Are you ashamed of being a nurse?

BeeStrong · Aug 20, 2003

I agree with Traveler; every survey of professions I have ever seen ranks Nursing up at the top as far as respect; I have worked all over the world and can tell you that in some countries nurses are regarded as less than waitresses (who also deserve respect). We are among the highest paid professionals in the world and in great demand, I have always been proud of being a nurse and cannot imagine why anyone would be ashamed of our profession. Perhaps ashamed of some others behaviors but never of the profession itself. To me it is the highest calling, we actually DO what others only talk about or wish they could do. I am grateful for every day that I can still get myself to work and do my best for all my patients. Absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Bee Strong

altomga, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN · Aug 20, 2003

DARN PROUD OF BEING A NURSE!!!

I get to help people on a daily basis; never do the samething..every pt is different even with the same diagnosis....

PROUD...VERY PROUD!!! Would not do anything else!

Agnus · Sep 14, 2003

Proud. Never doubted for one second that the vast majority here would respond this way.

Why because we are FREE to leave if it shames us. Human nature is such that as long as we have that freedom we will leave if it shames us.

That said we maintain the right to gripe. BECAUSE GRIPING MEANS WE CARE. We have NOT BECOME APATHETIC. Not speaking out about the negatives would be irresponsible.

KimberlyJo · Jul 11, 2004

I am 19 yrs old and am thinking about becoming a nurse. My question is, what is there to be ashamed of? It seems to me that nursing and medicine are critical fields in which honorable work is done. Nurses help people. From my perspective, they do more to help in one day than many business people do in a month of work! I could never be a business person for the ruthless and (in my opinion) unnecessary work they do sometimes. Nursing embarrassing? CEO of Enron, now that's embarassing.

mattsmom81 · Jul 11, 2004

Total honesty here: I feel some shame that we as a group have not been more unified and proactive. Other than select areas of the country, we are seen as a largely weak and nonpowerful group, easily manipulated and controlled. This concerns me.

I have taken many risks to speak out and attempt to better things, to organize in my area,( to my own detriment),so I do not feel personal shame. I would like to be personally associated with a stronger group...such as a unionized group of nurses; this type of activisim is necessary for our profession, IMO, and I proudly follow my peers in NewYork, California and other areas...they have my full respect and are examples of what nurses should be, IMO.

susanna · Jul 12, 2004

In truth, I am a little bit ashamed. I know nurses who seem to bash doctors a lot and pick on and be proud of doctors' shortcomings and mistakes and be proud when they're right and a doctor is wrong. It seems like they're, deep down, really jealous.

It seems like nurses are a group that is quick to bash anyone that might be rising any higher than they are. Its like, "You try to feel any higher than me and we'll come after you and kill you, pull you down because don't you dare." And, that nurses see their work as somehow more glorious and more self-sacrificing then other peoples' professions. Maybe I am wrong and I only get this impression because they are undercompensated monetarily or don't get much respect at work and this is the reason for everything. I don't know yet: I'm not a nurse. But this stuff makes me feel ashamed that I'm studying to become one.

tiroka03, LPN · Jul 12, 2004

Yes, I am proud to be a nurse.

What I am not proud of is how little we are paid for the work we do,and the risks we take. Risks as in infectious diseases, angry patients ect. Would any other job outside of medical not expect hazard pay for what we encounter daily?

Audreyfay · Jul 12, 2004

Am I ashamed to be a nurse? I have two words: HECK NO!

UCLARN · Jul 18, 2004

Well if that's the way you feel, then go back to school and become a teacher.

Oh and YES of course I am very proud to say that I am a nurse!!!

Wish I were a teacher better hours,weekends and summers off. Better pay, better retirement.[/quote']

UCLARN · Jul 18, 2004

Not all nurses are like that, by the way. It really isn't fair to generalize a whole group. If you are a student, then it's not too late. Find a profession that you can say you are proud of and proud to be. The nursing profession doesn't need negative thinkers like your self. We need people who will better our profession.

P.S. I feel very much well respected at work. I do not demean others and in turn expect the same treatment.

In truth, I am a little bit ashamed. I know nurses who seem to bash doctors a lot and pick on and be proud of doctors' shortcomings and mistakes and be proud when they're right and a doctor is wrong. It seems like they're, deep down, really jealous.
It seems like nurses are a group that is quick to bash anyone that might be rising any higher than they are. Its like, "You try to feel any higher than me and we'll come after you and kill you, pull you down because don't you dare." And, that nurses see their work as somehow more glorious and more self-sacrificing then other peoples' professions. Maybe I am wrong and I only get this impression because they are undercompensated monetarily or don't get much respect at work and this is the reason for everything. I don't know yet: I'm not a nurse. But this stuff makes me feel ashamed that I'm studying to become one.

ADNCyn · Jul 19, 2004

I will get back to this after my 90 days probationary period. But I am not new to the profession of NURSING, most of my family matriarchs are NURSES and am HONORED to follow in their footsteps. God bless us all!!!

Limik · Sep 2, 2004

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?

I am sooo happy to see the replies to this question. I have been a nurse for ten years and recently have been struggling with the decision to leave nursing for many of the reasons listed on other posts. Seeing the other replies has helped me to remember why I became a nurse in the first place. Am I proud? You bet I'm proud to work with other people who understand that nursing truly is a calling. Not only do I know I will never leave nursing, this has also reaffirmed my desire to further my nursing education!