S.Corder, RN

Very few of the now case managers, head nurses, whatever they are called today, do remember being in the trenches. They think they have achieved beyond us when they get the promotion. I know that when I became a case manager I tried to be real and help out on the floor when needed and to be open and honest. However, those above me kept pressuring me to do as they bidded. If they did not like somebody, I was actually ordered to get them out someway. When I did not do this, I was let go. They said that it was because I was a not a "team" player. Their "team" did not include the staff RN. It only included braggards who were afraid of working staff and became bosses. What is that old saying: Those who can do and those who can't become bosses. I thought that I could really make a difference, but I was innocent and oh so very niave. All we can realistically do is help our patients, help our CNA's and go home and love our families. The system today is not set-up to allow good, experienced RN's to assist in making policy or changes for the better. It is set-up for bosses to get the glory for everything we do. I disagree with the poster who said that this does not include all bosses. I got news, it includes all bosses who are allowed to stay in their positions for awhile. Not those who get in, try to change the system and then are dismissed for whatever the higher bosses do not agree with. Honesty, hard work and caring are not part of most bosses. "They are into what will make me look good to my superior."

A "catch 22" it is indeed. Honey, it is best that you keep your opinions to yourself in today's nursing world. Why? Because case managers, all bosses for that matter, take any complaints as making them look bad. They all want to think that they are perfect and things are running well because of their innovations and ideas. The other employees who are and probably need assistance or to be fired- -the bosses are ususally afraid of in some way. They will deny this, of course, but it is true none the less. If you want to keep your job, smile pretty and do not make waves. A sad truth for today's nurses.

All you can do is be honest with them. Go to the orientation as planned and don't say a word until asked. They had to have seen something in you they liked when they gave you the job, don't discount that. When they do ask--and they will--just tell them what you said above--you want to keep the position and come back after the child is born. We have all been in situations like this. Take a deep breathe and go into work looking as professional and cute as possible. We all have children and new babies make us all go weak in the knees--or at my age, say thank you those days are over. You will be fine, just do not lie nor add things that are not asked. Good Luck and God Bless. This is a great time in your life, enjoy it!

There is not a nurse working today that has not made a medication error. It is like a "right of passage" for nurses. The problem with your co-worker sounds more like jealouscy. You stood up and admitted your mistake. She probably blames her mistakes on others. Do not be afraid to be honest, it is the only way to survive. Her problem is fear and insecurity. When she is attacking you, she does not have to look at herself. You, my dear, are one of the good ones--we need more like you in this profession. All I see is arrogance and back stabbing in younger nurses. You are not one of them, congratulations on being a real nurse!

Your post is fine here. Just listen to us who have been there. Nursing opens doors to many areas--pharmaceuticals, research, in-home, out-patient and even private practice if you get a masters. But that is not the issue. What do you like? Working with people? Seeing them improve? Making a good living? Job security? Time with your own family? Take it from this old warrior, nursing no longer provides the feelings of usefulness that it used to. Sometimes you have to fight to do the right thing for our patients. The money is fair, but the benefits are being cut everyday. Now, physical therapy provides what nursing used to. When I did home health, I got paid $33.00 per visit while the PT made $125.00. Sad but true. I have a masters and he had a bachelors, but he got the respect and none of the hastle. He got to set his own hours and go home to be with his family. If someone called off, I was required to work and lost a lot of family time. I have 5 grown girls. They are all teachers (one speech therapist) and hate nursing. I still hear about the mistakes I made by being forced to work overtime and not taking time with them--and she is 38 years old! This profession, once proud and caring, has become a business for facilities to use and abuse. I have no retirement and am looking at bankcrupcy. Am I angry, yes. Am I sorry I chose nursing--I wanted to make a difference--the last 10 years have been a struggle, one that I have lost. Look, nursing is not the profession you see on TV. It is not the fantasy that many have about magnanimous caregivers only doing good. Since it has become a business everything has changed. Too many rules--ask about DRGs that limit the amount of care that can be given. Ask about the forced overtime and not getting credit for what you have done. I know, some pureest will say that it is not about getting credit. But, let's face it, burn out is inevitable and liking our work is shortly lived if someone does not acknowledge our work. You are at the beginning of your life, be something that still gives you patient care and the joy of seeing someone improve--that is not nursing anymore.

Well, all I can say is that the pay has improved for both RNs and LPNs. When I first started nursing as an RN, I made $4.50 an hour, but that was in 1969! Today, in LTC here in the Chicago area, LPNs are making anywhere from $18.00 to $22.00 per hour. If I were you, ask for about $20.00 per hour. It is a good place to start. Good Luck!

I am glad that you moved on and wish you only the best at your new position! LTC is rough duty. Everything in life is a learning experience, the good and the bad. Good Luck!

I think back over these past 40 years since I started this game. Very few times has the nurse gotten the credit the way he/she should. Over the years, respect for what we do has been chipped away to where it is nearly non-existant now. Will it change in the future, sure, but nor for the better. 40 years ago we were proud, hard working, caring and willing to go that extra mile for anyone at anytime. Now, we are chatel merchandise, owned by the facilities that we work for and seldom given the credit we deserve. When we do, there is a hidden agenda. They (administration) are setting us up for something. Before I lost my job, I called an MD to get orders on a new admission. He actually hung up on me! I called him back and was told very firmly that he would be in -in the morning and not to bother him. I hung up and just screamed. The next morning I am being reprimanded by my DON for not respecting the MD. The world of healthcare has gone crazy. We are but players in a game that we cannot control nor are able to change. All we can do is to do our best for our patients, as you did, and go home knowing that you tried. If you know in your heart that you did the best you could, then know that you are one of the good guys that God will bless. If you give up trying and just do the mechanics of nursing, which many do, you will miss the blessing of knowing that your patient was trully cared for on my shift. Please do not be someone who is just there for the paycheck.

Kiddo, take the job. The money is OK and your husband understands. It will work out in the long run. When an opening happens on another shift, you would have already paid your dues and just might get it.

Be a physical therapy assistant or OT assistant. If you have the time and money, become a physical therapist or OT therapist. Money is better, hours are better and you get more respect.