I finally feel like someone understands how I've been feeling. We pride ourselves on being "nurses" a title that carries so much pride. But when I go to work, my voice matters to no one but myself. When the MD's round, you are nothing more than a runner, someone to carry out their orders. And this is in an ICU where I have the most autonomy I've seen in all of my experience.
While getting my BSN, i was greatful for the knowledge of my professors who saw nursing as a professional title, and taught me that nursing is not just " butt wiping" but a professional role. But in order for us to be seen as such, we have to present ourselves as professionals. We are already there, we follow evidence based practice versus doing things the way they have been done. We are far from being seen as an equal to an MD, even as an NP, but I refuse to be proud of my profession if we are seen nothing more than maids.
