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I just realized, as I was contemplating getting back into a PRN (as needed) position, at a hospital, that I would rather jab myself in the eye with a screwdriver I LOVE nursing, I LOVE patients, I HATE.HATE.HATE the bureaucracy of healthcare. The thought of outrageous patient to staff ratios makes me cringe. The idea that the almighty dollar dictates patient care makes me want to scream. Knowing I would have to work 12 hour shifts, being completely understaffed and would probably not have a CNA, makes me run.

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

Yeah. I totally get that.

PJ, I was hoping you (and a few others) would come along. I know I'm not alone in this, unfortunately

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

I am not a nurse, but my Mom is. My oldest sister is a RN as is her husband.

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.

((((MO3K)))

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.

We have a GM plant nearby. I am going to have to look more into it. Thank you

One of my friends is an MD in research and spends most of her time writing grants, very little on actual research- and the grants they DO get, her higher ups determine how to spend the money- and very little of it goes to their research projects in the end.

I love being a nurse and have a job with a not for profit home for medically fragile children. True I don't make the big bucks like the hospital nurses, however I make enough to live well and my job offers all I need. Challenges, opportunity, and rewards personally. Yes there are days that are frustrating, yet I love this job. I believe I found my niche. I believe you can find your too. Keep looking,good luck and keep nursing if it is where your heart is!!

I've been a hospital nurse for over 27 years. The last few years have gotten scary and it's going to get worse

This is so sad. My DS#1 is an RN. He was awesome at his job, excellent reviews, people would email me how well he cared for them in our neighborhood hospital, etc. He's so reluctant to go back. The stress of working the 12 hour shifts, the terminally ill patients with no DNR, the interns he'd have yo walk through basic procedures, the elimination of CNAs and LPNs to assist... I really fear for his mental health if he were to return.
Thank you. All of you in the medical profession. I know it's a place where you WANT to be, where you sacrifice for us. Thanks.