Nursing is pathetic...

Nurses Career Support

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It's to bad you feel this way I work in the E.R.and am constantly exposed to hiv, hepatitis,and a host of other diseases you can protect yourself. Why did you really go into nursing ws it for the money? If it was for that then you missed the whole point of what a nurse is. It was never meant to be anything more than the giving care to those in needof your services if you allow yourself to feel all these negative feeling it's time for a vacation from nursing and try something else for a while or have you considered trying a new area that may have sparked some interest. It might be something to think about?

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To all nurses,

We were happy to see that the media is finally realizing what we as nurses have known all along. That the amount of trained nursing staff on any given floor has a direct relationship with patient healing and safety. Less nursing staff may mean a higher risk of infection, medication errors, missed symptoms and/or an increase in the hospital stay for the patient. We at the CNG, have been fighting for a public recognition of this problem for some time now. We have been calling and writing our legislators, providing information to 20/20 and writing articles. While our voices on the net are only now being heard, it is not time to stop just because 20/20 did a story. It is time to nudge this spark into a roaring fire.

The 20/20 story was well done in our opinion. It did however, not go far enough. Towards the end, no solutions were given with the exception that the answer might be to certify or license the Techs, Nursing Assistance, ect... As you well know, this is not enough. An RN spends a minimum of two years training and an LPN a minimum of one. Some states have Certified Nursing Assistance and they do not know the first thing about infection control or anatomy/physiology. Why then are they doing dressing changes and placing Foleys?

We are asking all Nurses to let their voices be heard. Call 20/20. Post on their Internet BB. Send this to every nurse you have on your E-mail list. Post this message everywhere you can including any Internet sites you know of. Tell them we must keep the spark alive while adding fuel to the fire. The story was half told. It up to us to let the public know the truth.

Remember this. Hospitals are not afraid of the government. Money in the right place buys anything. Same with unions. Hospitals do not fear them either. What they will fear, is an informed public that is demanding to know, who is taking care of their loved ones. A well trained, experienced, educated and Licensed RN. Or a Tech with six weeks training. The fight is up to us. Just remember, the next patient you care for on your understaffed, undertrained floor, may be someone you love.

Please, let your voice be heard. The Internet BB are anonymous. Letters, phone calls to 20/20 and you legislators may be anonymous too. Just let your voices be heard.

ForMoe

Founding Member CNG

The Concerned Nurses Group www.hospitalhub.com/community/cng/index.html

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What about military nursing? Navy,Army,Air Force.

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I'm new to this bb/forum stuff, so bear with me please.

I am absolutely astonished at the anger I read here.

The question, again, is not about burn-out. It was, "Would you recommend nursing as a career?"

I agree that everyone is entitled to an opinion, so here's mine. Yes, I certainly would. I've been an RN for 10+ years, and although I get perturbed with some hospital policies, co-workers, etc., I have never regretted becoming a nurse. From the time I was a small child, nursing is all I ever wanted to do. As it turned out, I was a late starter. I was an Executive Secretary of several years and didn't begin college until I was 33 years old. If you are looking only for MONEY, then nursing is not for you. But if you are looking for other qualities, such as fulfillment, then nursing is something to consider. I have always felt that nursing is not something chosen, but more of a calling.

Nursing, as does ANY profession, has its drawbacks. But I have never done anything that gave me more satisfaction.

Those of you who are so angry and/or burned out definitely need to be looking for something else to do.

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NurseDude

If you really feel this way about nursing then what are you still a nurse for? I dont think you or anybody like oyu deserves to be or should be a nurse. Nursing is about the people not the money or the so called "underappreciation". The reward comes when you help someone who will make a difference in their life because of how you helped them. Please reconsider your career in the medical field. Or at least work behind a desk for crying out loud. You sound like you would be a good hospital debt collector. You sure have the attitude for it.

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I am like julie, I have always wanted to be a nurse. I was lucky in that I went to ADN school to start with and I enjoy what I do. I have been at this for almost 14 years. For me, nursing is a calling. I have been in the same unit for almost 10 years and have only had one episode of burnout while in this unit, about a couple of months ago. It lasted a couple of weeks and then I did a long soul-searching. I have redirected my thinking and have taken on a position that is proving to be very demanding and potentially rewarding.

The board question is would you recommend nursing as a career. The posting question is "nursing is pathetic". I feel it is pathetic for someone to allow themselves to continue to feel that way and not do something about it. Change positions, go to a different department, do something if you feel that way. When I'm sitting on my butt and it starts to hurt, I switch positions, not too complicated to figure that one out.

Now, I would recommend nursing as a career, but would do as previously stated: make sure you're going into it for the right reasons. If it's just for money: DON'T DO IT! If you really want to do it, GO FOR IT! If it sounds good, and you're not sure, test it out before you spend the $$$$ on the education.

I still enjoy what I do, I just shudder at the thought of running up and down those halls for the next 35 years. I don't want to get into management, I'm as high on the ladder as I prefer to be. But, when the time comes to do something different, I'm not sure what it'll be. But, I've still got some time to play with that one.

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This must be the hottest topic on the Bulletin Board. I worked in a factory for 8 years prior to going into nursing. Made good money too. Why did I leave and go into nursing - the answer is easy, the job I had in the factory took no brains. Stand on a line and do the same thing time after time, didn't take any brains to do that. I knew that is not what I wanted to do the rest of my life. I love nursing, been a nurse for 30 years. One of the great things about being a nurse is its flexibility. My goodness, look at all the jobs in nursing you can do, not counting the various patient units in the hospital. The opportunities are endless. Job pay varies on where you work, years you been there, or location, in addition to sometimes your degree. If you are married and don't need benefits, why not work PRN, Agency Nursing or Resource pools that pay very good money. My sister makes $30.00 per hour as a resource nurse. Traveling agencies pay good money also. You can also be a sales person for insurance or drug companies. The ultimate goal for all of us, regardless of where you work, is the patient. Its a mindset - and yes, sometimes our jobs are stressful and we are pressured, but its that little thing in us that reminds us why we went into nursing.

The cost of nursing schools are terribly high in relation to the pay we receive in return. I would really emphasize to all nurses to examine carefully what type of degree they get, and returning to college to furthr your degree - is it really worth it and are you going to ever retrieve the cost involved?

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This must be the hottest topic on the Bulletin Board. I worked in a factory for 8 years prior to going into nursing. Made good money too. Why did I leave and go into nursing - the answer is easy, the job I had in the factory took no brains. Stand on a line and do the same thing time after time, didn't take any brains to do that. I knew that is not what I wanted to do the rest of my life. I love nursing, been a nurse for 30 years. One of the great things about being a nurse is its flexibility. My goodness, look at all the jobs in nursing you can do, not counting the various patient units in the hospital. The opportunities are endless. Job pay varies on where you work, years you been there, or location, in addition to sometimes your degree. If you are married and don't need benefits, why not work PRN, Agency Nursing or Resource pools that pay very good money. My sister makes $30.00 per hour as a resource nurse. Traveling agencies pay good money also. You can also be a sales person for insurance or drug companies. The ultimate goal for all of us, regardless of where you work, is the patient. Its a mindset - and yes, sometimes our jobs are stressful and we are pressured, but its that little thing in us that reminds us why we went into nursing.

The cost of nursing schools are terribly high in relation to the pay we receive in return. I would really emphasize to all nurses to examine carefully what type of degree they get, and returning to college to furthr your degree - is it really worth it and are you going to ever retrieve the cost involved?

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Dear NurseDude,

I am a student nurse, and your comments about nursing as a career still do not discourage me from becoming a nurse because any comment you made is in regards to money or status. If this is so important to you why did you even go to nursing school to begin with? You should have done your research. I am studying to become a nurse because I want to help others regardless of what I get back, and I know my day will come when I need that same help. I feel that you are the type of person who would not be happy in whatever you do. People like you (and I know many)always have something to complain about, and it is nobodys fault but your own. You create your own experiences, and if you don't like it, change it!

In regards to nursing being at the bottom of the food chain-this is somewhat true, but could be put in nicer terms. Physicians have more responsibility! This is reality. So if you want to go to med school for 10 years be my guest, otherwise you have nothing to complain about. confused.gif

As far as Physicians, PA's, CRNP's etc. looking down on you- they probably look down on you because of the way you present yourself. Be confident in your job, get educated, respect others for their job, smile, and be proud that you are a nurse!

And in regards to making money- why don't you get a job in the Silicon Valley, and work in tele communications. That is where you will make your money. Then you will be happy, happy, happy! Get out of nursing while you can. You are still young! We need nurses who are there to serve.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

Burpee from

Sunny California wink.gif

Hello,

That about sums it up for me... I am a 34 year old guy and live in Pittsburgh Pa. Have been an RN for 10years. I have done the following in nursing: Cardiotharacic ICU, ER,UR, Case Management...

THe problems with nursing I have found:

1) Poor compensation- I have friends that are Registered Plumbers and registered electricians, Certified computer specialists etc. All of them make twice as much $$$ as I do- none of them have a college degree. None of them are exposed to HIV, TB, Hepatitis on a daily basis.

2) You can't really practice nursing on your own even though you are licensed- See above- The plumber, the electrician and the computer guy all work full time jobs and also do business on the side from home and make money... Did you ever practice nursing on the side? its called illegal...

3) Nurses are on the bottom of the food chain...Doctors, PA's, CRNP's, Administrators all look down on nurses- at least here in Pittsburgh they do. Nurses here are just another load on the revenue generated by hospitals...

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Dear NurseDude,

I am a student nurse, and your comments about nursing as a career still do not discourage me from becoming a nurse because any comment you made is in regards to money or status. If this is so important to you why did you even go to nursing school to begin with? You should have done your research. I am studying to become a nurse because I want to help others regardless of what I get back, and I know my day will come when I need that same help. I feel that you are the type of person who would not be happy in whatever you do. People like you (and I know many)always have something to complain about, and it is nobodys fault but your own. You create your own experiences, and if you don't like it, change it!

In regards to nursing being at the bottom of the food chain-this is somewhat true, but could be put in nicer terms. Physicians have more responsibility! This is reality. So if you want to go to med school for 10 years be my guest, otherwise you have nothing to complain about. confused.gif

As far as Physicians, PA's, CRNP's etc. looking down on you- they probably look down on you because of the way you present yourself. Be confident in your job, get educated, respect others for their job, smile, and be proud that you are a nurse!

And in regards to making money- why don't you get a job in the Silicon Valley, and work in tele communications. That is where you will make your money. Then you will be happy, happy, happy! Get out of nursing while you can. You are still young! We need nurses who are there to serve.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

Burpee from

Sunny California wink.gif

Hello,

That about sums it up for me... I am a 34 year old guy and live in Pittsburgh Pa. Have been an RN for 10years. I have done the following in nursing: Cardiotharacic ICU, ER,UR, Case Management...

THe problems with nursing I have found:

1) Poor compensation- I have friends that are Registered Plumbers and registered electricians, Certified computer specialists etc. All of them make twice as much $$$ as I do- none of them have a college degree. None of them are exposed to HIV, TB, Hepatitis on a daily basis.

2) You can't really practice nursing on your own even though you are licensed- See above- The plumber, the electrician and the computer guy all work full time jobs and also do business on the side from home and make money... Did you ever practice nursing on the side? its called illegal...

3) Nurses are on the bottom of the food chain...Doctors, PA's, CRNP's, Administrators all look down on nurses- at least here in Pittsburgh they do. Nurses here are just another load on the revenue generated by hospitals...

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Dear Nurse Dude,

I have read through all the postings that your posting brought forward.

I know that I am an optimist because I always look for the positive not the negative.

Your posting made me recall a poster that I saw as a child prior to an election. It was a goose with the saying "I don't vote, I just squawk".

You do not say if you are involved in any professional organization. ANA and the state programs are looking for people who want to work within the system.

I am currently an ADON who is active in my professional organization. My response to a co-worker who could be your twin in thought, does nothing but complain. He complains because he has 25 patients with 3 CNAs in LTC. Wake up and smell the coffee. Try to find something positive about what you do. If you can't come up with something, leave nursing, I do not want to have you for my nurse. That is the standard to which I hold myself and those who work in my facility. If they can't meet that, it is time to move on.

I bet things are not so green on the other side of the fence. Think about it. NA

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I would recommend nursing as a career for the personal gratification that is received from making someone's life a little easier in some small way. I think for those of us who got into nursing for reasons that are not altruistic should find another field to pursue. I agree there are many pitfalls in nursing. However, I personally get offended by people who come into health care exploiting it mostly to their benefit or complaining about it when they feel they are somehow losing out. This includes health care executives and physicians as well.

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Originally posted by nursedude:

Hello,

That about sums it up for me... I am a 34 year old guy and live in Pittsburgh Pa. Have been an RN for 10years. I have done the following in nursing: Cardiotharacic ICU, ER,UR, Case Management...

THe problems with nursing I have found:

1) Poor compensation- I have friends that are Registered Plumbers and registered electricians, Certified computer specialists etc. All of them make twice as much $$$ as I do- none of them have a college degree. None of them are exposed to HIV, TB, Hepatitis on a daily basis.

2) You can't really practice nursing on your own even though you are licensed- See above- The plumber, the electrician and the computer guy all work full time jobs and also do business on the side from home and make money... Did you ever practice nursing on the side? its called illegal...

3) Nurses are on the bottom of the food chain...Doctors, PA's, CRNP's, Administrators all look down on nurses- at least here in Pittsburgh they do. Nurses here are just another load on the revenue generated by hospitals...

Hello Nurse Dude: I too feel fedup with nursing. I have been in nursing for 18 yrs from ICU, to Long Term Care and everything in between. For me the hard work and responsiblity has never been an issue. What is burning me out is that, in a profession where one should have such respect for people - NURSE MANAGERS have incredible disrespective for nursing staff.I am tired of taking the fall for their mistakes. Nursing reminds of an abusive relationship.At first everything seems great and you spend alot of time learning all you can about that person (profession), but over time you learn you are putting out alot of time and money but your not getting much back - so you begin to assert yourself and the next thing you know your hit ( with a verbal warning) then they throw you a bone and want to make up because they need something from you - so you go around again and as the years pass you become complacent and numb to the abuse - but then something triggers you and there is no turning back - you know its time to find somewhere else to work to pay the rent. On a final note I would like to say to all those female 'nurses' wake-up girls nursing is no more that a JOB and you are an employee of a business and if you don't believe me try it out, inform you company that the work load is to heavy for you and see how fast they will replace you.

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