holisticlady09

I've been in the nursing field for approximately 18 years (this includes my stint as a P/T nurses' aide while enrolled in nursing school.) I, too, have experienced this feeling several times in my career, both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. But I have found myself asking myself why I entered nursing in the first place and have come to the same answer over and over again...my love for providing the best nursing care that I can in hopes that it will positively affect the individual I care for. For years, I have heard (and witnessed) the same issues [everywhere] in nursing-Nursing shortage; nurses not being respected by doctors or nurse colleagues; challenging patient-nurse ratios; and demanding families. This has only proven to me [externally] that while medical technology has changed, the nursing profession has remained the same. I believe that when nurses start looking within themselves and learn to consistently love and respect themselves first, then they will start to see change around them. In other words, we cannot expect others to make us [nurses] happy until we learn to make ourselves happy first. Quite frankly, we, nurses (remember this is plural!), have more power than we actually think we do.

What would be the TOP 3 wishes you would ask a GENIE to grant you with at work?

If the US is accepting of H1-B visas as a way to "help" the so-called nursing shortage in hospitals, then I would have to agree that it CAN serve for the greater good ONLY if the nurses are approved to practice through the state board's approval for practice competency. This would mean that they could be given an exam and practicum skills test through local participating educational institutions. However, it has saddened me to see that healthcare (in general) has come to focus only on the bottom-line. And the consumers are always the ones to "pay" for what administrative executives deal the public. The only (seemingly) way to create change in this country is by voice (spoken or written). Words are energy (yes, I'm getting on the holistic train) and energy is constantly in motion. Nurses (and Americans, for that matter) have more power than they actually think or realize.

Sounds like the H1-B nurses impact both the new grad AND the experienced nurses because they could be offered less salary (take home, that is!) than for the other counterpart. I think that nurses (and all affected by H1-B's) should persistently share their views with their local state boards of nursing and the ANA regarding this concern because it, undoubtedly, affects the national unemployment rate's accuracy not to mention individual lifestyles.

black_butterfly, Although I'm an experienced nurse, I'd like to say that you're not alone! I'm in your "boat". I've relocated to Orlando on 12/31/08 fm Maryland and have been applying to (outpatient) employers in the Orlando area since Nov '08 (although I was just finally issued a license on 1/8)! I did hear fm a local recruiter that Orlando Regional had a hiring freeze. Also, if you're granted an interview for Florida Hospital, you are likely to have to complete up to three interviews before being hired! Know that patience & perseverance pays! Expand your area scope and try applying to home care companies first, even if its for a temporary time until you get into the hospital you want.

From personal experience, I've just relocated to Orlando, FL from Maryland as of 12/31/08. Been applying to jobs since Nov '08 (although my nsg license was finally issued as of 1/8/09!). I've been waiting to hear from employers ever since! Not sure which area (inpatient or outpatient) is now more challenging for finding work at this stage in my career (with over 17 years of nsg experience in various fields). I will say, however, that my job hunt focus is in the outpatient setting. If anyone can provide recommendations on a great employer to work for, please do tell! :smiletea2: