Are you ashamed of being a nurse?

Nurses Career Support

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Hi everyone. Please respond and offer feedback on whether you are ashamed of or embarrassed about being a nurse; becoming a nurse; or considering nursing as a career. If you are ashamed or embarrassed, why? If not, why not?

Can't help but think about the last time I walked down the hall on one floor I was working...and suddenly felt a sense of being "diminished". The respect that one used to get for being an RN is just not there anymore. The hospital politico's / CEO's, the evidence is there that they simply consider us "task-workers" whom they can blow off. e.g. Nyack, now the nurses at Brockton hosp. in Boston area. Very few people really understand how much we know and how important we are in saving the lives of those in our care. Ignore me. I've been struggling with a decision to leave nursing for good. It's a hard decision because I've always loved being a nurse and always been proud of it before. Now I'm just weary of it all. aka Scarpetta

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There is no shame in nursing. The shame lies with the first fool that turned a humanity service into a profit making business. It's the "just business'" attitude that has ruined nursing. People will always need us. The cold hearted, political, puffed-up greedy fools at the top leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth. :confused:

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Wish I were a teacher, better hours,weekends and summers off. Better pay, better retirement.

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Very proud to be a nurse.

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Wow! I just graduated last May and have been working as a nurse for 6 months now. I have read all of the above concerns and I can see how some of us feel the way we do. Where I work doctors try to embarass you by making you think that you are questioning their judgement, when after all, I found it not always up to par. They can also be rude! I find putting them in their place and showing respect helps in this matter. I also agree with the fact that nursing eats their young. I can't believe the things that I hear and see nurses do to each other. When I go home at the end of the shift there are days that I feel good about what I have accomplished and then there are other days when people expect too much from you and don't appreciate anything. I feel that I go out of my way to be a nurse and give the extra TLC when I can. But at times all people do is complain about what you didn't do!!! I have also wanted to be a nurse for a long time but put it off until my late 30's early 40's. I am now 45 and after what I have seen and heard and dealth with in the profession so far, I don't regret it one bit. I can honestly say that it was worth it!

Bellap :eek:

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I love what I do, and fortunately, I think I am an effective nurse, despite all the struggle that goes on with staffing,etc. I also think that due to the shortage, the public looks at those of us that are in the trenches everyday with more respect. But the bottom line is that I respect myself, and what I do.

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Ive never wanted to be anything else expect a nurse. I consider it and the care I provide as a calling in life. I am proud to do what I do... earning the trust of my patients, and tending to their needs. I have learned so much in this career.. not the clinical stuff..but things that have taught me about life.. and whats really important..Im not only PROUD to be a nurse... Im HONORED

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WOW, finally some POSITIVE responses on becoming a nurse. I was getting a little scared there. No, I'm kidding, I know there are always people crying, until they change there careers, and see how good they had it.

Pete :D

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How nice to see all of the replys to this question. I have always been proud to be a nurse. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a nurse and still love it, warts and all. I keep reminding myself of this fact after a rough evening at work.

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Hello everyone. I too am proud to be a nurse. I give high quality patient care despite short staffing, high acquities and occasional disrespect. After 15 years in the business,I know enough about myself and the importance of the care I give that any ignorant fool who chooses to disrespect me or tell me I'm not a professional can kiss off. If you know who you are and how important you are to patients and their families you should be proud and honored to be a nurse. It takes a very special person to do this job. 99% of the population could never do what we do every day. :D

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I am extremely proud to be a nurse. I wouldn't want to do anything else. Every once in a while when a patient or family member looks up at you and says "thank you!" that makes it all worth while. Unfortunately I am going to have to leave hospital nursing because of a back injury but I will always until the day I die be a nurse and very proud of my profession!! :D :D :D :D :D

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AM I PROUD.... YES AND NO

YES ON THE DAYS WHERE I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE... AND HELP SOMEONE...

ON THE DAYS THAT STAFFING IS SO BAD AND THE FACILITY THAT I WORK FOR REFUSES TO CALL IN OUTSIDE AGENCY OR SHUT DOWN THE HOSPITAL TO ADMITS THEN NO I AM NOT.

IT IS THEN THAT MY PATIENTS ARE IN MORE DANGER... THAT IS NOT NURSING TO ME... THAT IS LININGTHE CEO'S POCKET

THAT IS NOT WHAT I GOT INTO NURSING FOR..

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