I'm considering nursing--specifically RN --as a second career. Right now I work as a cook/chef. I work long hours. It's hot. It's dirty. Frequently I am so busy I don't have time to get a drink of water or go to the bathroom. In other words, I am not afraid to work hard and multi-task. But I've read horror stories about complete disorganization or being given 10 patients who all need about 1.5 hours of care on a 12 hour shift or being a 120 pound girl and given a 300 pound patient to turn frequetly and no one will help or having 5 patients all need a blood draw at the same exact time and then getting yelled at by doctors when you cant get it all done at the exact right time. I'm fine working 12 straight hours, but I'd at least like to have time to go to the bathroom a couple of times and at least 15 minutes to eat. I'd like to feel like I'm actually given enough time to competently care for patients. Tell me the real story before I spend time and money to go back to school.
2006-11-12 11:07:04 · 5 answers · asked by crow_326 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
You want the truth? Nursing is absolutely one of the most physically, mentally draining jobs out there but WOW!..the feeling of satisfaction you can have from knowing that your care is helping someone. I worked 3 years in a surgical intensive care unit. Our patient to staff ratio was usually 2:1. Unfortunately, there were some days when you had to "triple up" and take 3 patients instead of the 2. However, this wasn't always because of short staff, it may have been because there was a patient so sick that they needed to be 1 on 1 with a nurse, or 2 nurses had to care for that paitent. We really didn't have much in the way of techs, so we did all our own work. The best thing about my unit (and any good nursing staff) is that my colleauges were there to help and "pick up the slack" if I got behind or really needed some help. Some days, I peed once in a 12 hour shift (no biggie, if I was too busy to pee, I was too busy to drink anything) and some days if I got lunch, it was a bite here and there with no real break or late in the day (like 2pm). Most of the time, I budgeted my time appropriately and could sit for 20-30 min and eat at a reasonable pace. There were some days I left feeling down because i wasn't able to provide care at a level I felt proud of, but my patients always got their meds when needed and I kept them as comfortable as possible. They didn't always get bathed on my shift (I flexed btwn days and nights, 12hr shifts) but that's why nursing is 24hr care, and why I loved my co-workers. They understood when bad days happened and would take care of things that had to wait until their shifts (within reason). Some days, you would have a paitent so sick that you really couldn't leave the room and no one could officially pick up your other patient, but my fellow RNs would write down vital signs for me and help with meds when needed, granted their patient care was done. Obesity is a huge problem in healthcare, but most institutions are making more devices availale for ease of care for obese patients. It was not unusual to care for someone weighing 400 pounds or more, but again, your co-workers with help you with lifts and turns. Doctors had their choice comments from time to time, but for the most part, disrespect toward nurses was absolutely not tolerated at my hospital, as was blatent disrespect towards any other staff by other staff (respect is a 2 way street...). If you missed something important and that's why they're pissed at you , then they have just caused to be pissed. You need to learn to be humble. Someone's life is in your hands and the responsibility is very real. You always need to be communicating with other members on the healthcare team to make sure everyone is in the loop (then you're less likely to get choce remarks from others). Overall, yes it is a stressful job but is rewarding like no other job I know of. The thank yous don't always happen, but you know people are grateful for your care, and it's a wonderful feeling to see someone get better and know it is because of your care. Just remember, as long and crazy as days are, if you work 12h shifts, full time is only 3 days per week! Hope this helped. I really was being honest, and I can honestly say I hope you explore nursing. Don't be afraid of the hard work...sounds like you're already good at it!
2006-11-12 11:53:55 · answer #1 · answered by Danerz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am currently a nursing student finishing my first year. I have one year left to go. I choose this field because I wanted to go into medicine, not because of all the horror stories that are out there. Yes, it is hard work, and usually you will not get a thank you for your efforts, but you will have a patient that will thank you and appreciated what it is that you are doing for them.
If you want to become a nurse, for the reason of helping people, then I say go for it! However, if you are going into nursing to make money, and you think it will be easy, then don't. With every career, you will have the good with the bad.
When I was on a surgical floor doing my clinical rotations, the nurses I was working with have about 5-6 patients per day. As far as your example of the slender nurse turning an obese patient, you will recieve training in the proper way to turn a patient without injury to you patient or yourself. In the school that I am attending, it is always stressed to get help when moving a patient. I have helped experienced nurses turn and move patients, they were not afraid to ask for help when needed. Just remember to organize your time with your patients.
The most complaints I have heard is about having to document what is done. That alone takes a lot of time. So far, I have loved the time I have had on the floors and can't wait to graduate and get into the field.
I bid you good luck and hope that this has helped.
2006-11-12 20:05:45 · answer #2 · answered by Amy R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you work, but I know a telem. nurse and she has a really hard time on most night shifts (the number of patients is usually above the 4 per nurse that her hospital promised when they were hired). Before, she was a day shift but having demanding family members who were visiting the patient got really annoying. You'll probably have time to eat and stuff most of the time, but it's not guaranteed! And yes, doctors can get frustrated over stuff easily, although you still have the techs to help you (but sometimes they're unwilling). And being a nurse can often be a very dirty job as well. Altogether, it's great you're trying to be a nurse because there is a big shortage, but be aware of where you ultimately go to work.
2006-11-12 19:11:09 · answer #3 · answered by Moonlit Jazz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen nurses work before.
A lot of them always seem so busy. They are probably given about 4 patients. But trust me... 4 patients is a lot to be taking care of. The number of patients vary though. And it also depends where you work.
You have time to go to the restroom. And you have time to go eat. I've seen nurses even eat at the nursing station. You'll pretty much make the time to go eat something if you're hungry.
Ya gotta take care of yourself before you're able to take care of others, right?
Nurses can be quite stressed out. You'll have mean patients. You'll have nice patients. It's bound to happen. Trust me. And yes, some days can be really hard... other days not so hard.
I think you should try nursing. If you are hesitant about the number of patients you are getting and the stress it involves, remember... there are many many different fields of nursing that you can go into. There are nursing homes, ICU, newborn nursery, etc. I suggest volunteering at a hospital and seeing which area you want to work in... plus, to see if you really want to BE a nurse.
Being a nurse is a good idea. There is a nursing shortage... which means you can get a job anywhere. Plus, they make a lot of money. And you get to help out people.
But remember... nursing school is hard. I am thinking that is why there is a nursing shortage to begin with...
If this is something you want to do, go for it. It's worth a try. I know a lot of people who have gone back to school to be a nurse. There is full-time AND part-time... so you can have more time to study if needed. Plus, if you plan on working at the same time, then part-time is probably best.
Good luck! I hope everything works out for you.
2006-11-12 19:18:50 · answer #4 · answered by ( Kelly ) 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds to me like you have a pretty good idea of the real
story, that's why there is a shortage. But, if you go for your RN,
you'll have better job options.
Try working as a nurse's aide in your local hospital for a while,
that will give you an idea of what to expect. Good luck!!
2006-11-12 19:20:47 · answer #5 · answered by Calee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋