None of you will like what I have to say. But let me kick the hard truth to you. Honestly about 50% of people I talk to are in nursing school or are taking pre-reqs for nursing school. This is a major red flag for several reasons. If you have not noticed, nursing wages/benefits have been on the down trend.
Pension?? goodbye.
Crud 401k 403b plans hello. Raise? LOL "sorry hospital is working out financial issues, maybe next year".
Nevermind if you work for a community/SNF agency. Yet insurance companies, medicare derived/gov agencies, and anyone else from the top 1% will continue to blast the RN as "shortage" in order to drive drones of students into nursing schools pulling each others hair out on the way to land a seat. Proof of this is, let's see (ABSN ***** ADN, BSN, diploma, LPN/LVN bridge to RN programs, RN to BSN) Why do these different routes exist? To flood the RN market as fast as possible to drive the wage, need, and profession into the ground.
Let's look at our oh so loyal CNA's. If you can find one that isn't in nursing school to be a nurse, ask them how much they make?
Look at LPN's 20-30 years ago and look at them today??
Surely the ANA and other organizations treated them with respect. The RN is next, so make sure to support your local nursing agency so they can do nothing for you. So they can be paid off by organizations so powerful that no one can say no and "not have the power to stop a bill". So they can continue to cry nursing shortage when this is not true.
RNs today are treated like children and are required to demonstrate fundamental task and other skills in inservices which were designed for nothing else but cut throat. To place blame of UTI's and poor patient satisfaction on the nurse.
If you are an RN today, your only safety net is to become an APRN if you want to live comfortably but in several decades the APRN will be under attack just like the LPN had been an RNs currently are. "OH the aging population is going to need nurses" You really think so?
Nursing homes are shutting down and now elderly people live at home with "24 hour care takers" that get paid **** wages and do things only an RN should be doing. You don't think so? Wake up.
None of this is to say that I hate nursing. I love helping people who are mentally ill, suffering from dementia, sick, or on their death beds. It is when we do great things for them that my love for nursing shines. There aren't other people standing around to reward you for your great deeds.
When the family comes in the next day complaining about everything, they never had a chance to see how well their dying loved one was cared for. Your good deeds will never be rewarded, but in a safe place in your heart.
I am just here to open the eyes of people who are intelligent and looking for a new career. I think you may find better job security else where. Invest your time in classes and money else where. Nursing is honestly under great attack right now and the future is black.
I definitely think new students are being done a dis-service when they're admitted to a program and given this whole rosy scenario that "nursing" is supposed to be. As we all know, it's two completely different worlds. Half of the applicants would withdraw if they had any idea, but what happens is they put so much time and energy into getting the degree, they wind up sticking with it. This is why I've always said all nurses should 100% have to work as CNAs first. Some argue it doesn't make you a better nurse, and I agree it doesn't always, but certainly it would give prospective applicants an inkling of what it's truly like. Maybe then there wouldn't be as much "What do you MEAN I have to change a brief" ;-)
So here is my input as a pre-nursing student. I personally have worked with quite a few girls that all have Bachelor's degrees in Biology that have gone back to do nursing as a secondary degree. I was formally in a Biology program but mid way through realized that a Biology degree was worth jack. The fast track programs are a real life saver for some people. At least in my area of upstate NY there is a nice mix of programs. There is four community colleges that offer an ADN and a good 6 or so colleges that offer a BSN or bridge RN-BSN. As a former Biology student it is refreshing to be able to use the coursework learned in my Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Microbiology, etc and actually have a practical use for it. In my experience many nursing students are former science majors. If anything I think the background only helps. For instance actually understanding disease processes and biochemical pathways only reinforces what you learn. I understand that there are a lot of nursing students and applicants but do you honestly blame them? Every career medically related has to have a license now. That's not the information I got when I graduated high school. If you want to work in the lab (which I do) you need an MLT or an MT. Even then certain areas of the lab require an MT and the MLT has started to be phased out. You can't blame people for seeing a career that is well compensated and not expect them to go for it. Sure there will be applicants that squeak through at for profit colleges, but in my area it is super competitive. You need at least a 3.0 and prerequisites like A&P 1&2, Micro, Bio, Psych, Developmental Psych, Sociology, Nutrition, Stats, etc to get in. And in all honesty you need a B or better. I guess my point is don't expect that all new nursing students are un-educated. Some aren't the brightest but some really are. Some have taken the same Bachelor's level coursework as the Dr's you work with. I'm not saying to not be frustrated with the system, that's ok! But I'm saying don't be upset at the individuals who are sincerely trying to go into a career that offers financial stability, motility, and satisfaction.
I think you're missing the point. The point wasn't on how to wisely invest your money. The point was that people did what they were supposed to do, saved their money and invested it so it would grow. And then the stock market crashed and the money went away. People who thought they would be able to retire about now haven't recouped those losses yet. People did what they though would result in a comfortable retirement, and that didn't happen. There's an emotional component. And then they come here to a nursing forum and read all sorts of nasty posts from newbies who are convinced that all of THEIR problems would magically disappear if the older nurses would just retire and get out of their way.
So it is a bit off topic to discuss investing but crucial I think. You are spot on there is an emotional component and I'll add no easy answers. As someone heading into the last decade of their career I have no investment in older nurses retiring unless they are unable to remain current and fit enough for whatever their duty is. It never occurred to me that there was the sentiment that if all of us old birds retired the newbies, many of who don't ever want to wipe a butt, will be on easy street.
With regard to finances at this point we can only learn from the past and moving forward continue to use our critical thinking skills. My thoughts with regard to both the stock market and real estate burst is that neither of them made a lick of sense during the high times. If something seems to good or easy to be true it probably is. OT but important, imo.
I think you're missing the point. The point wasn't on how to wisely invest your money. The point was that people did what they were supposed to do, saved their money and invested it so it would grow. And then the stock market crashed and the money went away. People who thought they would be able to retire about now haven't recouped those losses yet. People did what they though would result in a comfortable retirement, and that didn't happen. There's an emotional component. And then they come here to a nursing forum and read all sorts of nasty posts from newbies who are convinced that all of THEIR problems would magically disappear if the older nurses would just retire and get out of their way.
Amen! And don't forget that there is still a segment of the generation out there that was taught that all you have to do to retire is trust in (first) your company's retirement plan, and (then) your 401(k). These are folks who never expected to and weren't educated for monitoring investment portfolios.
I am an RN, BSN too (I place BSN 2nd because I find the "RN" the important part in any nurse). I am a "baby nurse." I made it 4 days on the floor into orientation before my doctors put me off work, likely for life. I am also a 48 y/o dying woman (new concept and I am trying hard to own it). I am also a patient who has suffered medical abuse for 15 years, though I am just now understanding that the field I love so very much almost killed me -- and now can't save me.
MANY families are appreciative. I met some AWESOME patients and families during my few days as an RN. In truth, though, I am not sure I ever want to work as an RN again. I have already signed up for my next degree, in business (I am a fighter and unlikely to accept death without attempting to kick his tail and leaving a few bruises...plan to keep living until the day they pronounce me).
I worked in THE best hospital in my metro area. I worked for THE best boss in the hospital. My preceptor was probably one of the best RNs I've ever met and she is young yet. I have been in healthcare since I was 16, working as everything from an aide (before the days of CNAs) to other professional roles. That is 32 years, Libby, which is why I feel qualified to speak on these matters.
Like you, I find patients and families AWESOME, but not all of them, Libby, not even most. Many are entitled and won't help themselves. I work hard to be a different kind of patient, but my insurance company keeps my life so twisted I have a hard time navigating the system. I have wonderful insurance and resources most patients can't even imagine, but my illness has been hell, true hell. I have to fight to remain at home and receive the care I need. The docs would have me in an ICU if I would quit signing out AMA. What the heck chance does ANY patient have in getting well if I can't? I KNOW the system, I have money, I have the best doctors I can find (I fire the bad ones now, something I have been FORCED to learn to do to get care).
I may not be able to be at the bedside right now, but my heart belongs to every patient I care for; it always has. I do not know if there is a God or not, but I DO know this: my "God-given calling" is patient care. I believe we each, EVERY employee (including security guards and housekeepers) -- in every hospital -- are privileged to care for the ill. These people are Parents, Grandparents, Children, *LOVED* ones of our fellow human beings, experiencing some of the most difficult days of their lives. I am ANGRY about the care we are now often REQUIRED, by insurance companies and those who shuffle papers, to provide.
But I am angry with US as well. We routinely fill out paperwork that is unnecessary and often unread. We compromise privacy with EMRs that show misdiagnoses. We play on our phones. We disparage those who ARE trying to provide GOOD care. I watched a dear friend hazed as she entered the profession -- and yes, I have been in healthcare long enough to have seen and KNOW, personally (as an aide, many years ago) hazing when I see it. These behaviors MUST stop if healthcare is to reach any level of quality in this country. We are a rich country wasting our resources and, though we have the BEST knowledge base, providing poor care. And too many of us are coming into medicine for a good paycheck, stable job (HA!), or -- and, yes, I have HEARD this said -- to marry a Doctor. I have even heard one young lady state it wasn't her "job" to touch patients (and she was an RN).
We need our profession(s) to police itself. No more phones at work. Emergency calls? Yes. Candy crush? NO! "Old" RNs? Our most valuable resource. They have BEEN on the front lines. Our ASNs have HANDS-ON experience us BSNs NEED before we kill people. Theory doesn't save lives. KNOWLEDGE saves lives. "Old RNs" need to quit feeling threatened. Many don't, but some do. They were hired as the top of their field many years ago when ASNs WERE the top degree required. And they busted their tails for their patients. They ROCK and should be valued. In fact, that holds true for many CNAs and LPNs too. This infighting must stop. It isn't fair to us OR our patients. We need to disband committee meetings and get our top nurses back at our patients' bedsides, where they are NEEDED. As a patient, I NEED the best helping me because I am scared and too sick to be my own nurse.
I cannot work now, but I CAN -- and will -- speak on behalf of patients and my chosen field until I am dead. THIS is how I will end my dedication to a field I both deeply respect and yet, regrettably, feel ashamed to call myself a professional member of -- and I hold 2 active licenses, in 2 medical specialties. I will care for my patients from my own bed, because I TRULY care about my chosen profession(s) and about the people I meet as I walk through this world.
Thank you, Libby, for being an RN who cares. We need MANY more like you! I would be honored to be your patient.
I'm considered an "old RN" and what you are describing is classic nurse bullying. I'm from the ER. My god. It's disgusting what I witness the new clicky RN's do to the experienced nurse. And they will fire an experienced RN over a newbie anyday. There's to many tax breaks and incentives to hire new grads and not enough to keep the experienced. Ceo's don't give two hoots about a patient dying because of inexperience. They will just sink the new nurse because after all it's her license that will take the fall. Becareful newbies.... I would leave the hospital to the experienced RN's right now, and I recommend you work In the community for a while.... NOONE is on your side.
I had some clinical students who can't perform basic math, such as if you need 650 mg of Tylenol and have a bottle of 325 mg tablets, how many tablets should you take out?
The answer is SIX tablets. Two for the patient, two for you, and two for the Quality Control Nurse who has to explain to OIG why you have a BOTTLE instead of a blister-pack.
The answer is SIX tablets. Two for the patient, two for you, and two for the Quality Control Nurse who has to explain to OIG why you have a BOTTLE instead of a blister-pack.
I am one of those hobbling 60y0 RNS. 39 yrs, a nurse, this year. 32 yes on IVT. Burnt out, sick of mtgs that accomplish nothing. See care going downhill c all the peer to peer audits, increased bedside nurses leaving to be "Care Coordinators " of the bedside nurses. Increased family/ pts just looking for a reason to complain. While we are doing best we can to deliver quality care. Adm also nitpicking for every little wrong saying to write us up. I have loved my Nsg career. I ve been so lucky to have found a Clinical Documentation job in the same facility c appreciation for my past experience. Perfect fit. I pray you all find your perfect fit.
Specializes in Tele/Interventional/Non-Invasive Cardiology.
I am so tired of people thinking that all new grads are just about "me." Or that we don't want to work for things. Not ALL new grads fit this bill. I got a BA and MPA before I went into nursing. I was in the workforce for 10 years before I went into nursing. I worked a 40 hr a week job and went to nursing school full time. I moved to FL from NY to get a job. I was put on nights. I had NO problem with ANY of this. The problem is that many RN schools are so anesthetized and do not really show the experience of what it is like to be a floor nurse. Student RNs can't do many things due to liability and do not often experience a full patient load.
Also it is not in the best interest to have students drop out, so many nursing schools don't really give the full experience of how hard floor nursing is. I graduated with honors and worked hard. I moved in good faith. But you know what? I hate my job. I hate being a waiter, janitor, robot (with script). Even my patients would often say, "you don't have help?" and "wow, you do it all?" I am really sick of so many veteran nurses with a martyr complex who think that working in poor conditions should be tolerated or accepted. That one is only a "good" nurse if they can't accept this. A nurse should be able to handle it all. Otherwise you are "entitled." That's complete BS. I shouldn't have to accept anxiety, crying, feeling incompetent and unsafe and frazzled just because someone thinks new nurses should expect to be treated like crap. No other profession I have been in espouses this BS. So ridiculous.
I am so tired of people thinking that all new grads are just about "me." Or that we don't want to work for things. Not ALL new grads fit this bill. I got a BA and MPA before I went into nursing. I was in the workforce for 10 years before I went into nursing. I worked a 40 hr a week job and went to nursing school full time. I moved to FL from NY to get a job. I was put on nights. I had NO problem with ANY of this. The problem is that many RN schools are so anesthetized and do not really show the experience of what it is like to be a floor nurse. Student RNs can't do many things due to liability and do not often experience a full patient load.
Also it is not in the best interest to have students drop out, so many nursing schools don't really give the full experience of how hard floor nursing is. I graduated with honors and worked hard. I moved in good faith. But you know what? I hate my job. I hate being a waiter, janitor, robot (with script). Even my patients would often say, "you don't have help?" and "wow, you do it all?" I am really sick of so many veteran nurses with a martyr complex who think that working in poor conditions should be tolerated or accepted. That one is only a "good" nurse if they can't accept this. A nurse should be able to handle it all. Otherwise you are "entitled." That's complete BS. I shouldn't have to accept anxiety, crying, feeling incompetent and unsafe and frazzled just because someone thinks new nurses should expect to be treated like crap. No other profession I have been in espouses this BS. So ridiculous.
Your complaints are not exclusive to new nurses. Just read some of the posts by very experienced nurses complaining of the exact same things. Pretty sure from posts I'm reading the things you hate about your job as a new nurse most nurses also hate regardless of experience level.
Specializes in Tele/Interventional/Non-Invasive Cardiology.
Yes, I know. I am not saying that it isn't. It is just that some of the posts before made it seem like new nurses were bad for feeling that way. Maybe I am reading more into it.
Glycerine82, LPN
1 Article; 2,188 Posts
I definitely think new students are being done a dis-service when they're admitted to a program and given this whole rosy scenario that "nursing" is supposed to be. As we all know, it's two completely different worlds. Half of the applicants would withdraw if they had any idea, but what happens is they put so much time and energy into getting the degree, they wind up sticking with it. This is why I've always said all nurses should 100% have to work as CNAs first. Some argue it doesn't make you a better nurse, and I agree it doesn't always, but certainly it would give prospective applicants an inkling of what it's truly like. Maybe then there wouldn't be as much "What do you MEAN I have to change a brief" ;-)