Nursing, is it really a profession

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Well I am glad that the subject of nurses low pay got as much attention as it did. I was just curious what others would think when they read the responsses of the people who post to this forum.

What they said was that it doesnt seem that nurses mind getting paid 40 - 50k a year for all the work they do. They have a patients lives in their hands every day and that is a huge responibility. What others who arent in the nursing field dont understand is why nurses dont demand to be paid if not for their level of education then for their level of responsibility.

One question that was raised is why do nurses still act like doctors handmaids. People have seen nurses get out of chairs so doctors can sit down, get doctors coffee and let doctors blame them for things that arent their fault, Why?

Maybe if nurses acted like professional towards others in the medical field then they would be looked upon as professionals and not doctor's underlings.

I am just trying to show what the average person thinks of nursing and wondering what we as nurses can do to change their perception?

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

HOOBOY

lots and lots of threads on this very subject.......

Some argue nursing is NOT a profession due to our many entry levels (LPN/LVN, ADN/Diploma/BSN)....argument is that only professions have all baccalaureate entry requirements....others disagree....

And I don' t see ANY nurses I WORK with acting like "handmaidens" but consummate professionals....

I think to be professional, education is HIGHLY important...so is ACTING the part.

I see more nurses popping gum, wearing garish makeup and perfume, dirty/wrinkly scrubs, acting loud than I do handmaidens. THESE do NOT conjure a professional image in my mind....

It's so complicated. Try searching the BSN/ADN threads and those titled Is Nursing a Profession to see all the varied opinions out there. Then judge for yourself.

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Maybe we should ALL grow a member?

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I dont have the time to be some MD's handmaiden, and unless both his arms are broke, he can get his own damn coffee- I have people to take care of!

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Sanakruz

Maybe if more nurses grew a member then they would have the balls to stand up and make nursing a profession instead of just a job.

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Originally posted by sanakruz

Maybe we should ALL grow a member?

I kept kept mine in little pots on my kitchen window sill, but they all died.

Maybe I should have tried Viagra instead of Miracle Grow.;)

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Whatever.

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My whatever comment was headed toward the person with the member envy going on, not you helllo nurse! Hell, I am a great professional nurse and I do not, nor have I ever had a member!!:)

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Coming across as a true professional is SO important as a nurse! Let's change some negative perceptions about nursing.

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hmmm nursing professionalism and member's....I'm lost..lol

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Specializes in Neuro Critical Care.

I have never seen a nurse act as a doctors handmaiden. If the doctor wants a cup of coffee I will gladly get one for them if it is made and I have time; I do the same thing for my fellow RNs and patients. I agree with SmilingBlueEyes, too many nurses don't look or act professional; however, I'm not sure that is has to do with education level. Part of being professional is working with all your colleagues, including doctors, to give the best possible care for your patients.

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Cqc_Cqb

I send you a PM.

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