I have been reading thread after thread on this forum and I have come to one conclusion. We are all a pathetic bunch. We take abuse that most other human beings would not put up with. We are physically, mentally and emotionally abused by doctors, managers, patients, and families. We work ungodly hours, skip our much needed breaks without pay for months and years on end. And this goes on and on and on. The stories are endless. Then we are all shocked when a nurse who has had enough finally cracks and administers 32 vials of Dilantin and kills a patient. Is this so different than any other human being who finally after years and years of this abuse, just cannot take it anymore? I think not. When are we all going to stand up and demand decent pay, decent working conditions, and respect? Well, the answer is never because we are not a solid group. We have no autonomy or solidarity because we are a weak profession. We pit one against another. We ***** and backstab. We deserve all the abuse that is dealt to us. In nursing school, we are taught to make beds, empty bedpans and clean dentures. Instead we should get vast lessons in how to deal with some of the real issues that face us today. We are understaffed, overworked, pushed to the breaking point. But yet, the martyr instinct kicks in, we get up and go back and endure more of the same. When is enough, enough? When are we all going to come together and and start shouting about our working conditions and wages? We make less than a crew on road construction or a plumber. And look what we do. We are responsible for peoples lives. I went to work down the road as my current employer is union and I felt that maybe the non union hospital down the road would be a better place. Well, it is not, it is worse. 13 nurses have quit in the 6 weeks I have worked there. I won't renew my contract. It is just too unsafe. The hospital is all about profit at the expense of some great nurses. They even charge for an individual bandaid. It is ridiculous. I have decided that as soon as I can afford to, I'm getting out. I will no longer be a member of a profession that eats its young while at the same time, taking unwarrented abuse from unapreciative doctors that we bend over backwards for. Its not about making a living any more, it is about retaining some self respect, free of abuse by doctors, managers and other nurses who have nothing better to do than put a knife in your back the minute you turn around. At least at walmart I won't have to worry about making a life threatening mistake because I'm overwhelmed by what is required of me each day.
Specializes in ED, critical care, flight nursing, legal.
I don't know about this. Time & time again, I have witnessed a group of nurses standing around griping about one thing or another, and 9 times out of 10 if you ask them if they have even mentioned the problems to TPTB, they will say they haven't. How many of these nurses write their politicians, state nurse's associations, newspapers, etc.? How many of them ask questions or raise concerns in staff meetings? How supportive are theybeing to their coworkers when they don't take action themselves, and smile & nod every time management approaches them?
It's not so much "blaming the victim," as asking them to quit being victims. This is what helps with cohesiveness. Back up the nurses that actually speak up outside the circle. Usually, the biggest gripers on a unit will be the first ones to tuck tail and run when problems are brought up to management.
As far as your statistics go, I'd be interested in knowing what percentage of these people left because of other nurses and compare them with those who left because of institutional policies.
I agree that as nurses, we should encourage our peers to stop being victims. Their participation in the healthcare/political arena would go a long ways towards that goal. Unfortunately, the system is what it is now, and it does create "victims." Much like a battered spouse, you don't just tell them to "stop being a victim" you offer support and don't blame them for the situation they are in.
While I do agree that nurses will eat their young, that they are underpaid, and generally not a happy bunch, pathetic is a strong word. But I do see your line of reasoning. Especially after you said you have been reading the posts and following the threads. I have only been a Registered Nurse for a short time and I currently am working in research and clinical trials for diabetics, I have worked in the hospital setting for almost twenty years. I have to say most of what you say is true. It has been my experience that most of the nurses I've come across are very surly and do stab in other in the back in an effort to cover their own asses. I tried to warn a few of the girls in my nursing class when they were looking for a unit to work on. Don't get me wrong, there are some nurses that will bend over backwards to help a fellow nurse, especially a new nurse, but the majority are just bitter. I had the unfortunate experience to come across one of these nurses on the other side, when my sister brought her 28 day old baby to the ER. The nurse was floated to the CEC from the regular ER and wasn't too happy, my nephew had stopped breathing at home, was brought in by ambulance, and was not once looked at by this nurse. Even when he had an apneic episode right there in the exam room, this nurse didn't even come and look when the whole family was screaming the baby wasn't breathing! Thank God my other sister who is also a nurse got him breathing again! But, the medical record stated she saw the baby, she took vitals, she spoke with the mom, etc., when none of it was true. But I do have to say that when he was transferred to the Peds ICU the nurses on that unit were the best! Didn't truly make up for the lack of professionalism from that nurse in the CEC, but at least it saved his life!
So, you can see how there are all different aspects of nursing that you can get into that can make you happy. There is not really a need to leave the profession because of a bad experience. I am very happy in my current position and although it is not the highest paying nursing job I will come across, it is rewarding (at least to me!) :)
I have to agree that you need to look for another position. Not all nurses work in hospitals. You may need to look at other places topw ork. With your education,you might look at teaching. You could change things by teaching young nurses how to do it. I know,for instance,that I do not work well in a large institutional setting. I have been happiest working on a mental health unit for 18 yr. We all know each other well,most have 5-36 yr seniority and cover each other's back. This is especially important given that our pt may become violent without warning. We trade shifts and work to see that each of us can get off when we need ot,or get extra hours when we are sort of money. It's all good. WE have one of the best units in the state,the patients are generally happy,and the staff usually has a pretty good morale. So, sit down and look at all the possibilities-perhaps industrial nursing,school nursing,or doctor's office or clinic setting would be better for you.
just remember as you give up your nursing license, and the ability to make more than $8:00 an hour. in the movie from rainman, where tom cruise tells dustin hofman, k-mart sucks. well, so does walmart. they treat their employees badly, and they don't give anything back. its pretty much the same no matter what profession you work in, and the medical profession isn't easy. but unless you plan on owning your own business, you'll always have to put up with the front office or buricatic bull----. just like now. try, leaving acute care and going into some other part of nursing. or go to a different shift. sometimes, all it takes is a change of pace. if not for you, then i wish you well at walmart(wally world), and we'll miss you. you didn't really get into nursing for the glory or money did you? think about what your goal was when you decided to become a nurse. then think about why you can't fulfill that goal.
ok, i had to quit reading on page 7 b/c I was just getting thoroughly disgusted. I would say this to anyone in any job that they hate... if you are not going to do anything yourself to make the changes you say need to be made, then you need to go find another job. don't bring the rest of us down and into your mess b/c you are so unhappy!
Yes, I ahve had bad days.. some real bad days, but i also know that if it gets to the point that i am thinking like you, i will leave b/c i am not doing anyone any good by being there.
there is a lot of stress that you have to deal with , but i have been around healthcare all my life and have worked in a healthcare setting since i was 13.
i knew what i was getting into. i am a strong person. if i have a problem, i try to fox it. i am on 3 committees to make a difference in my facility ( and that's what you need to do if you want to make changes). as a traveler you still have every right to speak up. you not speaking up is what keeps the problem going.
there may be quite a few nurses out there who should have never been nurses, should have retired early and so on, but don't lump us all together,b/c w/o those of us who care your loved ones wouldn't have anyone to take care of them!!
you didn't really get into nursing for the glory or money did you? think about what your goal was when you decided to become a nurse. then think about why you can't fulfill that goal.
For the money.
According to Maslow, personal fulfillment comes sometime down the road after you've bought baby a new pair of shoes.
Listen, Lorster, no profession is ideal, and this world surely is not, fighting against the bad guys is an ongoing process, one that is not easily overcome. As a new nurse I feel betrayed that u can say such things about nurses. You have not worked in all the facilities in the U.S, neither have you worked with all 2 million of us nurses. Please remember that your experiences and opinions are not shared by Everyone. Of course, nursing has a long way to go, but u show me a profession that leaves it's workers satisfied and smiling at the end of every day of the year. My advice to all people, yes us nurses is to shine light in the darkness, you can't fight fire with fire, this is our opportunity to stand up and make change, it may not come tomorrow or next year, but baby its on its way!
In nursing school, we are taught to make beds, empty bedpans and clean dentures. Instead we should get vast lessons in how to deal with some of the real issues that face us today.
Hmmmm......my school must of been different because it didn't focus on bed making, bedpan emptying or denture cleaning. :uhoh21:
According to Maslow, personal fulfillment comes sometime down the road after you've bought baby a new pair of shoes.
Let's see...you went into nursing to have enough money to buy baby shoes. That might actually be "pathetic." There are just so many other jobs that pay better for doing less.
i think that nurses get "burnt out." i graduate in may and hope to love my job as a nurse. it makes me feel sorry for those who have graduated nursing school and hate their job. i have always wanted to be a nurse. to help my patients and their family. we have the opportunity to be kind, compassionate and bring comfort to others. what a magnificent opportunity! i respect doctors. yes, some of them are arrogant and do not realize what we as nurses do. still, there are some that do. i have seen nurse-doctor relationships where the doctor truly listens to the nurse and where they want you to listen and shut up. who cares? the patient is what matters. if the doctor is being safe and you feel comfortable doing the orders. do them. don't make it so personal.
i do have experience in the icu and loved it. let's be honest. in every aspect of life there will be those that believe they are "better" or "above" you. i saw it on my floor. not just between the doctors and nurses, but the nurse to another nurse, or to the rt, st, etc. my goodness, you see it in high school, college, at my husband's workplace, between teachers... every where! i believe you have to demand respect. if you are a prudent nurse that does your job, takes good care of your patient, isn't lazy... other people within the health care team will respect you. personalities do clash. there will always be someone that doesn't like you. who cares? focus on your patient. on your responsibilities. then, when you leave work and go home to your family your day has been fulfilling.
there is a huge nursing shortage. if you don't like where you are and hate your job, i would suggest to change your field. try something new. find your niche :-) they would rather move you and have you happy, than lose you as a nurse completely. i'm sure after i have been working 10 to 20 years i may feel burnt out. i have promised myself never to give up and quit. i will just try something new. i think nurses are amazing people. there are some nurses who do make our profession look "bad." still, there are those people in every profession. we look up to and respect preachers, but you hear of them running off with the church secretary. there are teachers that abuse their students. you get the point.
every one i talk to knows that the "nurse" is the one that takes care of the patient, the family. the nurse is the one that is extremely involved. we are the patient's advocate. i think it is an important job. we should all realize that although there are negatives, we must focus on the positives. and if you do hate your job as a nurse.... do leave. i hate it when one of my friends or family members has a hateful nurse. it makes the patient feel even worse! yes, perhaps the nurse is having a bad day. if a patient dies on your floor that you have taken care of for months it is emotionally trying. i understand that. believe me. however, if you are hateful day after day... leave the field... or find a new niche. it's not fair to the doctors, nurses, patients or the families.
this is kind of off the topic of the first post. i just wanted to add my little bit. i believe that she is titled to her opinion. i think everyone in "their field" feels underappreciated and underpaid. my dad has worked for a company over 15 years as a supervisor. he works his butt off. seriously, i hate how hard he works, as his daughter i worry about his health. he's underpaid, but he goes to work every day with his head up and does an amazing job. hopefully, one day nurses will be appreciated more and paid more, but first we have to quit complaining... do our jobs... and not discourage new nurses. be an encourager.
everyone have a good day :-) i look forward to being a nurse. i get to make a difference. what a blessing we can be to others... changing our field starts with the nurse. as individuals we can make a difference.
Cool! Great attitude. I hope it continues. I still love nursing after many years.... experience has taught me that new nurses are in for a surprise. If you really remember that "the patient is what counts," likely you'll last. I get satisfaction from my patient's improved health, not their gratitude and well the pay....let's say, ..... I would have done better with a different major.
That does not mean I approve of what is often called "the exploitation of nurses." We should be compensated at least as well as a grade school teacher with a 2 year degree.
The only pathetic thing about nursing is the lack of support from hospital management when there are problems making our jobs more difficult!
Doctors, especially surgeons have high opinions of themselves....that's what makes them good in surgery, but such sucky people on the floors. I agree with other posters...second career nurse here...will not put up with crap from doctors and have no trouble letting them know that! Young nurses need to learn this, and older nurses need to advise orientees to stand up for themselves and perhaps offer advice to what they would've done in the situation.
I also disagree with people who say it's a sellout leaving a "bad" situation. In business, it is done all the time. Hospitals have become big business. If they want the best staff, they should be paying and shopping for those qualities. If an employee wants a good work environment, they should be shopping and seeking those qualities important to them. Free Market People!
So many nurses have shared their views...so many I respect from other views they have posted. Nursing is a calling to some and a well paying job to others. To many it's both. I don't want to be a martyr...if I want to volunteer my time without pay, I will pick that charity....I will do my best...I expect to be paid well and compensated in job satisfaction....I find it difficult to work some days and on others I love my job! That is typical of all careers.
I realized during the past few months why nurses may never be a strong political force to be reckoned with like the AMA. We are too polarized as a group! AMA has generalized statements that everyone approves. Here we are so black and white! Either for or against everything from universal healthcare to unions. No wonder the business management is keeping nurses undercompensated and overworked. Get over that people, and perhaps everyone will enter nursing and getting what they thought they would.
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BillEDRN
73 Posts
I agree that as nurses, we should encourage our peers to stop being victims. Their participation in the healthcare/political arena would go a long ways towards that goal. Unfortunately, the system is what it is now, and it does create "victims." Much like a battered spouse, you don't just tell them to "stop being a victim" you offer support and don't blame them for the situation they are in.