Nurses are Pathetic!!

[lorster]

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.

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

In your response you touch on many subjects. You say that I will be disappointed to find that nursing jobs are hard to come by for new grads. I was made several offers to work in ICUs in my area despite the fact that I graduated from a less than distinguished brand new nursing program and I had zero experience. All my classmates who've taken the NCLEX have had multiple job offers.

The professions you listed all pay less than nursing according to salary.com and I doubt very seriously they would be lining up to hire me like these hospitals are.

You were very presumptuous to assume that since my motivation to get into nursing isn't primarily "to help others" I will burn out or poop out or quit as soon as something better comes along.

A real nurse is the one who does it in order to care for others in a context where they won't develop co-dependency? That nurse needs a therapist.

I'm really surprised. I thought the Angel of Mercy thing was out of style. I chose nursing to become a healthcare professional and get paid like one. Helping others is secondary to helping me and mine.

This from "Fundamentals in Nursing", 7th edition. Kozier, Erb, Berman, and Snyder.

Research Note

Why Women and Men Choose Nursing

Using grounded theory and methodology, a study by Boughn (2001) revisited data from two previous studies to compare and contrast why women and men selected nursing. The analysis of the data focused on three main constructs: caring, power, and practical motivations.

The subjects included 12 males and 16 females who were enrolled in the same baccalaureate nursing program. Each of the four class levels was represented. Except for two men and two women, all subjects were under 23 years of age and single.

Both female and male subjects expressed that the desire to care for others motivated their decision to become a nurse. Likewise, both sexes indicated a strong interest in power and empowerment for themselves by expressing such statements as desiring to be the best or advancing to a management position. A difference did exist between the two groups, however, in the desire to empower others. The female subjects were more interested in empowering others while the male subjects were more interested in empowering the profession and themselves as professionals. Another difference between the two groups concerned the third construct: practical motivation or expectations regarding salary and working conditions. The men clearly chose nursing based on financial expectations while only one of the female subjects mentioned finances as a motivating factor in choosing nursing as a profession.

Implications: Both male and female nursing students were motivated by the desire to care for others. The differences in the focus of power and empowerment could complement each other. The author discusses that caring theory points out that caring for self is needed in order to care for others. Male and female nurses need to incorporate both values into their thinking. Salary and working conditions have been and continue to be chronic complaints among nurses. The author suggests that female nursing students be socialized to become assertive and proactive and to subsequently expect financial rewards and favorable working conditions.

I had to write an essay about why I wanted to be a nurse on my appy for school. It was all about the vocational side: honest, useful work that I thought I could do well, and do well for myself in the process. I do not remotely renounce that view, but about halfway through school, when I was beginning to wonder whether I could actually do it, I got the "calling." Looking at all the twists it took to get from carpenter to nurse, it's hard not to feel that God wants me to do this.

Now, I will admit, there are days when I've wondered whether He was mad at me or just had a sick sense of humor, but I have recommended a career in nursing to several friends I care about, not because I've found it to be all fun, all the time (generally, I have to pay admission for experiences like that), but because it is an opportunity to make a decent living with fairly flexible hours in a variety of settings.

I'm a big advocate of maintaining the current system of entry into nursing--ADN, BSN, or Diploma--because it does increase the opportunities for people to improve their lot. A single mom can get a license in 2-3 years and give herself and her family a middle-class lifestyle, with room to advance. A guy like me can make a living and a difference in other people's lives.

A few years ago, before I started nursing school, a patient told me I could go to work at his trucking company and make $50K/yr. At the time, that was a bit better than entry-level nurse's pay. But I figured out I would have to drive a lot of miles to do that. There are other ways to make a living, and nursing for sure is not for everyone. But I like what I do, and I'm starting to get kinda good at it, and I do like the idea that if I took a notion that I wanted to live in New Mexico, I could be pretty sure of finding a job there.

I have to admit, there are nurses I know and respect who seem to lean to the view that our profession is "pathetic." I don't know many working nurses who are too much into the "angel of mercy," stuff. But most are like me--it's a job, and like any job has its pros and cons, good days and bad days. It's rarely easy, but it can be rewarding, and I think I could get pretty tired of standing at the door saying, "Hi, welcome to Wal-Mart." all day.

I love my stupid job.

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

Since this thread is 10 months old, I would be interested to know if the OP has changed his opinion or has changed jobs since...

[Woodenpug, BSN]

Note to salesman217: Nothing wrong with money as a motivation, but as the sole motivation, I do not believe it would work for very long. You and your classmates had several offers, I'm not surprised - I would be surprised if those were viable offers. Many "health care recruiters" like to have large files of potential candidates. Anyway, I am open to being wrong. Let me know when you get that high paying job. Also, talk to someone in the professions listed, salary.com is not a reliable source.

[november17, ASN, RN]

I would laugh in a doctor's face if he tried to chew me out for not having a glucose charted yet. Not having it done is one thing, not having it charted quite yet is another.

PS: I chose nursing because I flipped through my community college's magazine and picked the highest paying job. Does that make me a bad nurse? Absolutely not. My parents were both hardworking blue-collar people. They took pride in the quality of their work, and I take pride in the quality of my work as well.

I learned good work ethics from a very young age. Was empowerment on my mind? Absolutely not. Salary? yes. I could care less if I was a manager or a subordinate. The fact of the matter is that I wanted job stability and a decent paycheck.

I took the same amount of crap from "clients" as an assistant manager at McDonalds when I was first in college. Nursing is no different except I get twice the amount of pay. Service is service, be it skilled or unskilled.

Is money the motivating factor? Absolutely. If money was not a motivating factor I'd be living as a beach bum somewhere in Jamaica.

[gennavieve]

:nurse:N urses aren't pathetic, they are human biengs trying their best to help people who need care ,understanding and empathy. I think it is administration and corporations that care about money and how to make the most they can. They don't care about the residents or the nurses, cnas or anyone else just money. If you wwork short, can't give excellent care---they could care less as long as the money is there and working short gives them more money, not having the proper equipment/ share the equipement--more money etc,etc. We put up with it, thinking it will be better next time, we can make a difference, and we want to CARE for the resisdents. What would we do different if we were admnistration, they also are TOLD what to do , if they want to keep their job, they need to perform to meet goals set before them even if they are unrealsitic---it is ALL MONEY, it is BUISNESS, with a capital B. Yes, money needs to be made to continue the care but NOT millions and millions of PROFIT to the companies at the expense of the patients who need the care and can't so without it!!

When I finish my shift and know I've made a difference to someone by a touch, a word, that is all that matters. That's why I have been in nursing for 35 years now, mostly with the elderly. Look at the positive, be grateful you can help someone and hope someday someone will CARE for you, Gennavieve

[hooterhorse]

All through my life, I've enjoyed that feeling of being able to help (make a difference), give them a reason to smile, and to figure out things (or fix them) when nobody else could or didn't bother to try. Although I'm not what you would call a "leader" or "type A" personality...I am a bit of a control freak....but lean more towards "control" from the backseat. For example, my husband doesn't really wear the pants in the family...I just let him think that he does.

Anyway, when I did have the opportunity to get into nursing, it provided the opportunity for me to do what I always found pleasure in doing...only now I get paid for it! I still go the extra mile, but it doesn't cost me so much now because for most of the time, I'm well paid for what I do. Sure there is stress involved much of the time...but I'ld eventually find ways to stress myself out in anything else that I did for a living too. The absolute best part of nursing? The many different variations...one license can open all kinds of doors! Where else can your basic skills allow you to go in practically any direction you can imagine! My only regret is that I did not go to nursing school twenty years ago.

Hooterhorse

[End Game RN, RN]

OUCH!!!

End Game RN

[lizzyberry]

Nurses do work pretty hard in school to be treated as if we are way lesser people than everyone in the building

[lindarn]

Nurses do work pretty hard in school to be treated as if we are way lesser people than everyone in the building

Other health care professionals "in the building", have at least a four year Bachelors Degree, not one or two years in a community college. Occupational Therapists have a Masters Degree, Physical Therapists, and Pharmicists, have a Doctorate as entry into practice. Nurses are the least educated health care professionals in the building, even Physical Therapy ASSISTANTS have a two year associates degree as entry into practice. Recreational Therapists have a FOUR year BACHELORS DEGREE AS ENTRY INTO PRACTICE.

Does anyone connect the dots yet?

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

[MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN]

While Lindarn is right about the other professions and their levels of education....I must protest. My ASN hold precedence over all of their degrees when it comes to my patient and that patient's well being. This includes the doctors!

I am responsible for that patient, and based on my observations objective and subjective...they will not have therapy, take medications, be discharged, or anything else if I, AS THEIR NURSE FEEL THEY SHOULD NOT. Let anyone of those previously listed try to run roughshod over me.

Why am I advancing my nursing degree? So I have credibility with other degree holding individuals. I have my BA....I've had million dollar budgets in my control....I have nothing to prove as a person....unfortunately, I have to prove myself to my colleagues(those very few with letters behind their names).

Maisy;)

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

:nurse:N urses aren't pathetic, they are human biengs trying their best to help people who need care ,understanding and empathy. I think it is administration and corporations that care about money and how to make the most they can. They don't care about the residents or the nurses, cnas or anyone else just money. If you wwork short, can't give excellent care---they could care less as long as the money is there and working short gives them more money, not having the proper equipment/ share the equipement--more money etc,etc. We put up with it, thinking it will be better next time, we can make a difference, and we want to CARE for the resisdents. What would we do different if we were admnistration, they also are TOLD what to do , if they want to keep their job, they need to perform to meet goals set before them even if they are unrealsitic---it is ALL MONEY, it is BUISNESS, with a capital B. Yes, money needs to be made to continue the care but NOT millions and millions of PROFIT to the companies at the expense of the patients who need the care and can't so without it!!

When I finish my shift and know I've made a difference to someone by a touch, a word, that is all that matters. That's why I have been in nursing for 35 years now, mostly with the elderly. Look at the positive, be grateful you can help someone and hope someday someone will CARE for you, Gennavieve

I'm lucky to work in a not-for-profit facility, and while our CEO has remarked that we still have to watch our bottom line--we can't afford to lose money indefinitely, I honestly feel we're more about giving quality care than raking in the bucks. My first two years, there, we did lose money, but after a lot of focus on cost reduction, we've been in the black for the last eight years and have expanded a bit. Actually had to open about 80 new beds in order to have some empties--I'm told our goal is 80-90% occupancy, to allow some room for unforeseen emergencies. We still run close to capacity a lot of the time.

Frankly, I'm not entirely disinterested in the behind-the-scenes part of our operation. I'm all for seeing my employer do well. But as a bedside nurse, that's my primary focus, as it seems to be for most of my peers.

Most of the time, we're adequately staffed, but it's still hard work. At times it seems like there's never enough equipment, but we manage. We depend a lot on Medicare/Medicaid, which sometimes limits the care we can give: both public and private insurers won't pay for the length of stays that used to be typical, so patients get discharged who could maybe use another day or two (although, from a clinical viewpoint, it has been found that longer stays aren't necessarily beneficial).

I don't know, but I suspect even those fancy five-star hospitals have some of the same problems: fancy lobbies, but not enough staff. A lot of the challenges of nursing, IMHO, have nothing to do with being pathetic. They have a lot to do with what we got into this work for in the first place: helping people who are often in need of a lot of help.

For general acute-care patients, our target ratio is 1:5. Sometimes we have to take 6, once in awhile I've gotten through an entire shift with 4. What I find is that I'm usually busy, regardless of my assignment. If I have an easy team, I have more time to fluff pillows and fetch ice water. With a busy team, I do the stuff that has to be done first. At times, hand-holding is a fairly high priority, and sometimes hearing about a patient's grandkids means I'm late getting my charting done.

I find there are two kinds of stress (at least). If I'm really hustling to stay on top of things, and succeeding, I leave work tired, but satisfied. If I'm busting my tail and it still isn't enough, I can get a bit discouraged. I'm new enough in this work to recognize that at times the problem isn't the system, but my own skills--but I've also been around long enough to realize that my skills will improve, and already have.

In short, and I hope without undue immodesty, part of why I don't feel pathetic is that I feel like I am making things better. Not always a lot better, but my little drop in the bucket does count, and the bunch of drips I work with count, too.

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

I've never had a Doctor, patient, RT, PT, or other professional ask what my degree was. It does get discussed among fellow nurses, although generally only in a conversational way, along with where did you go, etc.

There is a sense, among my peers, that a lot gets dumped on the nurses. If phlebotomy fails to draw a lab specimen, we hear about it. If a doc messes up, we're supposed to catch and fix it. If meds are late from pharmacy, it's our problem. But I know of one unit with a sign on the doctors' conference room door that states: If the Nurses ain't happy, ain't Nobody happy!" And there's a bit of truth to that, too. Honestly, I don't hear much about management-types wondering, "How can we recruit and retain more Rad Techs?"