BabyNurse

No, following graduation I DID NOT feel that I was adequately prepared for my new role as a nurse. I graduated from Florida Atlantic University in April 1999 with a bachelor's degree in nursing. Our College's focus was very unique in that it was based on "loving, caring and knowing your patient in totality". That's right, in other words, our program's #1 focus was on loving and knowing the patient and the #2 focus was to teach us the technical aspects of nursing. As a result, we were often times ridiculed for not knowing as much as the ADN's. I would say that the majority of my graduating class got very tired of all that LOVING AND CARING stuff. We wanted more hands-on experience. Besides, why should a College dedicate an entire program on being loving, compassionate and caring? You have to care for others to be a nurse(or so I thought at that time). BUT, NOW THAT I HAVE HAD ALMOST A YEAR TO EXPOUND ON MY EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AT FAU. I DON'T THINK THAT THERE ARE ANY NEW NURSES THAT FEEL PREPARED FOR THEIR NEW ROLES REGARDLESS OF THE TYPE OF DEGREE THAT THEY RECEIVED. THEREFORE, I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE EDUCATION THAT I RECEIVED AT FAU. YOU CAN TEACH ANYONE TO INSERT A FOLEY OR START AN IV...BUT HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO GO THAT EXTRA MILE IN ORDER TO MAKE SOMEONE ELSE HAPPY? Besides, since graduation I have had ample time to perfect my skills and techniques during those 12 hr shifts. Baby,RN

I have been a nurse for approx 8 months. I am still employed at the same hospital on the telemetry/cardiovascular interventional unit. I am so tired of floor nursing, and am surprised that I have kept my sanity this long. Due to the "nursing shortage" I work various shifts. Sometimes, I am scheduled to work 7A-7P, 7-3, and 3-11 all during the same week. I LOVE MY CHOSEN PROFESSION but I hate my job... At the present, I am trying to remain at this job for another 2 or 3 months. (I plan to go per diem next month in order to pursue other interests.) Before my first anniversary, I plan to leave the hospital and, possibly, try home health care. I don't want to give up on nursing, yet. But if these first few months are any indication of what the remainder of a career in nursing holds...I am in BIG trouble. Baby, RN