are encouraging words, as well as realistic.

[lenjoy03, RN]

I've started working for less than a month. Guess what, I already had strike 2 on failing to complete my documentation! 1 of a hell day when my preceptor was a charge nurse who moves very quickly and I felt very useless and done nothing that day with her.....

I never dreamed to be a bedside nurse. Just that, I wasn't that lucky to be placed in a special area.....

Sometimes I even ask myself if nursing is really for me.. I'm thought that if I took architecture, engineering or other courses unrelated to nursing, life would be easier unlike this risky job of ours. Despite this thinking, I can't imagine my life not being a nurse..And despite all these down moments, I'm, learning.

[lorabel]

I'm with you! I feel the exact same way. I posted earlier in the thread. I got written up and put back on orientation to "work on my organization skills." They said it was to help me...I felt totally humilated. I had been off orientation for about a month. So...Friday I quit! It was a toxic and hostile environment with nurses eating their young. We lost 6 nurses in 2 months...so in the end i know it wasnt just me! I agree i do need to work on organization but was told it comes with time........they cant have it both ways.......glad to be out of there but really miss nursing. i'm looking for another job but dont know where i want to go. I havent found my niche yet.......I graduated in May and started work in Sept. The few nice nurses said to give it at least 6 months to even begin to start feeling better.........thats when it all starts coming together. I couldnt hang in there but I'm sure you can. Hopefully you have more support from your fellow nurses than I did! Hang in there!!!!!!!!!

[lenjoy03, RN]

hey lorabel! what's your nurse-patient ratio? I had 8 patient yesterday and that was the busiest duty life I have ever had! With so many procedures and I can't even hold the chart for 5 minutes.

Oh I forgot, after our duty with my charge nurse, I really felt bad towards her. But after few hours due to sleep disturbance, I wasn't able to sleep until i texted her apologizing. She said its ok. That is how things are at first, but I'll get through it in time. I really can't compare to her 8 yr experience in nursing! Wow! Its as if she knows this and that....

I have a suggestion. Based from my own experience, I had a preceptor who is my idol. She's already working for more than 6 months now. When I was under her, its as if a very toxic duty is not that toxic! She moves gracefully and you can really feel her compassion towards the patient even if they have attitude problem. That's why everytime she's not my preceptor and it is very toxic, I always think of her. Think positive and think happy thought! It might help you....

[Chloe'sinNYNow]

After a particularly messy night in orientation, my preceptor remarked that it had been a really good night. My expression must have belied my amazement, because she went on to explain, "No, really. Nights like this build character, and it's good to have some of them in orientation. These are the nights when you really learn."

We really should have learned to drive big rigs.

Now WHY can't all preceptors be like this????????

Pray for me AllNurses! Major interstate interview next week that I'm headed for tomorrow AM!

I'll be in my lil rig. Zoom Zoom Zoom.............:an!:

Chloe

[lenjoy03, RN]

I second the motion!

[crna_2_be]

When I have shifts like that, sometimes the only way I can get my self up and moving again the next day, is to think of everything I did RIGHT. Usually, it's right when I feel like I could quit nursing forever when a patient or patient family member says thank you to me, from the bottom of their hearts, and I remember why I choose to go through all of the pain and suffering. Keep it Up!!

[AprilRNhere]

I hope those nights for you are few and far between.

Yes..it is possible to like..or even love nursing. Find out what about it you dislike...and ask around about different facilities. I LOVE my job...but if I have 7-8 pt's cosigned with an LPN that's a heavy night for me. Usually it's 4-5 patients.

Good luck to you!