Rethinking my nursing motivation

shudokan-RN · Sep 19, 2004

if you are not happy on med/surg, find another job.. Hospice or Home Health nursing sounds like a better fit. the hours can be better to.also you really can make a difference as a home heath nurse.. I know I did it for 2 years, and loved it... but my true calling is in the OR

Good luck and God Bless

Marci

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Sep 19, 2004

I think you've summed up what has frustrated me about nursing over the years. I got older, was more able to say no (politely) to those taking advantage of me, and moved among departments so I found a spot, and a staff that I liked.

nursemaa · Sep 19, 2004

I think you've hit the nail on the head....what you've said is what many nurses are frustrated about. It seems people in general are getting more demanding, less appreciative....harder and harder to deal with. They want what they want, and they want it now...kind of reminds me of a 2 year old, only these are adults! And although all kinds of surveys state that people really respect nurses, I don't see that demonstrated by their behavior towards them. I hope your new job works out better for you. Keep praying about it and searching, and you'll find the right job for you, one that makes you feel fulfilled. :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2004

Good luck in whatever you do. A lot of us med-surg nurses get to that point out of school. The trick is to find some peace of mind.

For me some days it's the little things I have to concentrate on. Some days I'm happy knowing I made a big difference. Some days I'm happy if I get out without killing anyone...seriously.

But know this if nothing else, you are helping people and making a difference in their lives.

Some people call what your experiencing reality shock. I'm not sure about that, but I hope if helps to know we all go through that at one time or another.

I'll stop now before I ramble on. Best wishes to you. Hang in there. We need nurses like you who actually care.

(P.S. I left work today saying to the day shift. "I feel like a drug pusher shooting people up." I won't go into it because we have strong opinions about pain managment here, but you know what I mean.)

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Sep 19, 2004

One thing that has helped me over the years is to realize that by making my contribution, I am helping, even if I don't see the end result. Some place down the line, I figure, my clients will either unwittingly incorporate some of what I tried to share with them, or they may actually have an "ah-ha!" moment and think, "so that's what she meant!"

We never know. I choose to believe that no pebble can hit a pond without causing ripples, someplace.

I'm glad for this post, though. I too am a nurse with a calling, and tend to overestimate my tolerance, energy, strength, etc. This is a good wakeup call for me.!

Good luck, and peace to you.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Sep 19, 2004

ahh, Jacel, Jacel....

I can so totally understand where you're coming from. For truly idealistic ppl (and I am one of them), reality hits harder. I am in total agreement with your hopes, your zeal, your preconceptions about nursing.. the hunger to learn more, the ability to perform all those wonderful nursing skills and use sound judgement... an outlet for the truly caring parts of yourself and fulfilling that desire/need to give of yourself...the whole ball of wax.

But know that we cannot "change the world". If we make a difference in just ONE patient's life every so often, consider it a blessing. For that person and for you. And find that place of contentment in your heart knowing that regardless of THEIR responses (or lack thereof).. that YOU have given your all.

I like knowing that I have given of myself to the fullest, am grateful for that opportunity, and let it go at that.. it is up to the other to "receive" it.. some do and some don't. That is out of my control, so I refuse to worry about it or allow it to bother me.

I, too, would think that hospice is indeed a better fit for you. There you can give your best, be the caring individual I believe you are, be kind and gentle and make a difference. You may not see any "end results" there, either, and often your patiets may not even be conscious or alert enough to even see/know what you are giving of yourself... but that's ok.. YOU KNOW. As does the family.. there, too, is a great opportunity to care, comfort, nourish.

Although nurses so often do not receive the positive feedback we desire and often need to keep us going, my personal reward is knowing that I have indeed been the best nurse I could possibly be for that day.. I have done what I was meant to do. I was given the opportunity. That's plenty to be grateful for right there. :)

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2004

We never know. I choose to believe that no pebble can hit a pond without causing ripples, someplace.

Thanks for this statement Chris.

JacelRN, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2004

Thank you all so much,

I just woke up after working last night and when I read all your posts, I cried. :crying2: I guess I had so much emotion inside and no real outlet for it. I talk to my coworkers and every once in a while I get a true friend who will tell me they too have felt this way, but it mostly just turns into a complaining session about managers, holiday schedules, bonuses, etc.

While those things are important to people (and me sometimes), I am searching for the higher purpose. I realize I may never reach it, as many of you have said. But to strive for it and believe I may be that pebble in the pond is a relief. If no patient ever gets what nursing is really about for many of us, I may have to settle for God's knowledge. Maybe I was looking in the wrong place all along.

Thank you for reafirming there are others out there like me who view this as more than a job. Thank you for the kind words and redirection. I guess I just needed a virtual hug and an acknowledgement that yes, this does happen to the best of us and yes, there is a way to live through it.

Tweety, I wanted to hear you ramble when you mentioned it (About the reality shock). If you feel up for it, I'll listen. Perhaps its what any of us need, just someone else out there saying "Yeah, I felt that way too!"

Love you guys and gals,

JacelRN

FizzgigRN · Sep 29, 2004

Jacel,

Your words have really hit home for me..which is weird because I haven't even started working (New graduate nurse). I've been feeling this way only after having experienced clinical rotations. I feel that if I stop now, my husband and family would look at me like I was crazy. I'd also feel guilty for all the effort and $$ I put in my education. I want to do good, but I feel there are forces against me (demanding schedules, unpleasant coworkers, liability, pretentious MDs. Also failed NCLEX after first attempt.

I'm going to continue, just as I think you should. It's important to find your niche. I can't wait to hear about how much you enjoy the gift you provide your clients and how much better you feel when you return home.

Good Luck to you and thanks for the post. You helped me realize some things I'm experiencing and where I need to go.

Fizz

grnbug2000 · Sep 29, 2004

It sounds like lots of newbies are in the same boat. On my floor we are loosing the new nurses left and right. I have been a nurse for about 10 months now and I decided to go back to school for a non nursing related advanced degree.

I am on a med/surg floor and its taxing at best-but then there are those days when a pt is able to tell you how much you helped them and then for that moment things make sense. I wish you luck in you endavour- there is a fit for eveybody and that is one of the best things abt nursing- the ability to move and change.

Town & Country · Sep 29, 2004

JacelRN, you described the plight of nurses perfectly.

But you know what? If I ever have to have a nurse ~ I HOPE IT'S YOU.

(edited to add: I meant in a hospital - I FORGOT you're going to hospice!) :chuckle

You will do very well there, I predict.