What are some psychological effects of being a nurse?

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Hi, I have been a nurse for 1 1/2 years. I am currently working on my bachelor degree. I am working on an issues project in my political policy class. One question asked is 'what are some psychological effects of being a nurse?' I have researched this question, but there is not much listed. So I figured I would ask those individuals who know first hand. All comments welcome!! Thanks!!

I don't like humans as a group anymore- couldn't care less whether we survive, but I see infinite beauty in individuals. Including psychotic and homeless, and those turkeys that you just want to give pillow therapy to. OK, maybe not beauty, but Potential for it.

I'm not afraid of dying, but I am afraid of being stuck in a broken body.

I am terrified of being in hospital or a nursing home and being given the respect and care of a high schooler's science experiment.

I am emotionally tired, I don't react to various family tragedies. On the plus side I bounce back fast because I know things could be worse.

I don't have much of a social life because I don't want to care about anything. If someone needs help I want something concrete to do. I feel left out of Christmas, but I don't want to take part in all the festivities either. I kind of suck that way.

You summed up much of what I feel.

I honestly feel that some people are too stupid to live. That Darwin may have been wrong.

I'm at the point of thinking healthcare rationing may be the way to go. I'm tired of seeing 99yo, demented, nursing home residents come in for bowel surgeries, cataract surgery. Quality of life? Please, hands so contracted they can't care for their own toiletting needs never mind their new ostomies (which they usually rip off and smear all over the place). Read their charts they make life a living hell for their families, care providers at the nursing home, and the staff on the units who care for them post op.

The human body was meant to last for a certain period of time. When it's worn out, maybe it's a hint that you're ready to go.

Yes, it's been a bad month. Yes, I work under a universal healthcare system so we will never really be able to say to the family from hell, "sure we'll spend $350K fixing your 100 yo grannie and let that teenager who thinks a cochlear implant will improve their life and future go with out, that we won't take out a 39 yo's ruptured appendix just because you think we should do everything the system will pay for you and yours" (and yes, there are cultures who expect that every medical procedure that can be should be used)

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Nursing has definitely lowered my self-esteem. There's no doubt about that.

I'm not sure how I feel about this.I don't think you should give your job that much power over you.

"NO one can make you feel inferior without your consent"- Eleanor Roosevelt

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

In my case, my charming effervescent personality! Actually, I used to be more self centered. Now I find myself to be more giving to others....

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Specializes in ER.

Fiona59- I agree that rationing has become appropriate. I could go into all the reasons, but you could probably recite tham too.

JMHO Over 80 years old should be DNR. With a 5-10% survival rate in general how likely is an 80yo to survive to live any kind of independent life.

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canoehead: I think we need to be in charge of Health Canada. Nah, we'd lose our practice permits. Reality checks for families and patients would be a start though. Give them the facts, the figures, the outcomes and then see if "every possible measure" should be use.

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nurses..what do you think are the psychological effects of maguindanao massacre named florence to the nursing students?

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nurses..what do you think are the psychological effects of maguindanao massacre named florence to the nursing students?

A political massacre in the Phillippines in 2009, and how it relates to nursing students? Where? Here? The Philippines? Named Florence?

What? :confused:

First post is this? How about you- what is your view on this?

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Specializes in LTC.

your humor becomes twisted and things you thought were gross before and like it never exsisted. some people become germaphobes. some people it stresses out and the need to start taking medications or increase medications or self medcate

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