Doubledee

Let me add congrats and good wishes on your job hunt. Hopefully, since the last post was in June, you already have a job by now. If all things are equal, it is probably best to get your first job in an acute care hospital. However, that doesn't mean there aren't other good places to start. The most important thing is you have to have a FIRST job to get started. All experience is valuable. Take care.

Unless your facility has a policy specifying scrubs, there really shouldn't be any issue with alternative uniforms whether they are khakis and polos or even the retro tunic with bowtie. Go for it!

I came to nursing in my late 30s. Nursing was never even a thought when I was a young man. Although, I think my earlier experiences have made me a better nurse, wish I could have started sooner! I love this job with all the options and flexibility it offers. RachPapp, bring your enthusiasm and come work with me!

I have to admit I was confused/put off by the suggestion of "dressing up" as a nurse at night. I accept it is a joke. Let me just add my support for the "children of the night". I spent my first TEN years on nights, seven as a CNA, three as an RN. Nights gave me the opportunity to study and learn. Later, I had plenty of opportunity to experience a wide range of situations in a slower pace. Leaving nights was traumatic. I wasn't sure I'd be able to function with the lights on and the bosses around. But then again, we are nurses. We can do just about anything, can't we?

"Night nurses go to work in their pajamas... er... scrubs " Don't forget our slippers...er, clogs too!

I have to amend an earlier posting in a similar posting a few years ago. I've always been pretty much a suit guy for interviews. A blazer with khakis was a little more casual but still acceptable. During a recent job search, I had to take a few interviews right after work. I let them know I'd be wearing scrubs. The interviewer was more interested in meeting me than in what I wore. Of course, when I had the day off, I wore the suit.

I guess it must be human nature for people to think what you do can't be as good or important as what I do. After ten years on night shift, I get cranky when I hear bosses or other nurses suggest night shifters have plenty of time to take care of what ever project/job no one else wants to do. We have different specialties and shifts for a reason. Our patients need them!

I am currently an RN in LTC interviewing for a hospice job. I feel I have been doing end of life care for most of my career. I have come to feel the post mortem care is our way of giving a last respect. This past summer, I took care of my father in his last ten days of life. At the end, he was surrounded by family, listening to his favorite music. He had a good passing. Afterward, I cleaned him up and even zipped him in the bodybag when the mortician came for him. It was my way, as a nurse, to say good bye.

Before entering the healthcare field, I used to run about every day. I was fit. However after a few years of night shift, irregular meals and no consistent exercise, I gained quite a bit of weight. Recently, with the help of a Wellness Coach at work (being on day shift helped too!)I got back into exercising; walking at first until my dog wimped out, then back into running. I've lost more than 40 pounds, weigh what I did back in my 20s when I was a young paratrooper. Feeling fit is great just because. What is really bad is that if I hadn't lost weight, I'd still be one of the smaller people here at work.

Sounds like fun! It is no crazier than carrying all my gear in a Home Depot carpenter's apron.

As a nurse in LTC for quite a few years, I've dealt with many hospice nurses as we did end of life care for my residents. This experience was very helpful as I took care of my father in his last ten days of life this past summer. My sisters all had the same reaction when I talked about Roxanol. The were afraid Dad would get addicted or something. Many people just aren't as ready to let go as the patient on hospice. It can be hard to deal with family at times. My sister's head spun like the Exorcist when I told my dad it was ok for him to leave.

Your comment really caught my eye. It echoes how I feel about nursing in general. I am currently working LTC but am looking to jump to hospice. I took care of my father in his last ten days of life this past summer. I realized I've been doing end of life care throughout my nursing career. I was concerned I might have to take a pay cut but am encouraged by the add ons for mileage and on call. I am looking forward to the next stage in my career.

Yuk! Murse is not a term I would use for myself. At 55, I am way beyond "cute" As it is, I tell them I don't work for the Post Office when I am called a "Male Nurse". I am not in favor of changing our title. Nurse already is a respected title. Other suggestions I've heard don't come close.

Sure, it happens all the time. I deal with some pretty ignorant female nurses who think nothing of making sweeping generalizations about men nurses. However, I am fortunate enough to have bosses who appreciate my difference and what I bring to the job from my totally non female perspective.