spiruleena

I think it has a lot to do with not only the work environment/people/management but also the system itself in which you work. I live in New Zealand and our health system though not perfect sounds far fairer than what the other people in this thread have expressed. Namely due to the fact that we are government funded where as the American system is namely private. I hope to God that New Zealand never, ever, ever goes private it is the death of nursing and the principles it values. I care for on average 3-5 patients a day working in a cardiothoracic and vascular unit. Some patients are very unwell and the workload is adjusted accordingly with my colleagues and we are all supportive of this system because we know what goes around comes around. Don't get me wrong we have issues with management but because our of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act and Disability Commissioner's Act the hospital is very liable for outcomes. Not only that because it's free a lot of patients and their families are very grateful and gracious to the nurses for the care we give. Incident forms are our best tool in New Zealand to make our voices heard. I have days where nursing is tough, but the very first thing that was said to me on my very first day of nursing "If you don't like your job move on, we don't want you if you don't want to be here". I understand people have life commitments but when you realise how much of your life you spend working you might as well be doing something you enjoy. Bureaucracy will forever exist, fight it or accept it. Those are your choices. Or just come live in New Zealand. We'd love to have you :)