I notice some students or others seem to think that because they've heard about a nursing shortage, that means that they will get a day position in their dream unit, and be welcomed with open arms as if they are the reserve troops come to save the day.
I don't think that's really the case. You still have to take the less desirable shifts, prove yourself, be accepted by your co-workers, and earn respect. Yes, there are toxic units, and those ones are probably more in need of extra help, so you might be more likely to get a job there.
If you are a newbie, you still have to 'pay your dues' in some way, that's usually the way life works in many arenas.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
This phenomenon is not limited to nursing... it has been recognized as a characteristic of the millenial generation.
The jury's still out as to why they expect such an easy time of it -- maybe overprotective parents, exposure to hypermedia throughout childhood, formalized "self esteem" programs in schools?? We just know that they're different from us oldies.
Not all of us "younger" people expect an easy road in life. My growing-up years were riddled with issues such as parental drug addiction, financial problems, and verbal abuse. I had to contend with parents who were not really supportive of schooling, and basically fight an uphill battle to get to where I am today. I've never had it easy, and probably never will.
My point is that we should not stereotype people who fall into a certain age group. Some Baby Boomers are horribly irresponsible, and the same could be said about many Generation X members.
I can tell you that I have heard many, many students speak of the types of positions they "are getting after graduation." Many of them don't understand what nursing really is, how much work it involves, and how long you have to be in the field to even have a chance at getting a "dream" job (if that really exists!).
It seems that every student is going to be "a CRNA and make tons of money" or "play with the infants." My goodness, maybe instead of thinking about CRNA school and all of your future wealth, you should be focusing on passing the foundations exam on Monday....??
OP, I agree with your post. Even as a measly BSN student, I completely understand the "pay your dues" rule. If I were a seasoned nurse who had been practicing for many years, I would not want some fresh-outta-school-and-thinks-I-know-all nurse to be stepping on my shoes.
I am hoping my clinical experiences will help to guide me toward some interest in a specialty, but am full aware that a minimum 2 year stint in a med-surg setting is waiting for me after graduation.
Specializes in Trauma ICU, Surgical ICU, Medical ICU.
I am all about paying dues!! SO many people (esp on here!) think once they become an RN its all gravy. The tests will go away and live will be grand with that HUGE paycheck! LOL! Today was my year anniversary working as an RN, and this year has been the HARDEST year of my life!!! School didn't hold a candle to how hard being employed was!! They want to get a $50 an hour job travel nursing with NO experience, work all days, no holidays, etc. Are people really that dim? Anyone who went to school for nursing knew that hospitals dont close. Why do so many people think the are special and should get holidays off? I really dont care if you have a husband or children, so do most nurses! I would work for anyone with more senority than me on any holiday as I have prepared myself to pay my dues. I still do pay my dues everyday. For example, when I cover another nurse for lunch, I always let them pick what time they want to go before I tell them what time I want to go for them to cover me. It's all about respect!! I want that help when I have a patient crashing, and you better have some respect for your fellow co-workers by being flexible or you will be SOL in the future!!!
There seems to be a lot of hostility toward people who have goals beyond working in an unhealthy environment for the rest of their lives. A big part of the reason why nursing can be so toxic is that nurses can be like crabs in a bucket.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
A big part of the reason why nursing can be so toxic is that nurses can be like crabs in a bucket.
The classic 'crabs in a barrel' analogy is excellent. One nurse tries to climb up and out of his/her toxic situation, and the other 'crabs' attempt to pull this person back into the 'barrel'.
My point is that we should not stereotype people who fall into a certain age group. Some Baby Boomers are horribly irresponsible, and the same could be said about many Generation X members.
I certainly agree and I think the current problem partially lies within our society's "entitlement." That sense is something that the younger (and I mean 18-22ish) generation has grown up with. Take some of that, add the ease of most of our modern conveniences, and you get some (not everyone) spoiled people.
And... take the same society's skewed view of nursing/actual roles of nurses and you have some disillusioned students. I've lost count of how many fellow students I've heard say they want to be a CRNA for "lots of money and none of the yucky stuff that nurses do". I really want to ask if they even know what a CRNA is (and not just what the letters stand for ).
Well, most of us tend to remember the bad and not the good - myself included. To end my rant, allow me to add: of the "entitled" bunch in my classes, probably half are over 30. I wouldn't necessarily consider the entire issue generational.
I am all about paying dues!! SO many people (esp on here!) think once they become an RN its all gravy. The tests will go away and live will be grand with that HUGE paycheck! LOL! Today was my year anniversary working as an RN, and this year has been the HARDEST year of my life!!! School didn't hold a candle to how hard being employed was!! They want to get a $50 an hour job travel nursing with NO experience, work all days, no holidays, etc. Are people really that dim? Anyone who went to school for nursing knew that hospitals dont close. Why do so many people think the are special and should get holidays off? I really dont care if you have a husband or children, so do most nurses! I would work for anyone with more senority than me on any holiday as I have prepared myself to pay my dues. I still do pay my dues everyday. For example, when I cover another nurse for lunch, I always let them pick what time they want to go before I tell them what time I want to go for them to cover me. It's all about respect!! I want that help when I have a patient crashing, and you better have some respect for your fellow co-workers by being flexible or you will be SOL in the future!!!
Yes, they are that dim, and most travelers make in the mid $30s per hr.
There seems to be a lot of hostility toward people who have goals beyond working in an unhealthy environment for the rest of their lives. A big part of the reason why nursing can be so toxic is that nurses can be like crabs in a bucket.
I don't think anyone is saying this.
What I am saying is that a new grad who goes right from graduation to mgmt doesn't have a clue what she/he is doing- and are basically incompentent, clueless fools in high heels and blazers.
I've seen it too many times, and it just keeps getting more and more common.
Boy what a funny line of thinking this OP is. I'm in nursing school and I fully expect to hit the ground running when I get out. I'll be looking for a job that fits my family's needs first and foremost. What fits their needs is a 7am- 3:30pm (or other daytime hours) shift for me. If this "steps on the toes" of more senior nurses it doesn't concern or phase me. My family's toes are the toes I'm avoiding. I'm not afraid of competition and I'm not particular about what type of floor or home health care I work for. I fully expect to market myself my entire career from instituition to instituition for the best mix of hours/benefits/pay that I can find. Instead of complaining about new grads getting good jobs, quit whining and go out there and compete with them for those jobs.
I have worked on several hospital floors as an aide so spare me the whole "You'll see when you get here" spiel. I've seen all the politics and because I'm friendly and helpful to everyone, but buddies with no one (Have very little in common with most nurses) I get to sit alone on my little cloud and watch the silliness of co-workers below.
You want the job I'm going for? Come compete with me for it.
Boy what a funny line of thinking this OP is. I'm in nursing school and I fully expect to hit the ground running when I get out. I'll be looking for a job that fits my family's needs first and foremost. What fits their needs is a 7am- 3:30pm (or other daytime hours) shift for me. If this "steps on the toes" of more senior nurses it doesn't concern or phase me. My family's toes are the toes I'm avoiding. I'm not afraid of competition and I'm not particular about what type of floor or home health care I work for. I fully expect to market myself my entire career from instituition to instituition for the best mix of hours/benefits/pay that I can find. Instead of complaining about new grads getting good jobs, quit whining and go out there and compete with them for those jobs.
I have worked on several hospital floors as an aide so spare me the whole "You'll see when you get here" spiel. I've seen all the politics and because I'm friendly and helpful to everyone, but buddies with no one (Have very little in common with most nurses) I get to sit alone on my little cloud and watch the silliness of co-workers below.
You want the job I'm going for? Come compete with me for it.
John20 - The day wil come in your career when you will really, really need someone to have your back, pull you out of a hole you've dug yourself into. Don't be surprised when noone steps up to volunteer. You need to impress your peers as well as your superiors to make it in this world. Cooperation, not competion is important in nursing.
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Crux1024
985 Posts
Good thing my dream job consists of a night shift position..:)
But as a previous poster said, theres nothing wrong with searching/hoping for the best job thats out there.