Nurses: Do you like your job?

I'm applying to a BSN program and every once in a while someone tells me I'm crazy because nurses are generally unhappy at work. That they all can't wait to get their NP license to get away from "floor" nursing. Is this true? If you are a staff nurse do you like your job? Have you had other jobs to compare it to?

TIA!

Re: Nurses: Do you like your job?

i totally miss my residents. i worked in a nursing home for many many years and i miss it alot. i loved working with them, yeah it is hard at time but alot of good. i also loved working in the maternity ward! that was the best ever

Re: Nurses: Do you like your job?

I didn't know you were a nurse, Janet. Did you find yourself delegating tasks that were under your license (e.g. dispensing meds) to aids?

Re: Nurses: Do you like your job?

bumping for the night crowd

Re: Nurses: Do you like your job?

Bumping again

Re: Nurses: Do you like your job?

I've done floor nursing and did not love it, but there are many options available for a nurse. Currently I love my job. I am a psych nurse for an outpatient community based program for the mentally ill. It's fantastic.. so yes I like my job and there's so many places you can work aside from floor work :)

Re: Nurses: Do you like your job?

I love what I do--- but its time for a change....
I'm in the OR, and its rough. But I am also a traveler so it has its perks($$CHA_CHING$$)... I did go back to school to start my NP and decided it was NOT what I wanted, so i'll figure it out after I have the baby...

I will tell you more nurses SHOULD move around - it would help the burnout factor...

Re: Nurses: Do you like your job?

I am a respiratory therapist which is similar to nursing (direct patient care, 12 hour shifts, etc). I have considered going into nursing but floor nursing is tough. I would have to work in an ICU or ER. To be in healthcare right now is interesting, many places are short-staffed so you end up having a huge patient load making your day very hectic. At the same time insurance companies aren't paying so hospitals are trying to cut back in all areas so staffing levels tend to stay low regardless of need. At my current job nurses leave as fast as they come in because it's not worth it for them to risk their licenses.

I am not saying this to discourage you. As the previous poster said, there are many other areas you can go into when you get your nursing degree, floor nursing is not the only option. The money and benefits are generally great and most places offer 12-hour shifts meaning you only work 3 days a week. If you are still unsure volunteer at a hospital or go to a hospital and talk to some of the floor nurses and get their opinions. The programs are a lot of work so unless you are 100% that this is what you want to do, you will regret it. And don't let other people talk you out of it. If you had already made up your mind then go for it!! Good luck with your decision.

Message edited 1/23/2007 4:36:18 PM.

Re: Nurses: Do you like your job?

Thank you so much! This input is so valuable. I think I'd like to work towards a Psych NP; I don't feel I have it in me to be a floor nurse forever - physically or emotionally. My mom has been an ER nurse for almost 40 years and she is soooo burned out.

I also hear about nurses not getting paid OT b/c managers won't sign off on it - is this true?

Thanks in adavnce~!

Re: Nurses: Do you like your job?

i am a NICU nurse and i love what i do. i agree with the burnout factor comment that was made though. i would love to move around and try other things and we have that option. i am thinking of getting my np license but who knows..
pros:
12 hour shifts, less days away from the family
decent salary
sense of satisfaction
independance
always jobs available

cons:
the weekends, the holidays, the pay lol
being on your feet and busy all day long
ETA: i work at stonybrook and we always get paid for our overtime!

Message edited 1/23/2007 4:43:16 PM.

Re: Nurses: Do you like your job?

Posted by MsG

Thank you so much! This input is so valuable. I think I'd like to work towards a Psych NP; I don't feel I have it in me to be a floor nurse forever - physically or emotionally. My mom has been an ER nurse for almost 40 years and she is soooo burned out.

I also hear about nurses not getting paid OT b/c managers won't sign off on it - is this true?

Thanks in adavnce~!