So.... How many years have YOU been a nurse??

Streamlined · Aug 21, 2003

Just completed 23 years as an RN. 5 years before that as a ward clerk (where the staff nurses-my heroes-taught me prn). Where did my life go? Would do it again. In the good old days, we were an all-RN med/surg unit. On day shift, had 4 patients. Did it all--washed hair, gave baths, disimpacted, rounds with docs, family care conferences, took vitals signs--remember all that? No nursing assistants, it was heaven not to have to delegate and get a ration of crap from subordinates. Little did we know that those were the best of times.

AB.ER.RN · Aug 23, 2003

Nursing for 31yrs and 8 mths...The last 18 yrs in ER,7 yrs ICU/CCU prior to that.....Thankfully no more metal bedpans or glass thermometers...Of course costs have no doubt increased as everything is now disposable....Used to have management that came up throught he ranks,now more of them,it seems,have R.N after there names,but are not nurses!!! Patients, generally were thankful for what you did, now they seem more demanding,without a "Please' or 'Thankyou'...But I also think thats society in general now.....But one of the good things about nursing,lots of variety,different shifts,no five day work week.I work three nights over the w/end,so I,m off all week...Great!!!.

ainz · Aug 23, 2003

6 years army medic, 18 years RN.

safetynurse · Aug 24, 2003

Do I have to answer that question? It depends on "what is a nurse"? Do you count the time I spent as candystriper, nursing assistant, volunteer, home health aide, LPN and camp nurse? If so....

33years....

or if the clock starts after graduation with BSN....

25 years.....

Gosh, I feel old--but expect to work another 20 years at least!:balloons: :balloons:

wif411 · Aug 25, 2003

Patients, generally were thankful for what you did, now they seem more demanding,without a "Please' or 'Thankyou'...

I agree with this. I work in a LTC facility and I know that there are patients that are frustrated, some with mental deficits.etc,......but what has happened to please and thank you instead of "do this...Get that...Move that" I gently have been known to tell them that a Please or thank you would be nice. I Let them know that I still am trying to teach it to my children and I understand why it is still is important because it does go a long way. Especially when you have already worked with those who cannot help their rudeness because of their disease process.

It is nice to hear appreciation, a gentle voice, or even a kind word. Nurses get paid well, but NONE of get paid to be yelled at, cussed at, or get the old rolled eye---You again...look.

Same with families. They can talk to us with respect. They too are going through alot. It is sometimes needed to point out to them that "I realize you are worried about your mom/dad..etc...but you do not need to raise your voice at me or use that ttype of language to me to talk with me." I have even said, "Why don't you take a few minutes and I will be back to discuss what is on your mind. Maybe we can both talk and listen without being frustrated or angry."

Believe it or not, if you say these things with gentleness and respect you end up with respect from the pt and the family and usually someone who will approach you next time in a whole different light.

Now there are those folks who have no upbringing and are not gonna change for God. Those are the ones that I bite my tongue in the prescence of mine enemies--type stuff. And try to tell my self that I am not gonna lower myself to their level. They will answer to God and I reuse to be like them. Yep---I am human and i slip everyso often. But GOd willing not often enough to worry about it.

Any one else feel the same???????????? How do you all handle it??????????

:eek:

pwp1289 · Aug 26, 2003

graduated with rn in 1965--still at bedside nursing and still even rotating to other shifts--need that daily pt contact--still enjoy going to work every day although it is VERY tough going lately--staff is down with no replacements on the horizon

Asereht · Aug 26, 2003

I have been an RN since 1968 after sitting through 2 days of exams and passing to obtain by license. I have seen many changes in nursing during the years. It seems as if nursing is totally controlled by administration--and the bottom line--the dollar, and not excellent patient care. We have seen short staffing, greatly increased patient ratio's by replaced many RN's with LPN's, mandatory overtime, increasing job duties, cut in benefits, including retirement but no cuts to admininstrations benefits, or bonuses. I feel to protect our patients and ourselves a good union is the only answer as we are currently "employees of the whim of administratin". Our priorites should always be excellent nursing care for our patients and protection of ourselves and our benefits while at work. It is time that nurses banded together to fight for good, safe patient care and to have an equal voice at the administrative table when decisions are being made.

oldfolksnurse · Aug 30, 2003

15 years as an LPN, 8 years RN - all in the Long Term Care Setting. Wouldn't do anything differently!

OH, and most of the residents in LTC are under the opinion that they are at the HILTON!

nancyluphi · Aug 30, 2003

Aloha,

I started diploma nusing school on Seot.9,1959.We started out on med-surg floors by out 6th week or sooner, generally acting as unpaid NAs. Have worked ever since doing everything from OR to oncology to high risk antepartum. Now work in LTC facility taking care of Hansen's disease patients. Our class is having our 40th reunion (1 year late) 3 weeks from today and I'm looking forward to seeing some old friends. (Most for the first time since I left)

I too took 2 day boards and am thankful that I'l never have to that again

canada · Aug 31, 2003

being from sunny calif. i started an lvn course in 1971. then after 5 years went on to earn my rn in santa cruz, calif. i took the 2 day test in calif. then years later moved to ontario and again took another two day test. lol working ltc who cannot afford to retire. just paint my walker white and point me in the right direction.