I love nursing and the holistic care part of it; I hate everything else. That makes me sad. I don't know if I will ever be able to return to beside, or even nursing at all. I am two semesters from a BSN (have an ASN now) and I really don't know if I will ever go back. It makes me sad b/c what nursing needs is nurses who are in it b/c they love what they do, not one's who are in it for the money; sadly, some of the one's who love it end up burnt out and never return to it
I currently work for a not-for-profit. It's a very fulfilling job but it's a not-for-profit, which has it's own issues I am hoping I can work for this place (with little potential for an increase in pay, for the next few years), stow away some money and go back to school for a Doctorate in Nursing. I would love to do research; obviously, that has some bureaucratic issues in itself, but I hope I would feel that I would make more of a difference. Or...the alternative is to find a better paying job, save enough money to support our family on the mission field for a few years, and go to Ethiopia
As the years went on, my mother's (she worked in hospitals) patient load became heavier, the hours longer, the paperwork ridiculous.
I don't want to get political, but I do think the major issue with our healthcare system is the for profit mentality.
Mo3Kids, I too find it so sad that so many with a heart for caring for the ill are not able to pursue the career they would like to have.
You sound like someone who truly has a heart for caring for people, I hope your dreams come true.
"Oh, why do my actions have consequences?" ~ Homer Simpson "She knew my one weakness: That I'm weak." ~ Homer Simpson
I too felt this pain deeply. I was an ICU nurse for 10+ years and LOVED what I did. I drew the line when admnin decided it was more important to keep a crazy family happy then to protect the staff's safety. (I had an OD whose brother was violent, and threatened to bring in a gun and shoot us all, security escorted him from the hospital, but let him right back in, after he went to his car!) Yah if I wanted to risk my liscence, my life, and the safety of all I work with I would have chosen a different carreer path.
Needless to say, the 12 hour shifts with kids presents its own challenges. I was lucky and found a niche that I loved. Endoscopy, 8 hour shifts, and very set staffing. Since then I have done things I have loved and hated.
Right now I am in a very rewarding position, and make more money than I ever have. I am a Care Manager for High Utilizers, and High Risk patients, to help control costs, and of course to help these folks stay well. It is extremely rewarding, as I see people improve their health, help them to better understand their diseases, and watch them progress to wellness. I also am allowed the time and attention needed for this process. It takes a fairly strong, and extensive background for, and ability to communicate with Dr's effectively, but it is awesome, and as healthcare progresses there will be more and more of these positions, for ACO certified providers. You should really start looking into it.
Many large companies are doing this as well to help control costs on the insurance spend side, to help employees keep their deductibles, and premiums at a more reasonable level. Companies that have done it in our area are Boeing, Monsanto, Pretty much every hospital system, and going forward there is talk of the GMC/Chevy plant doing it.
Care Managers are really respected by the MD's, appreciated by the patients, and enjoy their jobs because it pulls from the wide base of knowledge and experience needed for it.
