challis

Hi Tim & Hi Everyone, I believe that, at least here in Australia, attitudes towards nursing wont improve until there is a "generational shift". Many years ago nurses were taught in the "hospital system". That is they were basically trained "on the floor" and attended classes within the nursing education centre at their specific hospital. Now nursing education in Australia is through TAFE colleges (to train as an enrolled nurse) & university (to train as a registered nurse). Presently there are still many "hospital system trained" nurses around. Any yes, I have and still do work with many of them. Many of those I have worked with (& still do work with) have a very poor attitude to nursing. university trained nurses, enrolled nurses etc. They count down the days until they retire, the complain about university trained RN's, they complain that enrolled nurses are only around for cheap labour & will ultimately take their jobs! When I was a student nurse, I was treated very badly by SOME of these hospital trained nurses - to the point that I nearly left my training. I have also seen student nurses who come to my workplace on Clinical Practicals be treated poorly. I feel that attitudes to nursing MAY change in years to come when more university/TAFE trained nurses are in the system. In my workplace we are severly understaffed, with management unable to retain new employees. Please be aware that I am NOT criticising all hospital trained nurses :) I have worked with many university/TAFE trained nurses who also have poor attitudes to the profession. I have (& currently do) work with many hospital trained nurses who have fabulous attitudes and have taught me much - their experience is invaluable. I am just concerned with the small minority that I have personally encounted. :)

I know of a psychiatrist here in Sydney who is unfortunately named Dr. Allnutt!! Ive also had a patient call me a "half nurse" as Im an Enrolled Nurse (similar to an LPN in the USA). He said if I were a "full nurse" I'd be a Registered Nurse. I wasnt sure whether to take offense or just laugh!! :)

1 - Enrolled Nurse but studying to be a Registered Nurse 2 - 6 years 3 - Work in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia 4 - Could always be better 5 - We dont really get "benefits" as such like you guys in the USA. 6 - I work 8 hour shifts 7 - My immediate superviser - yes. 8 - No 9 - Yes 10 - sometimes 11 - no 12 - Try and take my breaks but sometimes shortages of staff dont allow us to have our breaks. Management just seems to accept this as mandatory work practice even if we complain. Even though we dont get paid for our 1/2 hour meal break, the hospital just expects up to work through it whenever it suits them. 13 - I work rotating shifts 14 - Not many. I usually choose to work the holidays as I need the extra money that the shift penalties bring. Its no excuse for notspending time with my family, but I need the money to pay for my university education..... 15 - We have a nurses union here in my state, The NSW Nurses Association, which is pretty weak but its good to know its there if I need the legal help. 16 - Ive always been a union member.

As a recent victim of bullying, I thought I was so alone. I have had a look at the web sites that Doc has mentioned and have bookmarked them for future reference. Thank you all.........I feel so much better now..

Carmen, go for it!! Im 34 and an Enrolled Nurse here in australia which I think is similar to a LPN in the US/Canada. Im starting my university course next week (eek!!) and was very concerned that I would be the oldest in my class. I doubt that I will be. My university, and many here in my state, recognise Enrolled Nurse qualification (hooray for that !!) and offer varying amounts of credit toward the three year Bachelor of Nursing degree. My university offers 1 years fulltime/ two years part time credit. If I can continue to work full time as an Enrolled Nurse and study part time for my degree (whilst maintaining a "life") anyone can......I just keep thinking of the future career prospects. There is much more on offer for a registered nurse, a wider scope in which to work. good luck!!

Yay!! I feel so at home amongst you all. Im 34 years old, work full time as an Enrolled Nurse (I think its similar to LPN in the US?? not sure) and am beginning part time university study next week to become a registered nurse. I am lucky that the university I am going to recognises my qualifications and have offered my one year (full time/two years partime)credit!! Even though I have kept up my study in recent years, Im still very nervous. After all, most students at university will be almost half my age!!