Does anyone else want to leave bedside nursing, because they feel like a glorified nursing assistant? Don't get me wrong. I am not putting down nursing assistants, was one for 8 years, they are our "eyes and ears" just like we are for doctors, and they have helped me save lives on many occasions. The problem is...where are they at? Seems hospitals have cut them so short that nurses are doing their jobs too. In the last week...Could not get a companion for a patient with dementia and was basically told to chemically or physically restrain him, because there were not enough nursing assistants in a large metro hospital ...in fact none! (LOL, POLICY states that we use less restrictive measures before attempting this...POLICY basically states that we lie), spent a lot of time getting patients on and off the bedpan or BSC, getting coffee, spent 1 1/2 hours in a patient's room cleaning stool, etc. This is not below me. But think I may have missed some early changes in a patient who was eventually intubated and sent to the unit.
If you're that pressed for time, why were you getting people coffee? I have turned down many requests for things when it squeezed time, In a nice, (but firm) way when warranted.
I left bedside nursing approximately three months ago after a 10-year career at the bedside. So far I have no regrets. I am glad that this amazing opportunity to change the direction of my career was bestowed upon me.
Nice way to start the new year off.
I got hurt in Oct and have worked minimal since then. I am looking at NP school or a non bedside nursing job.
It's part of the reason why I'm looking to leave the bedside. Between that, grossly unsafe ratios, and doctors acting like the nursing staff are either idiots or decoration, I've had it.
ponymom
385 Posts
If you're that pressed for time, why were you getting people coffee? I have turned down many requests for things when it squeezed time, In a nice, (but firm) way when warranted.
Tell em where it is and get back to your duties.