picasso

HI, I hear your frustration and I've been there... this is such an old issue that I've heard and experienced myself. I'm a Canadian Nurse, I started out as a Nurses Aide when I was 16 years old and then did my LPN and then became a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, then I did my Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing and recently achieved a BSPN. I worked very hard to achieve a degree...it cost me alot of time, money sacrifice and relationships. I don't agree that a Nurses Aide should make the same amount as a person with advanced education...what would be the incentive to achieve higher education if that was the case? Should a lawyer earn the same as his secretary. Its not a matter of the NA working harder or knowing more than the degree nurse...its a matter of qualifications to fit the job requirement. I used to share your view before I knew what is actually involved and all I can say is that things are not as simple as they appear to be to the "untrained eye." At times I let my emotions lead to making judgmental call and called nurses 'stupid' because there assessments differed than my 'on-the-job' trainng and I also took things personal. I also went back to school to earn the credibility I knew I deserved and so that I could provide my patients with the best care I can give. NOt everyone has the opportunity for higher education...family committments, finances, access to education to name a few. There were many times I helped a new RN through the transition time from student to 'charge nurse' and showed them how to do new procedures and covered up there mistakes...yes there are incompetent nurses and there are incompetent para professionals, but I still say that if your investing in education and willing to accept the additional responsibility that comes with the health care system then yes you deserve financial compensation... it does not translate into 'better than others.'