lizeroo

I would not recommend nursing as a career, despite the fact that I have been one for 24 years. It is a physically, emotionally and mentally demanding career. There is a general lack of respect overall - even after all these years- between physicians and nurses. I spend a lot of money to alleviate the bad back I've acquired along the way. I can honestly say that though I have enjoyed my time as a nurse, for the most part, if I could quit and make comparable wages doing something less demanding on my body, psyche and mind, I would. I know the world of hurt we will all be in unless the profession continues to attract smart, caring people. How to keep those nurses happy, caring and invested in their jobs is the key issue.

I have been a nurse for 24 years, most of it in critical care. I have a diploma and have never considered completing a BScN, only because I enjoy bedside nursing and cannot see myself in admin., education or management.The way I see it is- someone has to look after the patients - what happens when no one wants to work bedside? I think part of the problem here (in Canada) is that our professional organization truly does not represent the bedside nurse. Their magazine causes me to shake my head every time it is delivered to me, as I peruse article after article celebrating every type of nurse BUT the bedside nurse.I will happily end my career in 9 years having spent it as a foot soldier and knowing that I made a difference to at least a few patients along the way.

When I worked in CVICU, I received a fresh case from the OR at start of shift. She was visiting from another country and ended up needing urgent CABG.She was on pressors from the start and rapidly began to lose her BP as she circled the drain.Our in house call resident was actually an anesthetic fellow, which was a problem when we had to crack her chest. He managed to do it while we waited for the surgeon and chief resident to come in from home, but in the process of giving internal cardiac massage, her pulmonary artery was ripped.Blood hit the windows behind the bed, the ceiling, and everyone involved. Of course the patient did not recover, despite a good effort. We were slipping in the blood on the floor when it was over and all had to change clothes. The family did not take the news well and had to be restrained in the waiting room but oddly enough, phoned us after midnight to ask if were true that they would not have to pay if she died within 24 hours of surgery.