Please be honest!

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Do you do this job for the money or you really, really like to clean vomit, blood, diarrhea and smell the "morning breath" of a sick patient? Please be honest!

Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

It's a job. I've helped clean up my best friend's vomit after a night of drinking, I've cleand more than my share of poo with 6 grand children. I do it for patients and I get $$$. There are plusses and minuses in almost any job- to be honest- I'm well paid for a BS degree. Working 24hrs a week I can make in excess of $60,000 a year, 3 weeks vacation, and 3 weeks sick time a year, and I don't even get shot at, and I occasionaly get to feel like I made a difference. Nursing isn't too bad considering the alternatives in todays job market.

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Be Honest???!!!

OK --- I work the NICU and have done so for just over 31 years. Most days I love my job/career still! Since I work straight nights I do not have to deal with the day shift politics for the most part. I find there is a give and take. If I had to do it all over again...prob. still be an RN in the NICU. This is a very unique, creative , team orriented area. There are problems with geration gap and management...like most places I suspect.

Money...we are paid well here with very good benifits over-all. The problem has been lately we have been slow and I've not been able to do my FTE...I'm single ...just me....no big divorce settlements...or rich family to fall back on...so when I don't get the hours it hurts my over-all plan for my future.

Lately I have considered becoming a traveling nurse to suppliment this job. I have completed one assignment. Scared to death but I did it and glad I did. The pay was Great and loved meeting nurses from all over. Great opportunity!

Did I answer your question?

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You forgot about urine. It has the potential to be very nasty looking and

smelling!:eek:

I COMPLETELY AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in Elderly, Long term care.

I have only got the chance to work as an RNA for about 2 weeks and I enjoyed it. Now since I have yet to pass boards, I am working as an Aid. I really feel appreciated everyday, not by my employers, but my residents. I cannot wait to become an RN so that I can make more of a difference. Oh about all the things you mentioned...nothing bothers me yet from what I have seen. The one thing I know I will have a problem with is maggot therapy. Just the thought. Anyways, when it comes to my personal dilemma, I would love to just pass the NCLEX and head to do missions. Nursing to me is a gift that I have recieved and am good at. I took my boards on 24 June 2010, it was the third try. I am still awaiting results. Just want to make a difference.

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I agree with RockyCreek. I was so looking forward to having an excuse to avoid family gatherings. I volunteered for all the holidays!

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.
I agree with RockyCreek. I was so looking forward to having an excuse to avoid family gatherings. I volunteered for all the holidays!

I did too last year! They had to give me one so I worked New Years Day. I

will work any holiday for double time, any day.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/SNF-LTC/Supervisory.

I like the financial freedom it has given me, but each day is bringing me closer and closer to a new profession. The salary isn't quite cutting it w/the amount of stress I face daily.

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I just got my FNP degree but started as an LPN in 1988. I remember when I got my first paycheck I actually felt guilty, I thought it was way too much money!

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Hmmm...My nurses aides attend to most of the odors you mention in your original post.

Ouch. They'd probably wish you to smithereens:D

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Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).

I think I would have to say that my primary motivation is my burning desire to help my facility be one of the premier institutions in our region. My number one goal is for us to be one of the top hospitals in the US, and even the world. It's a matter of deep pride and gratitude that I think, deep down, we all share, but worry that it might sound corny to admit.

I do enjoy the bodily fluids, though. I often forego gloves, just to make the experience more intimate--and to keep down expenses, of course!

Frankly, I wouldn't even accept my pay, except that I do need money to buy cat food and lottery tickets.

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Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).
I have only got the chance to work as an RNA for about 2 weeks and I enjoyed it. Now since I have yet to pass boards, I am working as an Aid. I really feel appreciated everyday, not by my employers, but my residents. I cannot wait to become an RN so that I can make more of a difference. Oh about all the things you mentioned...nothing bothers me yet from what I have seen. The one thing I know I will have a problem with is maggot therapy. Just the thought. Anyways, when it comes to my personal dilemma, I would love to just pass the NCLEX and head to do missions. Nursing to me is a gift that I have recieved and am good at. I took my boards on 24 June 2010, it was the third try. I am still awaiting results. Just want to make a difference.

Haven't seen maggot therapy. I've read about it, and heard about pts with maggots that were not therapeutic. I've seen leech therapy up close and personal, and that was gross enough.

BTW, I do count your 4 years as a combat medic. Thanks. Good luck with NCLEX. We could use you on my floor, sure enough. ETA: and I'm not BSing about this one.

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