Nurses, how do you view your job?

[8*P23J]

I recently had a discussion with someone who views nursing as "just a job". But I feel it's more than that. They are using the fact that I am a new nurse against me and saying that basically I will eventually say it's " just a job". I never want to have that mentality though. I know that you get caregiver strain here and there and its hard work. But never could I picture saving lives as "just a job". Thoughts?

[Wrench Party]

It's a job. I love it- a deeply rewarding, emotionally draining, difficult career, but still a job. I love the fact that I get to clock out and leave nursing at work (unless I'm on call). I was never able to do that in my last career. I'm 2 years in and stand by this fact.

I'm one of those nurses that got into this as a second career for the financial stability, job flexibility and variety, and decent benefits, and I have no qualms about admitting that. Why should I not want that for myself? I provide competent nursing care, am honest and compassionate with my patients, but I'm not required to give my soul to them.

Shame on y'all that look down on other nurses for not having "been called"- you never hear anyone called to be an accountant or an engineer. Why do we judge others for their reasons?

[elkpark]

I would never say it's "just a job," but it's definitely a job. Not a "calling" or "passion." I'm darned good at it, and it's worked out well for me professionally. I give it my all when I'm at work, and I walk away without looking back at the end of the day.

There's some interesting research out there on burnout that suggests that the nurses who always dreamed of being nurses, want to devote their lives to helping others, see their occupation as a "calling," and generally have much higher expectations of a career in nursing than they would of "just a job" are more likely to crash and burn than those of us who are more balanced in our approach. If you let nursing take up to much of your life and energy, it will eat you alive. Boundaries are our friends.

(I, too, do not get why the snark when a PP simply directed the OP to a source of existing discussion on the same topic ...)

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

This is a good topic, and everyone has had an interesting reply. I see both sides.

What was "just a job" to me? When I worked at WalMart while in nursing school bagging groceries. When I worked the counter at the local gym after a cross country move until I found another nursing position. "Just a job" was when I bussed tables in high school and babysat.

I feel I have a career now. Something I had to fight a bit for... Struggle to come by... Something that comes with a license that needs to protected and a reputation to be upheld.

Just a job? Yeah, it's just a job. But it's also a career I feel unbelievably blessed to be a part of every day. The last six years of my nursing career have had ups and downs, but I'm so happy I didn't give up.

Anyone can have just a job, but not everyone can have a career.

*Shrugs*

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

I would never say it's "just a job," but it's definitely a job. Not a "calling" or "passion." I'm darned good at it, and it's worked out well for me professionally. I give it my all when I'm at work, and I walk away without looking back at the end of the day.

There's some interesting research out there on burnout that suggests that the nurses who always dreamed of being nurses, want to devote their lives to helping others, see their occupation as a "calling," and generally have much higher expectations of a career in nursing than they would of "just a job" are more likely to crash and burn than those of us who are more balanced in our approach. If you let nursing take up to much of your life and energy, it will eat you alive. Boundaries are our friends.

(I, too, do not get why the snark when a PP simply directed the OP to a source of existing discussion on the same topic ...)

Balance- very crucial. Wonderful post.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

I do have to say, I am nursey. I like nursey types, and can usually pick them out and cling to them. So, it is part of my fabric, but I have a lot of fabric.

This does not mean I'm fat.

Just fluffy?

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

Its just a job. It does not define me as a person. When I am not at work or have my badge on, I am not a nurse.

That's interesting. What happens if you're out grocery shopping and someone collapses? Or if you're out to eat and someone is choking? Will you be a nurse then, or is the badge still off?

Absolutely no snark intended- genuinely curious

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Or peeling sunburned skin. That is so cool.

Except when it's on the scalp...then it's the worst case of dandruff. Otherwise, peeling is easily the best part of sunburn!! But then I was that kid who would intentionally get glue on her hands in art class, so I could peel it off.

[OCNRN63, RN]

That's interesting. What happens if you're out grocery shopping and someone collapses? Or if you're out to eat and someone is choking? Will you be a nurse then, or is the badge still off?

Absolutely no snark intended- genuinely curious

I'm just guessing that That Guy means when he goes home he doesn't ruminate for the rest of the day about his patients or lose sleep over them.

I think most of us would try to render assistance within our abilities and scope of practice.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I'm just guessing that That Guy means when he goes home he doesn't ruminate for the rest of the day about his patients or lose sleep over them.

I think most of us would try to render assistance within our abilities and scope of practice.

Couldn't have said it any better myself.

[f1j1nurse]

To me it's my choice of job/work since this is my second career.

[Farawyn]

Or peeling sunburned skin. That is so cool.

I'm in love.

[Farawyn]

Just fluffy?

It was METAPHORICAL fabric! Sheesh!