Toddbe

I would caution you about who you inform (even friends / classmates) about your permit. Remember most professor have a liberal leaning. As such, most oppose your ability to carry a weapon to defend yourself. Some professor have a difficult time separating their personal beliefs from their professional responsibilities. By not 'broadcasting' the use of your 2nd amendment right, you will not open yourself up to a possible negative reaction by somebody who WILL have power over you (a professor).

It is really sad as I read through these posts. Overworked, underappreciated, underpaid, are three common threads among the stated items. Added to that is the 'eating our young syndrome' - as one writer put it - I tell every student nurse or recent grad how bad it is and to get out (paraphrased). I cannot help but wonder several items. First what have you done to change the situation? Have you talked to management, and I'm not just talking about your supervisor. Have your written letters and called your state representative/congress person? Have you tired, and I mean recently and really, tired to make a difference? Next, what is keeping in you in nursing? Oh sure I read - I'm close to retirement etc - but really, what is keeping you in the profession - I'm sorry for many of you it is a job. Maybe it is time to find something else, or maybe find a new position in nursing. Find something you enjoy. When was the last time you changed position, not just departments, but position. New hospital, new type of nursing - home health care, Occ health, anything, something? Lastly, what kind of care are you providing? If the attitude of these post is carried to your care - and many of your comments indicates it does - what type of care are you providing? Not all hospital, not all employers, not all nursing is bad. However, there must be some personal responsibility. After a long self review - if it is not you that is making nursing a bad profession for you, then what is and change it! If it is you, then change or leave! I teach at a community college and work at a local hospital. They are both great, if not the greatest place to practice my profession. Nursing is a great profession, but as in life it is your attitude and what you are going to make of it!

Do you know what is really fun? Reading this type of post. I can 'feel' your excitement of being accepted and starting your nursing career. As a nursing instructor I am excited to have an excited student. Congrats!

I would encourage my daughter and/or son in any profession they were evaluating! I would assist them getting the information they needed to make an informed decision so that decision they make is based on facts instead of misinformation. That being said, now my personal ranting! Look at the negative comments regarding this posting! If this is how you truly feel you need to look for a new profession and/or a new place to practice your profession – and yes it is a profession – are you viewing it in that ‘light’ or is it just a job to you? I would welcome the opportunity for somebody to tell me about a profession that has more opportunities than this profession. Bedside nursing, school nurse, hospice, occupational health, physician office, and the list goes on and that is with just an ASN! Of course with a BSN the opportunities increase, and more door open with an advanced degree. I would encourage anybody to review the opportunities of nursing, take advantage of these opportunities knowing full well the next opportunity is what they make of the profession.

So where are you going? What clinical course does your wife have to take yet?? Todd

I've had day shift staff state that all we do is sit or sleep at night. During my 12 hour shift I average 6 miles. I must be sleep walking.

Have you checked with Spectrum Health? I know with the new heart center coming online they had a need for more techs, but I'm not sure of the status now.

hello jen - i'm a biased but i do enjoy spectrum health. but it might not be so much what hospital as much as what department/unit. determine that type of unit you want to work in, then visit the hospital. are they friendly and is there a good attitude there? what is staffing like? if the unit you want to work on is not good the hospital does not matter. hope this helps. todd

Hi Jen - yes GVSU people do read this site. I am an ex-student and current clinical instructor of GVSU. Maybe I'll see you some day! Todd

There are also numerous schools that offer RN-to-BSN completion programs. So you can start with the ADN and continue your education. You will find my jobs that "perfer or require" a BSN. One great thing about nursing is the numerous type of jobs available. Direct pt care from med-surg to ER to cath Lab. The list is endless. Long term care, school nurse, Pre-op planning, etc. Wtih a masters teaching is an option. This is one of the only professions that you can completely change what you do and still use your schooling / education.