bigmama23

The NCBSN has been reporting similar things. Their numbers are nationwide but IIRC, 84% of licensed nurses work in nursing. In Michigan that number was lower, something like 79-80% last I checked. The reasons are what we are all aware of: poor leadership, no back up from management when dealing with violent patients, inconsistent pay raises, etc.

I have been in public health for the better part of the last decade. When I went back to school to get a DNP, I thought I would continue working in public health. I graduated in May of this year, I passed the ANCC the year before. In April there were talks of expanding my role, but it stalled. I also applied for and interviewed for many internal promotions, and thought for sure I got the last one I applied to. I found out last month from an administrator who left that both she and I were blacklisted by someone who isn't even there anymore. The person was anti-nurse even though they were an ADN in administration themselves. I have to rethink what it is I want to do with my career now, and it is hard. I put so much time and energy into my career path here, but someone who was only there for 2.5 years derailed it because she didn't like me.

I just graduated in May with a DNP and I passed the ANCC the October before graduating. I get what you're saying about lost time with your family, then working for a small employer with garbage benefits, if any at all, while also having to work hours on call and work more hours than what you would be if you were in your RN role. That is garbage. I had been looking into getting into administration with my employer, unfortunately the health officer where I work decided to blacklist me before she died so I am in a different boat there. At least someone had the courtesy to tell me so I didn't continue wasting my time there.

Yikes that sounds like a rough placement! I hope your university does not use your nightmare preceptor for other students in the future. I know what you mean about feeling like you know nothing as a grad student. When I've gotten feedback lately, it's usually that I need more confidence because I know more than what is expected of me and I appear to have impostor syndrome (this is from colleagues and informal feedback/encouragement). I am glad your nightmare preceptor's attempts to sabotage your clinical grade were fruitless for her. Here's to hoping she gets the help and reality check she sounds like she is in need of. She's no longer an issue for you going forward.

I am a BSN as well, and I have an Aspie son with ADHD and I have noticed similarities in myself and him. I, too, think I have Asperger's, for the same reasons as you. The good news though, if you get the official dx, is that it is a protected disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. I love nursing, but not the bedside aspect of it. I like putting the pieces of the puzzle together with a patient's care. The worst part about bedside care for me is making small talk with someone. It isn't because I don't care for my patients, I do, it's because I don't know what to say and how to relate to them other than basic conversation pieces like the weather and salutations. That adds to my stress level, but the good part is, nothing else really stresses me out about my job. I like the constant moving and time management. It always comes down to reading social cues from my co-workers, patients' families', my patients, and anyone else in my day. I am still relatively new to nursing, so I am still trying to find my niche after five years in, but I have developed this "canned personality" based on what I have seen and what I have read. It's harder some days than others, and some people say they don't find me assertive enough to care for them effectively. Eventually I think I will find my niche and I am seeking a psychiatrist to test me presently.

I am so sorry you're going through this. I have been where you are, and looking back on it now I say to you QUIT. They are horrible to work for and will only cause yourself heartache and headaches. It isn't worth the money. ((hugs))