The GOOD things about nursing - why are we still doing it

Nurses General Nursing

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I have seen and participated in many forums here where ppl have shared angst and pain related to various issues in their nursing careers. But there are so many of us still here, so why are we (still here)? Good points:

1. Watching someone walk out the door when the "gods" decided that they wouldn't leave the hospital at all

2. Watching someone with a chronic or terminal condition gain control over their management

Any other ideas? Social life, family life, money, its your call...

Specializes in acute medical.
Possibly the impact Ive made .A patient Ive taken care of 25 years ago, still contacts me and remembers my birthdayevery year.Thats a long ,long time.

I love it when you meet ppl in the street; they say hi and thankyou, maybe introduce you to friends and/pr relatives with them (its embarrassing when sometimes you don't remember them though), but I have never had anyone ring me for my birthday. You must have made an impression

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Specializes in ER, telemetry.

I like watching pts get better. Its great to see a lethargic and dehydrated 8 yr old discharged a talkative and energetic boy again. Its great to see the rapid afib convert to NSR. I also like the compassion and humility that is all compressed into the art of nursing.

I am grateful for the critical thinking skills that I have acquired while being a nurse. These skills make it easier to deal with problems or issues that arise in my personal life as well as my professional.

On the flip side, all the double charting paperwork, uncaring management, and skipped lunches/dinners/pee breaks can take a hike.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, CVICU, Trauma.

When my grandmother was very ill and not far from her death, she would only allow one person to bathe her - me. Why? In her words "because my granddaughter's a nurse".

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Specializes in acute medical.

When nurses work as a team, the atmosphere is great. Even when the work is c**p, in these conditions we seem to get ourselves through. I guess it's our determination, as well our warped sense of humour that is peculiar to nurses, yes?

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In what other profession can we see love in action?

Look at some of our patients families. There are the devoted husbands and wives at the bedside who do all they can.

It is those parents who graciously thank everyone for all they did for their son, even though he is an organ donor now.

It is the staff from the long term care facility who come visit "john" in hospital, and bring his favorite CD's.

It is the people who have 30+ visitors in one day because people care.

Our work has meaning.

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Specializes in peds, peds OR, med-surg.

I was wondering If you would be interested in answering some questions about nursing in australia, I have a project for my MSN degree to chat with some international nurses to see the difference in nursing across the globe. Australia seems like an amazing country. Let me know what you thinks.

Thanks

My username is Hope10

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Specializes in pediatric ER.

It's giving that emergent racemic epi to the croupy kid that can't breath without severe stridor and seein him turn around in a flash. And finally getting a smile!

It's the 4 year old that gives you a hug before going up to the floor for "being so nice" even though you had to stick him for an IV.

It's seeing a toddler's eyes light up at the sight of a sticker, or something else simple like a popsicle (after odt zofran of course :) I LOVE vitamin Z!)

It's the special needs kid that's twice your size that wants a kiss on his forehead before he goes home, and won't go home until you do it! (frequent flier with sz disorder... sweetest boy in the world with the nicest family ever)

It's comforting a family that has just lost their baby, and then having them say thank you, we know you tried everything.

There's nothing like the human emotion in nursing. You are with people in their best times and their worst times. You get to help people through some of the most difficult times in their lives. These people will never forget you, and will always be grateful for what ya did!

All the politics and stress are worth it in the long run... at least in my book!

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It's the patient who told me that she watched my confidence grow during her lengthy stay in the hospital. :coollook:

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