After completing numerous clinicals and working as an EKG tech, I have observed and often dealt with nurses that are a prime example of what I don't want to be when I graduate. I also concede that I am a mere senior nursing student with no real-world experience.
1.) Night shift nurse who sits on facebook: Since when did it become acceptable to go on a computer and use social networking sites whenever you don't have work to do. In the time that you have sat on facebook you could have filled charts, done further research on your patients' needs, read nursing journals, assisted another nurse or CNA, or just do something that might help the morning shift. Instead, you sit on facebook trying to see if anyone you haven't seen in a few years got fat.
2.) The "thats not my job nurse": This kills me because as a tech I constantly hear this. "Mrs. Smith needs to go to the bathroom can you help her so I can do the EKG?" The reply from the nurse, "Ask the CNA...thats not my job." The nurse should really take a step back and re-evaluate your career choice because by not helping me you are not helping the patient.
3.) The nurse who openly criticizes patients or gossips with other nurses at the station: Guess what, people hear what your saying. You are making a fool of yourself and instead of complaining how so and so didn't bathe this patient during their shift, why don't you do it yourself? Be a professional, do your job to the best of your ability.
4.) The nurse who uses personal problems as an excuse to not care: I'm partial to this because I'm young but I don't care that you have kids, I don't care that your child has the snuffles and you were up all night. If you are unable to successfully complete the tasks of your job DO NOT COME INTO WORK. I have no sympathy for you. If I was out late partying and had a hangover and used it as an excuse would you care? An excuse is an excuse, either do your job right or call out, you are only hurting the patient.
5.) The nurse wearing winnie the pooh scrubs in an adult acute care setting: Your an adult. Dress like a professional, talk like a professional, and people will treat you like one.
6.) Nurses who always apologize to doctors when they call them: It is a doctor's job to take your call, listen to what you say, make decions based on the information you give them. Get some backbone, speak intelligently, and stick to the facts. If you show them you are serious, they will take you seriously and not blow you off as some stupid nurse who bothers them at home.
I thought teaching was a part of being a nurse; if so, what do many of the nurses responding here think they are teaching the OP? I happen to agree with a few of the things the OP said and disagree with other things, but that's not what I want to discuss now.
It looks like there are a lot of responses that really come down pretty hard on the OP for specualting about aspects of nursing that she hasn't experienced yet as a working nurse. I agree that (depending on the topic) the perspective of a working professional can be more valid in certain ways than that of a student.
However, it looks like many of the responses have just ripped the OP to shreds - what is that going to teach her about your perspectives? Maybe that "nurses really do eat their young"? To those nurses who've slammed the OP, is this the way you deal with other "young" in your lives, like your teenager, or other people young in either their lives or in whatever path they are on at the time?
"However, it looks like many of the responses have just ripped the OP to shreds - what is that going to teach her about your perspectives? Maybe that "nurses really do eat their young"? To those nurses who've slammed the OP, is this the way you deal with other "young" in your lives, like your teenager, or other people young in either their lives or in whatever path they are on at the time?"
I think the responses should teach the OP to be aware that things aren't always what they seem and to not make judgments based on one side, or one view, of things. Passing through a unit on the way to get an EKG is not really the best way to form opinions of what nurses do, or don't do, during a shift.
For one thing, I apologize, it wasn't really the OP that many of the posts were directed at that gave me an uncomfortable feeling; there were a handful of somewhat nasty posts directed at the OP, but more directed at each other.
What I'm trying to say is, the way something is said is very important, not only what is being said. It just looks like a lot of people here are kinda nasty to each other, some to the OP, and by "here", I mean not just this thread, but on lots of threads in this forum. Just to be clear, there are plenty of threads in this forum that are not filled with mean and nasty back and forth stuff, but it seems so strange to come across this kind of behavior in this forum in general. And yes, I know, a lot of venting goes on here, but really folks, lot of people have tought, stressful lives, and it is amazing to see the amount of rude behavior that pops up here!
Other professionals I know are not as a group so petty and nasty. OK, I don't mean all nurses, but a there are a lot of postings here that are petty and nasty.
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
I think the responses should teach the OP to be aware that things aren't always what they seem and to not make judgments based on one side, or one view, of things. Passing through a unit on the way to get an EKG is not really the best way to form opinions of what nurses do, or don't do, during a shift.
I agree that passing through a unit doesn't give you an Idea of what nurses do.
I never got the feeling that he really meant to be judgemental, now he got a little harsh when it came to the whole children and excuses things, but he seemed to just be pointing out things that he sees that he doesn,t want to do when he becomes a nurse. I can see where if you read it, the post could be offensive and seem judgemental, but I really don't think those were his inentions (after reading his later posts), but I dont know what point he was planning making so I can't say for sure. That's just what it seemed like to me.
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
For one thing, I apologize, it wasn't really the OP that many of the posts were directed at that gave me an uncomfortable feeling; there were a handful of somewhat nasty posts directed at the OP, but more directed at each other.
What I'm trying to say is, the way something is said is very important, not only what is being said. It just looks like a lot of people here are kinda nasty to each other, some to the OP, and by "here", I mean not just this thread, but on lots of threads in this forum. Just to be clear, there are plenty of threads in this forum that are not filled with mean and nasty back and forth stuff, but it seems so strange to come across this kind of behavior in this forum in general. And yes, I know, a lot of venting goes on here, but really folks, lot of people have tought, stressful lives, and it is amazing to see the amount of rude behavior that pops up here!
Other professionals I know are not as a group so petty and nasty. OK, I don't mean all nurses, but a there are a lot of postings here that are petty and nasty.
You're right SunnyD, we went off on a tangent with each other. I will try to watch what is said, because I don't like confrontation. If we have some continous criticisms to make we should do that through Private Messaging, or not just say it and avoid conflict all together. I apologize to the OP and evey other post readers.
i'm one of the spelling and grammar fanatics. i wish i was not, because i am always noticing things and it drives me crazy!! it's probably because i was a 5th grade teacher prior to becoming a nurse. you did miss one though, " i'm taken back by the responses to my post which had nothing to do with clinical nursing practice. i never said i'm annoyed when someone isn't great at placing an iv or...."
it should be "i'm taken 'aback'....."
sorry, did not mean to hijack the op, so i will address the original post.
when i was in nursing school, i never wanted to become the kind of nurse who couldn't put a good sentence together. afterall, we do have to write or type in nursing notes!!!
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
My grammar in post's is one thing I need to work on. I especially do horribly when typing on my blackberry, which is most of the time. Some honor grad I turned out to be. I can write correctly when I want to, but fail to outside of formal or academic writing. This reminds me I need to finish editing my paper for ENG 112 soon. I'll try to do better next time.
After completing numerous clinicals and working as an EKG tech, I have observed and often dealt with nurses that are a prime example of what I don't want to be when I graduate. I also concede that I am a mere senior nursing student with no real-world experience.
1.) Night shift nurse who sits on facebook: Since when did it become acceptable to go on a computer and use social networking sites whenever you don't have work to do. In the time that you have sat on facebook you could have filled charts, done further research on your patients' needs, read nursing journals, assisted another nurse or CNA, or just do something that might help the morning shift. Instead, you sit on facebook trying to see if anyone you haven't seen in a few years got fat.
2.) The "thats not my job nurse": This kills me because as a tech I constantly hear this. "Mrs. Smith needs to go to the bathroom can you help her so I can do the EKG?" The reply from the nurse, "Ask the CNA...thats not my job." The nurse should really take a step back and re-evaluate your career choice because by not helping me you are not helping the patient.
3.) The nurse who openly criticizes patients or gossips with other nurses at the station: Guess what, people hear what your saying. You are making a fool of yourself and instead of complaining how so and so didn't bathe this patient during their shift, why don't you do it yourself? Be a professional, do your job to the best of your ability.
4.) The nurse who uses personal problems as an excuse to not care: I'm partial to this because I'm young but I don't care that you have kids, I don't care that your child has the snuffles and you were up all night. If you are unable to successfully complete the tasks of your job DO NOT COME INTO WORK. I have no sympathy for you. If I was out late partying and had a hangover and used it as an excuse would you care? An excuse is an excuse, either do your job right or call out, you are only hurting the patient.
5.) The nurse wearing winnie the pooh scrubs in an adult acute care setting: Your an adult. Dress like a professional, talk like a professional, and people will treat you like one.
6.) Nurses who always apologize to doctors when they call them: It is a doctor's job to take your call, listen to what you say, make decions based on the information you give them. Get some backbone, speak intelligently, and stick to the facts. If you show them you are serious, they will take you seriously and not blow you off as some stupid nurse who bothers them at home.
1. I just recently worked a few night shifts and there isn't anytime to go on facebook.
2. Please don't come to me during my 4:30 medpass and tell me that. Especially at 5:30pm when I still am passing meds and watching the residents who need help with feeding. I have no problem with toileting, but as I have said before.. the CNA's cannot do my job, even though I can do theirs.
5. I worked the day before Easter. I wore Easter Bunny scrubs. The residents loved it. I made a confused patient's night when she was wearing bunny ears I said "Look we are twins!" and every time I walked past her, her face would light up and she would go "TWINS!!". Sometimes.. the geriatrics like printed scrub tops. Brings some cheer to their day. The little things count.
Overall, Don't judge us until you have walked many hours in our shoes.
My grammar in post's is one thing I need to work on. I especially do horribly when typing on my blackberry, which is most of the time. Some honor grad I turned out to be. I can write correctly when I want to, but fail to outside of formal or academic writing. This reminds me I need to finish editing my paper for ENG 112 soon. I'll try to do better next time.
PatMac.... I have respect for you now for acknowledging my slightly sarcastic post! It shows great maturity and a willingness to learn. I don't know if I would have done the same when I was 17.
That is why I never use my Blackberry for posting and seldom use it for texting or email unless it is absolutely necessary. Really, who has the time when you are out and about doing something else??? Good luck in your new career.:)
Maybe saying "it's not my job" isn't professional, but when I become an RN, I do NOT want to be doing a CNA's job. Nope, sorry. That is like asking a high school teacher to mop up the hall way floors, something a janitor should be doing.
as i was reading through this thread (and couldn't stop smiling.), i was considering how to respond diplomatically to the above statement.
and so, i won't tell you to grow up, or even perhaps, more vulgar suggestions.
fwiw, ive been known, many times, to do housecleaning tasks because i didn't want my pt surrounded in repulsive debris and other contaminants.
bottom line is, it IS my job to ensure my pts get the care they need...no matter what form it takes.
and in case you misunderstand me, i am no saint.
as another poster suggested, i am taken aback by some of the seemingly petty and defensive responses.
when i read such retorts, i automatically know the type of nurse/person i don't want to be.
so thank you to those, whose idiosyncrasies only serve to reinforce mine.
as to apologizing to a physician:
if a nurse is apologetic, r/t groveling and subserviance, then yes, it is wrong to do so.
but if a nurse apologizes as a considerate gesture, then i'm pretty sure these same nurses/people, would apologize to anyone they called at 3am...
unless the situation is emergent, then apologies can take place at a later time.:)
honestly, i chuckled at the op, for i was one of those idealistic and righteous students.
15 yrs later, many of my ideals have been squashed, but my self-righteousness remains solidly intact.
op, you have quite the journey ahead of you...professionally and personally.
you should really make and keep a copy of your initial post.
Whenever I call a doctor at night I always start out by saying "Sorry to call you this late but Mr. XYZ is tachy as all get out." I don't consider this to be an apology. To me it's just simply a part of being courteous. I'm really not a bit sorry I called. "Sorry to disturb you" is simply a quick, easy, and POLITE way of saying that I have a situation here that I wouldn't be bothering you about if I had a choice. "I sorry" takes less than a second to say and believe it or not, causes the speaker no pain. Call it being politically correct but years of experience in the corporate world taught me a whole lot about dealing with difficult personalities. I think we can all agree that many doctors fit that description.
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i never said i'm annoyed when someone isn't great at placing an iv or...."
sunny d
24 Posts
I thought teaching was a part of being a nurse; if so, what do many of the nurses responding here think they are teaching the OP? I happen to agree with a few of the things the OP said and disagree with other things, but that's not what I want to discuss now.
It looks like there are a lot of responses that really come down pretty hard on the OP for specualting about aspects of nursing that she hasn't experienced yet as a working nurse. I agree that (depending on the topic) the perspective of a working professional can be more valid in certain ways than that of a student.
However, it looks like many of the responses have just ripped the OP to shreds - what is that going to teach her about your perspectives? Maybe that "nurses really do eat their young"? To those nurses who've slammed the OP, is this the way you deal with other "young" in your lives, like your teenager, or other people young in either their lives or in whatever path they are on at the time?