mocham

Have you looked into case management? I was a floor nurse for about a year. It took a full year for me to start getting comfortable, but I too did not like floor nursing. I have a business background and was offered a position in case management. I LOVE it and still use my clinical knowledge in this position. Still get to work with patients and feel like, in a lot of ways, we are very helpful to patients and families. It's more rewarding to me than the task managing (or lack of) surrounding floor nursing. Good luck!

I totally agree with your view. Finish the MSN-CNL. There are plenty of accreditations for case management that can be had after working in the field for as few as 1-2 years if one wants to give that a shot. The MSN-CNL can be useful in many other areas, but will also help within the role of case management.

I agree with your statement on this. I was one of the lucky ones who had a lot of on hands clinical experience in school, and I was encouraged to do so. I think a lot of it depends on two things: 1) the level of liability the school holds for their students, and 2) How much students are willing to "get their hands dirty". I was terrified during clinicals, but I also knew that I was going to have to do it as an employee someday. Better to get the experience in as much as I could while under the guidance of instructors and preceptors. The floor nurses I worked with seemed (mostly) to appreciate those of us with the initiative to at least try. On the other hand, I do think that too many new nurses should be given much more time under preceptors when they do land that first job. I am not a believer that new nurses should be starting in the ER or the ICU unit. Definitely not a place for newcomers.

I agree with your post. Nurses are expected to "do it all" without proper support systems in place for them. There are may hospitals who will short staff, not only nursing, but other departments as well, in order to prop up the bottom line profits. This leads to serious strain on all departments and begets a divisive environment (e.g., "it's not MY job" mentality). Unfortunately, the brunt of the liability in the care of patients does lie with the nurses. They are trusted and expected to take on so much responsibility. It is the world's hardest job, but we still have a lot to be proud of as nurses. The decision to leave such a dysfunctional environment still weighs heavy on those who really care about, and love providing care to people in need.

I just started floor nursing about 6 weeks ago. I am into my 12 week orientation and I am having a bit of culture shock, and am conflicted myself. While I absolutely love the interaction I have with "my" patients, I abhor the management where I work. They consistently short staff our floor (which I now understand, many hospitals do), and the seasoned nurses are jumping ship because of the workload. At least, they say they are going to (and some have). This is my third career choice (I am 47) and want to be a well rounded, skilled nurse in a year or two. I don't hate floor nursing, but I can see why they told us in school that it is a serious adjustment to make after graduation. I am very fortunate to have a preceptor who really knows her stuff, but unfortunately, she is not happy either. Right now, I feel "protected" while working with her, as she picks up my slack. In fact, I see all of the nurses on my floor helping each other. But, when there is a consistent shortage on the floor, and the census is high, it is seriously scary to a new nurse who is just learning the ropes and wondering how on Earth I will be able to "do it all" when I am on my own. I can see why there is burn-out.