Chillindamost

ashnate02 12/09/03 In response to your questions: Nursing offers a decent beginning salary. Especially after a 2 year associate degree. But the problem is in the long run where salary does not compensate for experience and years worked as in other professions. I find many perks in nursing. Flexible scheduling and a multitude of areas to work hospital, homecare, community health. I've tried many positions and seek out new experiences to keep abreast of the job market and to be marketable myself. Meeting many great people who have become lifelong friends. Attributes of a nurse are many. To name a few patience, the ability to multitask, willingness to learn and adapt to a constantly changing profession, compassion, knowledge ..... Over the years I think I have become detached somehow in order to maintain my mental health. But patients and families suffering and problems can still bring tears and their recoveries and successes and every once in awhile their gratitude make you happy. What I would change would be to have nursing recognized as a profession to have the benefits professionals are able to attain after years of work and experience. And safer patient/rn ratios. Good luck on your paper,

12/5/03 Ive been a rn for 11 years and I still repeat my motto used all through school and clinical "WING IT". Keep the patient the priority and everything will work out. We still use the phrase "Three Stooges Nursing Company" many times during a shift!! And without fail, you can recognize something so significant and then overlook the obvious:eek: Good Luck, keep on striving.

12/04/03 My employer has developed a professional ladder program for 2004. To advance to a higher level, ie clinical nurse 3 or 4 etc; certain criteria must be meet. One requirement is a written case study. Does anyone have some input to get me started on just what to do?