Nursing Career

[ttpurtee]

I have posted on here before because I have considered a career in nursing. I have one more question for all you nurses about the nursing profession

Would you describe the nursing job as highly Structured, such as there is a system for doing something and you don't deviate from that system or plan?

Also would you say that you have a variety of things to do everyday on the job?

Thank you for your input.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

portions are highly structured, but nurses have a lot of autonomy as well. There is definitely a variety. Part of this interpretation will be determined by the nurse's individual practice. I had less variety when I worked in a surgeons office than I do now in a hospital.

[ttpurtee]

Could you tell me which areas are highly structured.

[GreyGull]

There are highly structured aspects of nursing such as documentation, infection control, medication security, error prevention and other issues pertaining to patient safety regardless of where you work. The structured part also relates to accountability.

Variety will come with what area you decide to work in. You may see a large number of patients but do the same procedures everyday such as in endoscopy. Or, you might see a large number of patients with a variety of needs such as in the ED. The ICUs bring their own set of patients, protocols and skills. In some areas you may have more autonomy than others. Each hospital will also be different.

[Epona]

On my unit, there is no structure whatsoever. To me, everything is hap-hazard. We are running around like chickens with our head's cut-off. I am on a VERY BUSY Med- Surg unit and doing my time, THEN I AM MOVING ON. From what I can see, unless you are in a specialized unit, it's all running around. You have to be VERY focused. Good luck in your decisions!