As a floor nurse myself (7 months new), I sometimes look at the seasoned nurses (10+) who have only done floor and just wonder how insane are these people...
Yesterday at my CDU, I had a report from ER nurse and he tells me "oh boy, I always tell others that I will NEVER do floor nursing" to which I replied "let it be assured, this is my LAST floor nursing job I will ever have." (chuckle)
While in school, I remember saying to myself that I will not get into OR because I will "lose all the nursing" (belief I do not hold anymore), but now, the only place I WANT to get into is OR or Cath lab. No doubt I will have stressful times there too, but I can't say there are many departments that will burn out a nurse as fast as a medsurg floor. I would love some 8 hr days. I also love working with one patient at a time, not 6, and thankfully they will be knocked out too.
Anyway, I salute all the floor nursing colleagues, and hope your best to go or stay where you please, and find the job that you will finally "love."
I'm done with people (non-nursing) saying over and over how they "couldn't do what you (nurses) do day in and day out." I don't know why. I should appreciate that somebody is acknowledging that my job is hard, right? Still it just bugs me...
same here! I think because to me it sounds condescending, like "eww i'm so glad i don't have to do YOUR job".
it's kind of like at home. one of my roommates is a PT. so she kind of 'gets it' as far as dealing with some of the insane demands of working in healthcare (as therapists they have to use this software that literally tracks every minute of their time on the clock because every minute that they're clocked in but not treating is lost $$$$ for the rehab dept). But she works 8-hour shifts, never works weekends, gets a lunch break everyday, gets paid way more, and rarely deals with other people's body fluids.
My other roommates are both self-employed - one has a popular YouTube channel and blog that allow her to earn a comfortable full-time living, the other is an artist and sculptor. I get the "omg i could never do your job" from all of them on a regular basis, and i love them all but i really just want to scream at them when they do this. like yeah we've already established that you have a better job than i do, thanks for pointing it out for the millionth time.
I'm done with people (non-nursing) saying over and over how they "couldn't do what you (nurses) do day in and day out." I don't know why. I should appreciate that somebody is acknowledging that my job is hard, right? Still it just bugs me...
I know what you mean. Sometimes it's sincere. Sometimes it's not. Either way it gets old hearing it over and over.
And, let's be honest, when it's from one nurse in one field to a nurse in another it's often full of passive aggressive undertones.
An ER nurse to a LTC nurse: "I could never do what you do." (because I'm too good a nurse for that)
A floor nurse to a clinic nurse: "I could never do your job." (because it isn't real nursing)
I am starting my third year as a floor nurse. My floor is very busy with very high-needs total care patients requiring tube-feeds, trach/vent, central lines, *tons* of meds (it's not unusual for them to get at least 6 bedtime meds each). But I love the patients. I love the families most of the time. ;-) Some days I leave saying I can't do this for many more years. Other days I feel like a rock star and know I'm in the right place.
I'm almost at the one year mark on a medical floor and couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Yes it can be very stressful some days but I really do enjoy my job.
haha well, i can definitely take a clinic job as an RN. I remember I used to say in nursing school "I will never get in a job where I will 'lose' all the nursing", but now, my priority in searching a dream job is how easy going and laid back is it. No offense to anyone, but I will take school nursing or clinic nursing, dr's office anyday if pay was same. I am also def looking into insurance nursing or pharm/med equipment positions as RN b/c I adore normal hours, none-bedside care and interact with normal humanbeings. One of these days, I tell you... One of these days!
I work in the cath lab, and occasionally work on the floor if we have low levels of cases or there is a need on the floor. Quite frankly, I find working on the floor a break. I have my set patients, I am guaranteed a break for lunch/dinner, and it's so ordered it's like picking up an old hat and wearing it! I love the cath lab though - I think I would get bored of working on the floor, I guess we each have the thing we like.
ceccia
269 Posts
same here! I think because to me it sounds condescending, like "eww i'm so glad i don't have to do YOUR job".
it's kind of like at home. one of my roommates is a PT. so she kind of 'gets it' as far as dealing with some of the insane demands of working in healthcare (as therapists they have to use this software that literally tracks every minute of their time on the clock because every minute that they're clocked in but not treating is lost $$$$ for the rehab dept). But she works 8-hour shifts, never works weekends, gets a lunch break everyday, gets paid way more, and rarely deals with other people's body fluids.
My other roommates are both self-employed - one has a popular YouTube channel and blog that allow her to earn a comfortable full-time living, the other is an artist and sculptor. I get the "omg i could never do your job" from all of them on a regular basis, and i love them all but i really just want to scream at them when they do this. like yeah we've already established that you have a better job than i do, thanks for pointing it out for the millionth time.