IS the hard truth for most nurses definitely new grads is that poop cleaning and urine collection RN jobs are all that is open?
Pretty much bedside care, running around like a chicken with your head cutoff.
I don't think ICU solves the issue either.
Definitely thinking about different degree, since experience is the only way to open up other nursing positions, but I am not about to work bedside for 10 years. I would rather go back to school.
I have a couple of months of bedside experience so is there anything else I can do besides bedside care? If not I have no choice to move on.
There is no way I can pursue marriage a family by bringing home income this way. Just not going to happen.
I don't get the general response to the OP. She doesn't like it, thinks this is all there is to it. So what? We've got hundreds (thousands?) of nurses trying to break into the job market and we have to convince this one that she's wrong? Or be offended that she can't stand it? Why? Are we not content enough in our own lot to just shrug and think well that has to be disappointing?
Like, like, like, like! I never understand the mentality so common here that, when someone comes here and says, "I don't like nursing, I'm thinking maybe it's not for me," so many people feel the need to try to talk them into staying. It's not like there's any shortage of nurses and, don't forget, the oversupply of RNs is one of the reasons we aren't better off professionally than we are. I say, if someone feels s/he doesn't want to be a nurse, fine, it's certainly not for everyone, vaya con dios.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I don't get the general response to the OP. She doesn't like it, thinks this is all there is to it. So what? We've got hundreds (thousands?) of nurses trying to break into the job market and we have to convince this one that she's wrong? Or be offended that she can't stand it? Why? Are we not content enough in our own lot to just shrug and think well that has to be disappointing?
The OP is a male in his 30s based on a quick glance at the posting history. Nursing is his second career, apparently.
But yes, all of your points are highly salient and right on the mark.
The OP is a male in his 30s based on a quick glance at the posting history. Nursing is his second career, apparently.
But yes, all of your points are highly salient and right on the mark.
Oh, I was just caught stereotyping then. I haven't heard a male express such melodrama about having a family before. My dad who was a blue collar worker and grew up in the Depression worked so hard for us, and we never heard him complain about the work he had to do.
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
I guess my ruffled feathers come from the overtly stated, intentionally degrading simplification of what we do, breaking it down to a bottom line (no pun intended) of "medical labor" and wiping butts. It is a stereotype and generalization that is unflattering, ignorant and damaging to the profession in the public eye. To have someone who has come full into the pool continue to propagate this falsehood is not only disappointing, it is insulting.
Why do those leaving nursing feel the need to disparage it, as if it is nursing that is at fault itself, not the poor compatibility? It is like a divorce where two people don't belong together. So many have to get angry in order to feel okay about the marriage failing. How about considering that it can just be two good people who aren't good together? Why do those who are wanting to leave nursing need to fling their sense of disappointment and failure in the form of anger, bitterness and disparagement all over those of us who are good at and enjoy being a nurse? Why insult the profession as a whole, both implying and bluntly stating that those of us who do stay, who love it, are somehow lacking in judgement, intelligence or self worth?
I definitely have no desire to talk anyone into nursing that doesn't want to be a nurse. Anyone who hates nursing should NOT be a nurse. It isn't fair to the patients and there is likely something out there they are better suited for. However, just because it doesn't work out for someone doesn't mean the whole profession is menial, degrading and utter crap (pun intended). It wasn't a good fit. Fine. Go find your good fit, preferably without speaking ill of something dear to the hearts of so many. Do it with grace and let us wish you well. Maybe even wish those of us who ARE meant for this well in return. There's a thought.
I guess my ruffled feathers come from the overtly stated simplification of what we do, breaking it down to a bottom line (no pun intended) of "medical labor" and wiping butts. It is a stereotype and generalization that is unflattering, ignorant and damaging to the profession in the public eye. To have someone who has come full into the pool continue to propagate this falsehood is not only disappointing, it is insulting.
Why do those leaving nursing feel the need to disparage it, as if it is nursing that is at fault itself, not the poor compatibility? It is like a divorce where two people don't belong together. So many have to get angry in order to feel okay about the marriage failing. How about considering that it can just be two good people who aren't good together? Why do those who are wanting to leave nursing needing to fling their sense of failure in the form of anger, bitterness and disparagement all over those of us who are good at and enjoy being a nurse?
I definitely have no desire to talk anyone into nursing that doesn't want to be a nurse. Anyone who hates nursing should NOT be a nurse. It isn't fair to the patients and there is likely something out there they are better suited for. However, just because it doesn't work out for someone doesn't mean the whole profession is menial, degrading and utter crap (pun intended). It wasn't a good fit. Fine. Go find your good fit, preferably though without speaking ill of something dear to the hearts of so many. Do it with grace.
I know what you're saying but I make 100K/year, sometimes I wipe butts and heat up coffee just before I head to the bank. I garner respect and appreciation on a daily basis, no one can rain on that.
I would hate to be on yet a second career and still not have things sorted out. I might stomp my feet and throw things too if I were so dissatisfied.
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
If I made 100K a year I might be more laid back about it too!
In all seriousness though, I can understand that to an extent. However, being an adult and all, we are supposed to theoretically not let our negative emotions splatter all over others. People do it all the time, but that doesn't make it okay. I admire your compassionate response and will reflect on it.
Wow OP. SO many things wrong with what you're saying (not just grammar and context either!) Staying in a career you clearly hate so you don't look like a quitter is not the answer. You sound very immature and I am thankful that you are neither my nurse OR coworker...
I guess my ruffled feathers come from the overtly stated, intentionally degrading simplification of what we do, breaking it down to a bottom line (no pun intended) of "medical labor" and wiping butts. It is a stereotype and generalization that is unflattering, ignorant and damaging to the profession in the public eye. To have someone who has come full into the pool continue to propagate this falsehood is not only disappointing, it is insulting.
Why do those leaving nursing feel the need to disparage it, as if it is nursing that is at fault itself, not the poor compatibility? It is like a divorce where two people don't belong together. So many have to get angry in order to feel okay about the marriage failing. How about considering that it can just be two good people who aren't good together? Why do those who are wanting to leave nursing need to fling their sense of disappointment and failure in the form of anger, bitterness and disparagement all over those of us who are good at and enjoy being a nurse? Why insult the profession as a whole, both implying and bluntly stating that those of us who do stay, who love it, are somehow lacking in judgement, intelligence or self worth?
I definitely have no desire to talk anyone into nursing that doesn't want to be a nurse. Anyone who hates nursing should NOT be a nurse. It isn't fair to the patients and there is likely something out there they are better suited for. However, just because it doesn't work out for someone doesn't mean the whole profession is menial, degrading and utter crap (pun intended). It wasn't a good fit. Fine. Go find your good fit, preferably without speaking ill of something dear to the hearts of so many. Do it with grace and let us wish you well. Maybe even wish those of us who ARE meant for this well in return. There's a thought.
I wanted to address this because I see this a lot on AN. Why does someone else's portrayal of nursing ruffle your feathers? The OP wasn't saying that nurses who love nursing lack judgement, intelligence, or self-worth - that's something YOU'VE interpreted on your own. Just because you love what you do doesn't mean everyone else has to or has to pretend to. And it doesn't mean they're disrespecting the profession or being unfair to the patients (as long as they do their jobs). It simply means they don't enjoy it; you shouldn't take it personally or as an insult.
Now, I do find the "is wiping butts all there is to nursing" question strange when coming from a new nurse. If you wiped butts in nursing school, what made you think you wouldn't be doing it on the floor?
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I do love public health nursing which is impossible to get. I will try again at the health department when positions show up, but I am also going to attempt another degree program.
The reason I did not quit is because I would not be able to apply to other programs. I would look like a quitter. Also I saw that there were clinical jobs in nursing too, not all bedside care. But seems I need at least 2 year experience to be safe and find something else.
Sorry to have come off as if I completely hate nursing. I do not. I think it is an honorable job, but not respected by many, low recognition, random hours, and over worked and at times not enough support.
As far as cleaning poop, babies is a joke, try it on an adult all day long. You seem to be very arrogant to say it is easy to clean butts. Think before you speak. Adults and peds is different. At times I get obese patients too. What about those? Is that cake for you to do too? You have such a cocky absolute response.
OVerall I was hoping to find some constructive responses to help me find somethign else besides bedside nursing. I see that there is nothing else. I pretty much have the answer.
Medical labor is all we do, but we are also not in debt like docs :)
Take care all.
Do you have a BSN, MSN or NP. If not the cushy Clinical jobs your looking for or likely years away and they are not all that they are cracked up to be. For the last 6 years I was a home care nurse for Intellectually disabled adults. I had tremendous autonomy during the day, and good pay but I was on call 7 days a week 24 hours a day. Also when Department of Health came out to survey it was just me against them not management staff to support you.
I have cleaned my share of butts (big ones, Little ones, Fat ones, skinny ones, young ones, old ones.) It's just part of the job. I have met many people who became nurses because they thought it was good money and the CNA's did most of the hard work. In my experience so far (and I love nursing) is that the money is rarely worth the blood sweat and tears we put into it.
If you don't like bedside nursing I suggest you look into psych - No diaper changes there - but a whole different set of problems.
Oh and remember to treat those CNA's like a valued member of the team. They actually do most of the butt wiping for far less money than you take home. They can be your best friend.
Another area you might look into is pharmaceutical research - but you do generally need 2 years experience so you can spot potential side effects and problems.
All the really cushy clinical jobs I've looked into require a Master's degree and unless you are independently wealthy you'll be working while you are going to school.
Finally - there's no shame in admitting that nursing is not for you - But I would give it some time and the education was not wasted because you have learned something about yourself.
You mean community health companies don't want to hire a newish RN who feels direct care is demeaning and below him? What a shock.
Seriously, unless you have great connections, you have to pay your dues. Nurses who get jobs away from the bedside are usually offered those jobs because​ they have years of bedside experience to bring to the table along with their education.
Lucky724
256 Posts
Is this post for real?