betmic2002

I have done geriatric nursing for 7 years and hospital medsurg nursing for 10 years. I work primarily medical as opposed to surgical. I love medical. I love what I do. What I have seen that is so discouraging is the competition between medsurg nursing vs ICU/CCU. Also hospital nursing being "better" than LTC. Even among medsurg nursing, that surgical is "better" than medical nursing. I just don't understand. Why are we nurses like this? I disagree with the idea of "healthy competition". I even see new nursing students with these stereotypical attitudes. I think that we veteran nurses should take some responsibility for these attitudes and be more conscientious of how we speak of our fellow colleagues. We are all in this together. Let's remember that each of us has a special call for each specialty and support each other. Just because that specialty might not be something you could ever imagine doing, doesn't mean that it is any less important. When I think of Psych nursing, I think of all the nurses that I admire who are able to work field and love it. That is because I know that I could not be the type of nurse a psych patient deserves. It is just not my niche. But you will never hear me say " Psych nursing sucks! " Let's always try to be positive. And remember the impact of our words.

We need to appreciate every nurses strengths and weaknesses. i work med-surg, but i do hesitate to be pulled anywhere. I have developed an appreciation for all specialties. there is not one nurse who is better than another. Each specialty has its challenges. ICU/CCU has different knowledge than med-surg. Just like OR/PACU/Oncology/OB/Neuro/ER all have different knowledge. Then there are differences between Hospital, LTC, or Homecare or Hospice. Let's learn from each other and work as a team. Let's appreciate each others strengths and be grateful that there are so many diversities of nursing and there are nurses willing and capable to handle and work in all areas.

Well said!!

When I was an LPN i did LTC skilled unit. Which really was the same as LTC. I encourage you to work in a hospital i you want changes everyday. But id you like continuity and getting to know you patints then do LTC. Back in my day, LTC was for nurses who did not make the cut in a hospital. It is different now. I have this feeling in my heart I will go back to LTC. It hase been 10 years since I did LTC, but in many ways i feel it was the most gratifying.

Why is it that usually LPN's ask this questions? I have not seen an RN ask this? The bottom line is WE ARE ALL NURSES!!!. I love LPNs. I loved my self as one for six years. But, I love myself as an RN equally as much in the last seven years!

When I was a young nurse, i wanted to wear whatever I wanted. I guess, that is what all"teenagers" would want. But, i realize, as a professional, that if what society associates nurses as wearing white, then we should. i don't know about you, but I want my patients to know i am their nurse or a nurse but I introduce myself. I worked hard for my degree. And if a uniform color is to distinguish me, than I welcome it! know who I am by my uniform! It saves alot of confusion. I am an RN by my abilities and m knowledge, not by my uniform. On the other hand, if people associat real nurses as wearing white, i wol think it is easier to wear white then. Where is the problem?

I have been out of work for awhile. what is the average salary i can expect fro an RN with 10 years med/surg experience and 6 years years LPN experience? acute care?

Loved it! I fluctuate between burn out and balance. Luckily, I know when I get to burnout. I also think it is good to know when to be OVERLY anal, which I think this article is good at to show us how to balance effectivly without being burned out from micromanaging. I think it is a good way to distinguish from a true emergency versus a patient just a little over anxious.

Nursing maybe our profession, but first and formost, we are just people with the same weaknesses and addictions like anyone else. We are not Gods and perfect. What we need to do is to SUPPORT one another and not pass judgment on each other. Nursing is a tough field and can only depend on each other during our shifts to give good patient care. Any nurse who smokes is already aware of health effects and they accept the consequences. They surely do not need anyone esle to tell them what thy already know. They have their own conscience to deal with. I know because I used to smoke and now have changed my nicotine craving from cigarettes to the gum.

I used to work 3/12hrs a week. 7pm -7am. Then after kids, I work only 24hrs/month. I realized that even if i did continue the 12 hour schedule, I was too tired to cherish my time with my kids. I am fortunate though, that I did not and do not have to work. I work to keep my license active and keep up with nursing. I sometimes do feel the urge to improve my nursing skills ie: different unit, hours, field. But right now, I feel as if my first job is as a mother. Not a nurse. Of course, when they go to school full time, it will be a different story.

i remember liking medsorg as an LPN student. But, as an RN student, i really liked theER. i still work medsurg though, go figure.

I get so tired of ccu/icu/imc/tele nurses that think a medsurg nurse is second best. I work very hard for my patients. I started nursing when i was 18. I worked LTC for 6 years and then medsurg for currently 8 years as an RN. I float on all units when needed and I believe have a good reputation, but when I am on other units, I get the same question " How could you stay on medsurg?" This is usually followed by a look of disgust. I respect all nurses and love teamwork. But this subject is very touchy for me and makes me disappointed in my colleagues. Or, is this just an happening in the community hospital I work in? Thanks for all who shares their opinion!