Would really appreciate some help on assignment.

Sorry for the double-post/bump...just would really like some input from you RNs out there...and I know your out there . If I can get a few responses from you guys, and then hopefully at least one from a local RN, I should be good:up:.

I have to go to bed, but i'll PM you answers tomorrow after work.

1. What brought you into the field of nursing? I helped my bff give birth and was fascinated by the task of helping her get through this crisis. I decided I wanted to be a midwife, so I went to nursing school to achieve that goal. I got sidetracked, obviously.

2. What keeps you actively practicing in the nursing profession?Money. I work on my unit for the love of learning and the adrenaline rush.

3. What are the greatest rewards/challenges in the profession of nursing? Rewards: Constant learning about the human body and how it functions as well as malfunctions. Especially how it malfunctions. I also enjoy helping people through crisis. Challenges:Too much to do and too little time to do it in. Often on my unit we are given very heavy assignments. We are tripled up, given CRRT or IABP with a second patient and when we have a fresh critically ill patient with a zillion orders who is virtually crashing at every step of the way, we are still expected to take care of a second patient. Impossible to do well.

4. What changes have you seen in the nursing profession over the span of your career? It's only been seven years. The introduction of the MERCI device was pretty huge; but that's medicine in general.Oh, the CNA was able to lobby effectively for a state law mandating ratios. I think that's pretty great.

5. What changes would you like to see? National ratios mandated. More protection provided to nurses who refuse to take dangerous assignments. And this is not going to be popular, but mandated BSN within ten years of becoming an RN would be nice. It would give nurses more leverage, I think. Unfortunate fact, but a true one.

6. What advice can you offer a student entering nursing school? Challenge everything, including yourself. Demand evidenced based care and rationales for every action you make. Give love. In with the bad and out with the good, but don't take crap when it's unwarranted. People coming to you are in pain, but it doesn't mean you are a punching bag.

7. What advice can you offer a new nurse entering the profession? as above

Please include your name, years working as an RN, and if possible, the state you work in.

Kathy. 7 years. PA.

Thank you so much guys!