No Time For Real Nursing

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I'm a seasoned nurse LPN to RN (30+yrs), with the majority focused on EoL Care (HOSPICE) and Geriatric Nursing.

At this season in my career, I'm feeling quite disheartened by the current trend.

There's NO TIME for REAL NURSING!!!

Currently workina SNF/Rehabilitation Facility, on a 40-bed unit for which I share joint responsibilities...20 Residents, a heavy HS med pass/treatments.overseeing 3-4 'very young' CNAs in their 20's (truthfully, it feels more like babysitting duty, especially in light of the perceived nonchalant attitude.."Not my responsibility" or just the general disrespect for management).

Very seldom is there a dinner break d/t the business, unforeseen interruptions and if you take a break, you're behind the eight ball...I TRULY love my job, and the Residents I serve!!

I'm feeling SO frustrated and overwhelmed!!

Am I getting too old??!!! Jaded???

Any other career ops??!!

---

Dear NO TIME FOR REAL NURSING,

The work conditions you describe are the problem, not you. It's so pervasive in nursing to be frustrated and overwhelmed- while still loving our patient contact and patients.

Maybe you are jaded, maybe not, but once you "see" the situation, you cannot "unsee" it.

There are lots of jobs that do not include clinical bedside practice. Your future options depend greatly on if you have a BSN or not. Many jobs away from the bedside call for a BSN, such as Infection Prevention, Case Management, and Education & Training.

With your background in Hospice, you may also be interested in Palliative Care.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[CoCook]

Dear Seasoned Nurse: Here's a thought. After 41 years in nursing (many spent in long term care and geriatrics) I semi-retired, or so I thought. Instead went back to school, took a course to be a certified foot care nurse and now run my own business. Mostly home visits, nursing homes or retirement centres, but also one day a week I have a clinic at a local Shoppers Home Health (in Canada). I schedule my own appointments and if I want to spend extra time...no problem. Hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Cheers, Connie