klmRN234

What you have described doesn't just happen to new nurses. I have been a nurse over 20 years and sometimes in report I get asked the most obscure question about a patient. If I don't know, I'll say "I don't know, let's both try to find that answer. Don't take it personally. I'll also give you a little hint....even us seasoned nurses don't know it all! :sstrs:

I loved it when I first started nursing-we wore white nurses' uniforms and a cap. I really felt like a professional and I was thrilled to wear my uniform. Now, I feel like I'm going to work in my "jammies." Comfy yes, professional looking --No. Look around you at work, have the doc's changed from their dress shirts and long white jackets? No, they still look professional, it's just us nurses that don't.

When I graduated in '86, our class was advised to work on a med/surg floor for at least a year before going to another speciality. I took that to heart and worked on a ped's med/surg floor for two years before transferring to the PICU. I was extremely happy that I did the floor training first. It really is like trying to run before you can walk if do ICU first without any other experience. Not that people can't and haven't done ICU first, but it just makes it soooo much harder!

END GAME RN: That was a very powerful post, thank-you. Even though I think most nurses are compassionate and knowledgable, the bad one's really make the rest of us look like dog poo.

If you're able to get your BSN (either 1st or after the ADN) I would say go for it. You certainly won't reqret it! I got my ADN first, then went back to school for my BSN. I'm really not sure if I'm paid more than an ADN grad, but for me-I'm just really proud that I have a bachelor's degree. I always felt that I had to apologize for only having an Associate's Degree. I was really tired of the old ADN vs BSN comparison. P.S. Excelsior's online RN-BSN program is excellent!

I work in Utah at a large hospital. The pay is $29.10 hour for a nurse that has over 20 years experience (in any area). I hope this helps.

Brownms46: I think I know the place you're talking about- I used to work there in Tele! Does Austin sound familiar??

Instead of being insulted by Glen Beck's tirade, why not take a step back and see what he is really trying to get across to our profession. Be Compassionate! Our patients are sick, they are in pain, and they are foremost scared. How much of an effort does it really take to acknowledge the patient and his pain? Even though it's hard at times (!), I try to treat each patient (VIP or not) as I would want me or my family members cared for.