MingaL

I need some perspectives. I recently got an offer to be trained to work in an inpatient setting. I have been working in a clinic for a few years. I have never worked on the floor, but I have talked to many nurses who have been there done that, and say they would never return to inpatient floor nursing. I realize this is subjective, but I am hearing more negatives than positives. I have been warned that working the floor makes nurses "bitter" among other things. It seems like the majority of nurses leave the floor due to back injuries, the stressful environment, and/or they just tire of the unpredictable work schedule. While I thought I always wanted to be inpatient, these warnings are making me have some serious second thoughts....and of course the aforementioned swing shifts/unpredictable hours that go along with the job will be a super tough change for me. I am torn about whether this transition would be a good step, or if I should just stay put. My pay and benefits are great, my job is secure. However the job can be rather boring, it involves more phones and paperwork rather than direct patient care. I am really more of a nurse secretary than an actual nurse and often feel underutilized. I would love to hear the opinions of nurses who have worked the floor, are working the floor, and ones who would never return. As well as what made you like it, and/or hate it.. I fully realize that I am one lucky duck having this opportunity to choose between jobs, however these big decisions are always fraught with many pros and cons....

I acknowledge that I am a new nurse. I started in home health and have now been licensed and working for nearly 3. I have been a case manager in ambulatory care for the past 21/2 years. Definitely not my first choice for work as a newer grad, but I have to thank my lucky stars that I was even able to find employment. My dream would have been to start somewhere inpatient, but that's for another blog... I really just want and need to vent: I am SOOO tired of being reminded I am a newer nurse. It seems like no matter what situation comes up, there's this awful bias towards newer RN's. Granted, I am in a position where nurses tend to do their last stint before retiring, but I find my clinical skills and accomplishments are brushed aside since I am simply labeled as a "newer nurse" I recently transferred to a new site while remaining with the same organization/position. I was recently told by my new manager that I will experience a "learning curve" when it comes to pathophysiology and disease management. This was said to me before I was even given the opportunity to show what I can do/know. Derogatory comments intended to be supportive abound. In my new position I was just informed that one of the MD's complained about my performance, and called out my triage skills. Apparently this particular physician is known to be difficult. No other providers have voiced issue with my patient care. Although there is no evidence to support the allegations (I know because I asked) I was once again reminded that I am a newer nurse with a lot to learn. I acknowledge that I have a lot to learn. Life is learning, I have never been afraid to ask questions. I am not a know it all. Even if one has been a nurse for 20 yrs healthcare is CONSTANTLY evolving and learning is a basic requirement. I am tired of automatically being deemed incompetent until proven otherwise. This perception makes me vulnerable and an easy target for the bullies of the medical world. I want to know how long I have to be in the industry for this stigma to lift. Apparently 3 years isn't enough. Who knew that the medical field could be so harsh? Anyone else have similar experiences?