What we do

[CABG patch kid]

So, I just had to share this and vent with some fellow nurses here....

I've been working on a tele floor for the past year and am transitioning to the CCU right now. Over the weekend, I was having lunch with some friends and family and my future mother-in-law was asking me about my new position. After trying to explain a bit about working in a cardiac ICU (post open hearts, etc.), she says "So you get to start IVs now?!"

I mean, I know lay people don't know all the boring details of what it is we do (I have seen people's eyes glaze over when I try and tell them a few details about what it is I actually do at work), but seriously? Do people think that all we do is start IVs and do other little skills? Do they seriously not recognize the intellectual requirements of our job? I know this subject has probably been discussed before but just let me stand up on my soap box for a minute here because I get so irritated by this!!!!! I mean, this woman (future MIL) just saw her mom in a CCU a few months ago after having open heart surgery!!! So I know she must have some clue as to what all that entails. Her comments were that the nurses in that unit were really nice, formed good relationships with the patients and were really there for the patients when they needed them, which is awesome, but I guess it also just goes to show that the family members really have no clue how much knowledge we need to have to do our job, and all the critical thinking involved.

I guess I just wanted to vent and hear what other peoples' experiences have been in this type of situation. Also, what do you do to maybe educate your family/friends about your job? Or do you just let it slide and brush it off?

[swirlygirl]

My mother's friend has a very large, visible chip on her shoulder towards nurses and has made numerous comments about how easy nursing school must be because the nurses that she sees at work everyday are "just sitting at the computer" and eating. I've tried to explain to her that they are probably working through their lunch breaks. Oddly enough this friend has been a phlebotomist at a major trauma center in the city for nearly 20 years and has 2 daughters that have tried (and quit) nursing school. When I asked her why her daughters didn't pursue a different nursing program, she just says that "they don't want to waste their time" but she's sure they could do it because "they're so smart"

[RNperdiem, RN]

To an outsider watching us work, they see the "tasks" ;they cannot see the mental processes and judgement going on.

I'm not happy about the amount of time spent charting at the computer either.

[WhoNeedsaShot?]

Out of the blue, my husband asked me "do you give shots at work?" Stunned, I replied "yes" and he said "really??" in disbelief........I was speechless.

That is too funny!

[evilolive, BSN, RN]

I can't count the number of times I've tried talking about work with my parents, sister, roommate, and other friends. The only people who actually "get it" are you all on allnurses.com, my nursing friends, and my aunt, the OR nurse!