We had a doctor who I saw wash his hands twice in 2 years, and he is an infectious disease MD??? Not only that, he applied a gauze to an AIDS patient on his wound without gloves, then went into his office to chart, without washing.
Another doctor who I witnessed perform and reopen an abd surgery without washing, without gloves, and the patient crying from pain without any pain meds on board, or even asking the patient if they had any pain. Yes, I reported it to my boss and even higher chain of command, and it was not addressed with the board. This same doctor corrected me infront of the patient when I asked if we could switch from vicodin to Percocet for better pain mgmt. He corrected me very strongly infront of my patient saying "you are not a prescribing doctor and will not tell me what to prescribe". Then He went to my boss and said I was over-stepping my role??? When I went to my boss, she said "at least you were an advocate for the patient". It drives me crazy!
Another time I was told to call a doctor early in the AM (by the hosp. supervisor) to report an abnormal potassium level, and the doctor yelled and me "I am trying to sleep and you're calling me for this?" Sexual harrassment is not allowed in the work place, but verbal abuse from doctors never seems to matter.
And last, I am tired of patients who don't care about their health and refuse to be part of the team. They want miracles, but won't change their ways.
I have been a nurse since 95 and I am ready for a change.
I have given 100% to my patients. I love many of them, and have developed special friendships with some, but overall I am not happy any longer and thought I'd get out before I became too bitter!
I would like to hear from those with similar experiences and how you dealt with it.
The kind of thing that you describe is EVERYWHERE in healthcare. Changing to a different type of nursing is not going to fix your problem. If you were tired of the type of nursing, type of patients, or of your coworkers, I might tell you to try another specialty.
Your "problem" is that you have high standards and certain expectations of people in various positions. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who allow the creeping compromise to come into their life and they don't even realize that what they are doing is wrong. I've often been told my standards are too high. Funny, when I was a kid being accountable for your actions and taking responsibility was a given, now it is the exception.
Get out and be happy.
Yes, I am! If I miss it all too bad, I'll go back perhaps into AMB surgery as someone suggests, but they have the surgeon "God" attitudes there too when I asked.
I was beginning to feel the way you are describing when I was working at SNF's. Loved my patients but couldn't do right by them while I had 30 per night. Went to hospice - took a small (50cents/hr) but have only 4-5 pts/shift nad am treated as an equal by the docs. LOOOOVE my job - would never work any where else! If you think you may have "a hospice heart" give it a try. You'll never be sorry!:anpom:
I was beginning to feel the way you are describing when I was working at SNF's. Loved my patients but couldn't do right by them while I had 30 per night. Went to hospice - took a small (50cents/hr) but have only 4-5 pts/shift nad am treated as an equal by the docs. LOOOOVE my job - would never work any where else! If you think you may have "a hospice heart" give it a try. You'll never be sorry!:anpom:
I've thought about it, but I need happy in my life. Although death is a part of life and some celebrate it, I am not there yet...but I know nurses who do like it...thank you for your input:)
Yes, I can relate. All of those around me in family and friends circle can't relate to my life of nursing. To leave behind trauma and be jolly at our home life and have to change your mind-set in a snap, is very hard!
What are you thinking of doing next?
Originally, I had planned on pursuing a career path with NP, but with all of the uncertainty with the DNP, I have changed my mind. Why continue in a field that has made me so miserable?
Presently, I'm just tossing ideas around in my head. I have thought about PA. I also have experience in law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, and nursing, so I could possibly encompass all of that experience into a career in emergency management.
Like I said, I have to do some serious soul searching and research. It disturbs me greatly that I'm about to turn 40 soon and have no plan or idea of what I want to be when I grow up. I have always had a goal, a plan, and determination. Now I feel lost. Scary, huh?
Medic2RN - don't feel bad, I'm right there with you! When I was younger I never considered the possiblity of NOT being a nurse. Now I feel like I am trying to figure out who I am all over again. Some days I feel like I've wasted nearly 2 decades of my life and wondering "What was I thinking?". What makes me even more crazy is that I sent my husband to college after he got out of the military. Now it is like we are trying to start all over like we were kids again. I do know that my husband and family are much happier since I quit my job last year and I have gotten to enjoy activities that I didn't have enough energy to pursue while I was working fulltime+.
Specializes in med-surg, home health, hospice, LTC.
I can relate to all that you all have said, I left nursing almost a yr ago due to burnout and frustration with the state survey process and staffing issues. :banghead:I am working for my husband's business, doing payables etc, and am more relaxed than I have been in a long time. :yeah:This past year was the first time in 25 yrs that I have not had to worry about working a holiday, either scheduled or to cover for someone else!. We have an 8 yr old at home with older children grown and out of the house, so I don't plan on persuing any nursing jobs until she is able to be home alone after school (maybe never!) I certainly understand the nursing shortage and sympathize with those who are sticking with it to prevent one more unfillable position, but there comes a point when burnout makes you less effective and anyone should take a break when that happens. I have talked to nurses who say they regularly leave the field for several months to a few years, then when ready, they go back to nursing. Face it, nursing has been tough for a long time, there will be no quick fixes, things will continue to get worse before they get better, and we all need to take care of ourselves. :loveya:Sorry for my rant, just my:twocents:
I have been out of bedside for several years as a case manager. I am moving to the Midwest from Northeast, with my husband for his fellowship. I am returning to bedside as I could not find a case management opening. First of all, I am sooo nervous about going back to bedside and this thread is really making my anxiety hit the roof! I have been there and just hope I can deal with it for the year that I will be in OH. Any advice???
BTW- not all surgeons are A-Holes or have the "GOD" syndrome. Some actually realize the importance and value of nurses and treat them as such!!
I can relate to all that you all have said, I left nursing almost a yr ago due to burnout and frustration with the state survey process and staffing issues. :banghead:I am working for my husband's business, doing payables etc, and am more relaxed than I have been in a long time. :yeah:This past year was the first time in 25 yrs that I have not had to worry about working a holiday, either scheduled or to cover for someone else!. We have an 8 yr old at home with older children grown and out of the house, so I don't plan on persuing any nursing jobs until she is able to be home alone after school (maybe never!) I certainly understand the nursing shortage and sympathize with those who are sticking with it to prevent one more unfillable position, but there comes a point when burnout makes you less effective and anyone should take a break when that happens. I have talked to nurses who say they regularly leave the field for several months to a few years, then when ready, they go back to nursing. Face it, nursing has been tough for a long time, there will be no quick fixes, things will continue to get worse before they get better, and we all need to take care of ourselves. :loveya:Sorry for my rant, just my:twocents:
Beautifully said!!! It may be for some, some may need a break, and some realize since it will never change, they are done!
I have been out of bedside for several years as a case manager. I am moving to the Midwest from Northeast, with my husband for his fellowship. I am returning to bedside as I could not find a case management opening. First of all, I am sooo nervous about going back to bedside and this thread is really making my anxiety hit the roof! I have been there and just hope I can deal with it for the year that I will be in OH. Any advice???
BTW- not all surgeons are A-Holes or have the "GOD" syndrome. Some actually realize the importance and value of nurses and treat them as such!!
i think you should try insurance companies. with your experience as a case manager it should get you in the door pretty quick.
regnurse1995
82 Posts
Yes, I am! If I miss it all too bad, I'll go back perhaps into AMB surgery as someone suggests, but they have the surgeon "God" attitudes there too when I asked.