Should you wash your clothes inside out?
I've got a couple of relevant articles to share with you guys today...and I'm throwing in a reader question too.
Should you wash your clothes inside out?
We frugal people are very interested in making our clothes last as long as possible, so I thought you'd like this Lifehacker article about the pros and cons of washing your clothing inside out.
I don't usually turn my clothes inside out on purpose but....many of them end up inside out after I take them off! So I've been inadvertently washing a good proportion of my laundry inside out.
Micro acts of joy
A Guardian writer tried out a "micro acts of joy" challenge, and since I often write about gratefulness, contentment, and joy, I enjoyed reading about her little experiment.
Her Day 3 assignment reminded me of what I have done so many times in my years of life: taking a hard, sad situation and finding the little bits of joy that have come from that situation. She writes about how the death of her dog was such a heartbreaking time, but one beautiful thing that came from it was the closeness between her and her husband as they grieved together.
Despite her ho-hum attitude going into the challenge, the author did find herself a bit more joyful at the end of the challenge. She concludes, "to feel more joy, I need to become a more connected, outward-looking person, ruminate less and focus on finding ways, however small, of doing good in the world."
Yup, that sounds about right to me!
Why you should buy everything used
WilliamB sent me this Washington Post article titled, "Why you should buy everything used" and ooh, I love it!
(I just had to enter my email address and a few other things to read the article for free.)
While I am not as diehard as my friend The Non-Consumer Advocate, I do love to score secondhand items whenever possible (often from my Buy Nothing group).
My favorite part of the article was the last paragraph:
Riffing off author Michael Pollan’s famous formulation for food (Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.), she has redefined her own relationship with things: “Have good stuff (not too much), mostly reclaimed.”
I could not love that more!
_______________________
And lastly, a question from Liz (Biker Liz...remember when we met her??) who is in nursing school like me!
How do you respond to people who tell you how hard/thankless nursing is?
“Nurses eat their young”, people say, and they share all the stories about how nurses are underpaid, overworked, underappreciated by doctors & patients, have LESS power/agency than they did in the 1970s/80s (less able to make patient decisions, expected to just execute the doctor’s orders without question, less flexibility in care decisions, etc.)?
I’ve had a lot of people, especially older nurses, being very discouraging recently!
-Liz
First of all, what is wrong with liking attention? Seriously. What is wrong with enjoying feeling appreciated, respected, blah blah? No, but seriously, what? There are many, many vocational roles that often require a uniform of sorts where the whole ''oh but attention-seeking'' schtick could apply. I give you: anyone in any branch of the military ''just doing it for attention!'' the fire service (don't need to say more there, ahem!).
That's such a stupid, mean thing to say, and even if it were true, that a person who goes into something like nursing or similar because they want to be seen and respected as one of the factors, so what? Good. I hope you DO get attention and kudos. You deserve it.
So that's my rant for the day done and dusted and I feel much better!
@Caro,
Agree, Agree, Agree. Especially if that statement was made by a close family member/friend/someone who lives with you---that makes it doubly more hurtful and unacceptable. We all deserve attention, praise, and thanks. That makes us human.
@st, IN decades of interacting with medical personnel, I've yet to meet a nurse who was attention seeking. Met plenty of egotistical doctors, but even nurses who were less than compassionate were NOT seeking attention.
Whoever said that to you, I wish you could have asked: What do you mean by seeking attention? Do you mean being acknowledged or appreciated? Or being seen as a person beyond my role?
Yeah, people in military and firemen, for example, who risk their lives. No, not about attention but about appreciation, which we all deserve as human beings.
I'm not a nurse, and I live in Australia where the health system is very different to the US. But I do work in a medical practice. My sister is a GP (I don't know what the equivalent is in the US - family doctor, perhaps?). I work as her Admin Manager. It is true that most nurses work in hospital settings but many GP practices also employ nurses. Ours is a mostly elderly demographic, with a growing number of young children as well. Our nurses run our treatment room, deal with the many needs of our very elderly patients and our very young patients and all the life stuff in between. It is true that they work under the direction of the doctors, but they are not the servants of our doctors. They are highly valued members of the team - as are all of our staff.
One of our nurses suggested to a student nurse friend that they should consider working in general practice. The friend said that he thought that would be dull and very boring. I don't think our nurse has stopped laughing!!!!!
A long way around to say that the nurses who work in our medical practice are emphatically not under appreciated. We wouldn't be the team we are without them. (And our patients love them)
@Frances, the equivalent of GP (I know this word thanks to watching Doc Martin) would be PCP- Primary Care Physician. HTH.
@Frances, when I left family practice to return to dialysis, my boss (who did NOT have a medical background), said to me, “So you’re going to dialysis? That’ll be really boring.” I’d remind myself of that comment every time something crazy happened with a patient, and laugh again.
On being a nurse. I’m sure it is thankless because when we need them the most we are often at our most vulnerable. And you will never know how much help and care you provided. But there will be times you do.
This is a weird comparison but I’ve been seeing people discussing the movie it’s a wonderful life. I find it interesting what their takeaway is. For me I always thought it’s about how you will never know how much of a difference you make. Especially when it’s not easy to do.
Your blog has helped more people than you will ever know. I have no doubt it will work the same with your nursing career.
Thanks for being here for everyone.
Regarding nursing as a career path and the comments, teaching feels about the same! We get the same kind of comments and observe the same burnout in colleagues and expressed by more seasoned teachers about how much better things used to be. I like your perspective; in my situation, well, SOMEBODY has to teach these kids! The more you work in a realm, the more you learn how things can be improved. But you're not going to fix the healthcare system, and I'm not going to fix the education system. So we will continue to just do what we can with the patients/students in front of us, voice opinions/ideas/concerns when appropriate, and know that we brought our best to the people in our care. Great perspectives, as always.
Additionally, your healthcare team and admins, and my colleagues and admins, can truly make or break a job. But we just have to go with where our gut, heart, and life leads us, and make the best decisions and find the best fit for us to serve well.
@Heather Mar,
My SIL is 74 years old and still works in the field of education. She has been a first grade teacher, an elementary school principal and a college professor. For this remarkable woman, teaching was not a career but a calling. Even today, she works with student teachers to prepare them for the classroom. I know there are many things that she wishes that she could change, but she has always put the children first. It sounds like you embrace the same attitude. For this, I thank you.
@Heather Mar,
Well said. And ditto.
@Heather Mar,
As a fellow teacher, I was thinking along the same lines. Thanks for putting it out there. Sometimes I get that dang "what am I thinking" feeling, but then the next day I go in and see what a difference I am making with some students. It's a lot of work, you need a lot of patience, but it can be very rewarding. My current principal is wonderful, but I just wish we could vote in all of the higher up admins--ugh!!!
@Heather Mar, When I was young I wanted to be an English teacher in the worst way! It was my dream.Life happened and I did not go to college right away.By the time I was 28 I decided to go to nursing school instead.Over the years I have made many friend in nursing,social work, and teaching.I think TEACHERS have it the hardest, BY FAR!! I admire and respect you immensely! All public service work is “hard” and the general public may make their comments, but we insiders know, if it’s in your heart to do it, do it you must! THANK YOU for your service!!
Do what you love and love what you do. Don't let others define what your relationship to your career should be. I am a teacher of over 30 years and love what I do, despite the sometimes negative attitudes of my colleagues and family. For me, it has been the most rewarding career path. Keep on yours, Kristen.....others need your care and positivity!
@MH, Yes! I was going to write that my teaching career 0f 31 years was a huge part of my life--my basically very happy life-- and although I was underpaid and worked many overtime hours grading and planning, I wouldn't have traded it for any high prestige job. Maybe some need attention and tons of money; not me. Nursing and teaching are callings. Go,Kristen, go!
I don't think you will ever be able to do anything without garnering loads of totally warranted attention because you are that awesome. I suspect "someone" might be jealous of you.
@Becca,
I thought the same thing about "someone's" comment. I've worked in hospitals for the past 36 years, and have yet to meet a nurse who's doing it "for attention". I have met nurses who are extremely dedicated, and other nurses who are burned out and phoning it in; none of them was seeking "attention".
@Liz B., As a fellow (retired) RN, it is pretty laughable, isn’t it, to think anyone would find “getting attention” to be the goal of a nursing career! Some nights,covered in baby poop,amniotic fluid, and sweat,after a few back to back deliveries,with a few emergencies thrown in, I just wanted to crawl into the shower, into my pajamas and sleep. Attention? the look on Mom and Dad’s face when they hold that newborn was enough. And they were looking at their baby, and into each others eyes, not at me!
Kristen- I quit working last year after having been an ICU/PACU nurse since 1986. Did I always love my job? Nope- does anybody?!? But, honestly, I had so much fun. I loved my coworkers & some remain my closest friends. I learned something new every single day. I had continual reinforcement & motivation for how I didn’t want to age! And when I was a brand new nurse, I met the cutest surgical resident ever & married him. It was a good, good career.
@Diane, "does anybody?!?" (always love their jobs) —Even as an artist, which sounds idyllic, there are several things that I just grit my teeth through. The art/craft fairs with so much idle chitchat that is exhausting when all I want to do is SELL SOME STUFF, the bookkeeping for tax purposes, having to draw or paint really dumb or boring stuff (some commissions), the loser-ish feeling when things don't sell or people tell me they could NEVER afford my work, having to pay self-employment taxes when my gross doesn't equal minimum wage. . .
In light of looking for the good things: sometimes I find new customers or reconnect with old friends at those shows, I only do the bookkeeping once a year, every commission is a chance to improve my skills, my prices are VERY LOW*, and there is a tremendous freedom in self-employment.
*I live in one of the poorest and least educated counties in California and sometimes it is near the bottom in the entire country.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
I'm well aware of the struggle of artist entrepreneurs. I don't have tons of money but I try to be supportive of people whose work I appreciate and like. I might not make a huge purchase but I always make some purchase. And in addition to that I often give them a shout out on social media as a way of expanding their market base.
I'm in California and in central California but probably not County that you are talking about. I think it is a struggle everywhere, particularly right now. I still choose to spend my money that way. Everything else I can get from "buy nothing new". LOL
@Diane,
As an ICU dietitian, thank you for your years of ICU/PACU nursing. It's stressful and complicated work, but know that you made a huge difference to the patients you took care of, and their families.
@Liz B., thanks & right back at you!!
@Allison, thank you! Folks like me appreciate folks like you. 😎
(I'm in Tulare County.)
My mom just got out of the hospital after a 5 day stay. The nurses were all very nice and compassionate. My mom has many issues and her speech is impossible for most people to understand, but there was one nurse, who kept saying, I'm here to take care of you, I love my job, I love helping people, I'm so glad I got to meet you, etc. It was such a blessing to have her during a stressful time. There are a lot of jobs that don't impact people to the degree that nursing does, not only the patient, but the whole family can be comforted by a reassuring and compassionate nurse. Thank you for going into the nursing profession. Don't let anyone discourage you! You are going to be awesome!
Kristen, I thought of you when I read that Guardian article! I love that journalist's column.
The discussion of pay reminds me of how librarians are told the vocational awe myth and how they shouldn't care about salary because of what they do...never mind that they need to support themselves. And what a cruel and stupid thing for that person to say to you!
@Sophie in Denmark, right?
And isn't it... interesting (yawn!) how so many of those roles where it's seen as a calling or vocational tends to attract a larger proportion of women vs men, and that any suggestion AT ALL of wanting professional respect, decent remuneration and a little recognition is met with ''oh IT'S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY, you should just do it because you love it!'' when in fact, the two things are not mutually exclusive.
Very few surgeon are told ''oh but you should definitely not expect good pay because your reward is being HELPFUL.''
It's used as a weapon to shame people - very often female, though not always, and it is changing - into accepting poor treatment and bad pay.
@Caro, exactly! In the book Bullshit Jobs the author discusses how jobs which serve the community are often the least valued.
@Caro, To be fair, surgeons spend a lot more time, energy and money learning their trade than RNs do. I did want to be a surgeon, but chronic ill health...etc.
@Caro,
This is so very true of my profession (dietetics). It is a largely female profession, and we are constantly asked to do things for free or for little pay. Salaries are slow to keep up with the cost of living.
@Rose, I don’t think anyone is saying that surgeons shouldn’t be fairly compensated for what they do; but just as surgeons and other doctors are compensated fairly, so should nurses be. It isn’t right to expect RNs to be compensated less and expect them to be happy because “you’re so passionate about taking care of your patients” (a comment that was made to me by a manager not that long ago).
@Clara B, How much should nurses be compensated? because it seems like they're fairly paid for the amount of training and education they have.
I just wanted to throw in my two cents about nurses: recently my husband had major surgery and was in the hospital for several days. The nurses were wonderful!! Hubby was having a hard time with post anesthesia nausea and medication didn’t help…. Yep, it was a nurse who brought him a handful of packages of alcohol wipes and said to try sniffing those… and they helped! Who knew! When he had another complication, it was a nurse who brought her “bag of tricks” and used a non-traditional method that helped immensely. So in spite of whatever hospital politics or whatever, always know that nurses are crucial to patient well being. And thank you for wanting to help fulfill that need!
I am not a current or former nurse, but it sounds exactly like what many women will say to first-time expectant mother. I'm guessing it comes from their own frustrations and/or resentments, but it sure is a wretched thing to do to someone. That wonderful advice I give my children all the time still applies to adults: If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
@kristin @ going country, I was thinking about this exact thing. When I was pregnant with my first baby, everyone suddenly had a horror story to share. Not exactly helpful for a first time mom! Pregnancy and parenthood are challenging, but the rewards are immense. I would guess being a nurse could also fit into that category.
Also, it’s crazy anyone would claim someone would become a nurse for the attention! That makes no sense.
@JenRR,
Although it has now been three decades, I remember how scared I was to have a baby and how difficult those first three months can be. So I never share the “darker moments” with an expectant mother. I am not sure why people feel compelled to do this.
Ugh, yes, that happened to me a lot during my first pregnancy, and my goodness, I was TERRIFIED when I went into labor the first time because of that. Happily, it was not nearly as terrible as everyone told me it was going to be. lol
@JenRR, I have to laugh at some of my memories similar to this..when I was in early labor, I lived 2 apartments down from my grandmother.She was a loving and awesome woman who mostly raised me and I cherished her greatly.But, as I knocked on her door to say I was on way to hospital she hugged me and said “I will be praying the rosary for you as you are now entering the valley of death..” !!!!! Yikes! She was an old immigrant woman who had seen many deliveries, and actually served as baby catcher for a few, and,as women did die of childbirth in the old days and the old country, it was her old world belief that it was a time of grave danger.Still, it scared the pants off my 20 year old self.Now,I laugh. yes,people bring their own prejudices to the table when they comment on anyone else’s career choice. I say be supportive or shut up!!
First of all, older nurses, like older xray techs are TIRED. They are getting near the end of that career, which begs the question "If its so terrible, why did you keep doing it for a living?" And one of the best things about it was the positive feedback I got (aka attention) from my instructors, other techs, and patients that kept me going and learning and helping others. Sounds like a rant from a person who needs to find their own path in life. As with most jobs that require that you pour yourself into the role, nurses will definitely miss everything that comes with the job when they retire. I know I will miss my job/career, and the hospital itself. But I am also thinking forward to what I can do next, and maybe building on those skills I learned in the medical world. Secondly, thrifting has EXPLODED. It was always a "thing" but social media seems to have made it more popular. That's good, of course, until the thrift stores get super wise to it. Then garage sales will become a thing again. Ha!
@Gina from The Cannary Family, Our Salv. Army store has raised its prices big time. A sweater I was considering buying (nothing special, just a basic, ordinary old secondhand sweater) was priced $16. Last year, I bought a fancy jacket there that was suitable for an evening out for $8. So I think it's happening: They're starting to get wise.
Luckily, my wardrobe is complete (now that I got the needed sweater at Walmart for $13, brand new), so I won't need to replenish anything for quite a while.
You were meant to be a nurse. I don't know why someone would say that to you about liking attention?!
Locally the news did a segment on a 90 year old nurse who has been working for 60 years in nursing in a hospital. She has no plan on retiring & works 5 days a week.
She said "The Lord is using me to help someone else and that's enough for me."
My sister is an oncology RN at a large, highly regarded teaching hospital. She gets very distressed when she sees that the needs of the patients aren't given the highest priority, and the focus seems to be more about $$. That being said, she does get a lot of satisfaction from helping people when they need it the most. A lot of her patients are either terminal or very, very ill, and it means a lot to her to be able to provide some comfort on that difficult journey for both the patients and their families.
As far as being overworked/staffing shortage issues go, I never hear her complain about working hard, but she does get concerned when her ability to provide a high level of care is compromised because she can only do so much, only be at one place at a time, etc.
I suspect that you will have similar feelings in terms of challenges and satisfaction. You are so right that there will always be patients who need care, and the world needs more people like you and my sister.
@Karen L, When I was getting cancer treatment, the nurses in chemo and radiation departments made all the difference in what was a very very challenging time.
Oh, there were a few who I had to wonder how they were still allowed to work with a bad attitude (When one was having trouble with setting up my IV I mentioned something about it being hard and she jumped all over me with "Don't tell me about your baggage." WTF?
Ironically, another nurse overheard her and came in and asked if I would like her to be my nurse (apparently they can choose among patients!) and I said yes and she was just so comforting and reassuring.
Yes, for nurses and other medical staffers who care, the real stress is in not being able, humanly, to serve all based on their needs. But you do what you can. And as long as you want to do that with a good attitude, it will work out.
Teachers are also a good example of underappreciated today, big time.
I have heard a lot of good things about oncology nurses!
@Irena, IDK about that, TBH. I always see everyone moaning about how underpaid "professional educators" are and how they're so underappreciated.
The average teacher salary on Long Island is over $100K and a few of them make $500K. Now obviously this doesn't apply to a teacher working in rural Louisiana, but that's why LIers pay ridiculous property tax. Frankly, judging by my kids' teachers, that is too much. They'd never get 100K in the private sector.
tl; dr: everyone please stop moaning. You chose the career: if you don't like it or you're underpaid, change it. Not all nurses are great and not all teachers, I mean professional educators, are either.
Here is an unlocked link to the Washington Post article: https://wapo.st/3Sv63OK
My problem with this particular account is that the author ordered everything online which has it's own environmental impact between packaging and shipping. It is a good step in the right direction.
I know a big clothes saving tip is to wash your clothes less frequently, as in wear them more before washing. The Levi's website use to say to wear your jeans several times between washings though I don't see that advice currently. I see they do recommend washing their jeans inside out. I think the less frequent washing would save on water, soap, electricity, washer/dryer wear and tear as well as helping clothes to last longer.
@K D, yes! That is what we do. My husband have I have traveled and lived in other countries and it is very common to wear the same thing multiple days around the world. Now I do the same thing. It makes it easier as the clothes are already picked out and I don’t usually see the same people twice in a row.
@K D, I started doing this about a year ago and it really helps. Also, on days that I know I want leave the house, I wear leggings and a Tshirt, my pajamas more accurately, but they are so inexpensive that it doesn't matter. Also, I will wear my pajamas for several days because how dirty do I get while sleeping, right?
@K D, thank you for sharing the unlocked link. I learned new things from that interesting article. And thanks to WilliamB and Kristen for putting it on my radar.
@Faith, When I find something I like, I often buy two or three of the item. Until a co-worker mentioned it, I never thought that when I wore the same outfit most days of the week that people would think I was wearing, well, the same outfit.
@Faith, hahaha! The Traveling Rule of 3...wear one, spare one, wash one. I could travel for a loooong time with just a carry-on bag.
@Lindsey, I knew someone who worked 4 days a week in a service industry where she saw different people every day. She would pick out an outfit (including heeelry abc shoes) and where the same outfit each day if that week. I thought that was brilliant.
@Faith, I thought I was the only one doing that, when I substitute teach at different schools. Now I see it is a trend! LOL!
Whoa, that comment about wanting attention was so manipulative. Someone was really trying to get inside your head and tear down your dream.
I experimented with washing clothes inside out. For me, it made a task that I otherwise find rather satisfying into something tedious and annoying. So, no more of that.
@Ringo, I think so as well. It sounds like someone who wanted to hurt Kristen. Perhaps this was because they themselves felt hurt or maybe even forgotten and lacking attention themselves. Of course that's no excuse but one never knows.
@Battra92,
Those comments, in my experience, tend to come from someone who knows you quite well and who knows "what buttons to push," just to hurt. So, yeah, no excuse
I just wanted to let you know that when my son was in the hospital with cancer, it was the nurses that helped me get through it. They were always so patient and kind, no matter what my son was putting them through. Two years later my son still talks about some of them. I’m sure I never properly thanked them, since I was a complete mess, but they were definitely not invisible and unappreciated!
@Jeanne,
Ditto for me when my son was in hospital with cancer. The nurses are like family to us- we absolutely love them! Maybe it's pediatrics that gives the nurses more time with the kiddos? Whatever it was/is, we have always had excellent experiences with the nurses at our children's hospital. After a loooong ER visit with my 17 year old for a major asthma attack, she's now leaning towards nursing (she vacillates between teaching and nursing- she must want that "attention" 😉 OR she just loves helping people, especially little kids)
I agree with the other commenters, Kristin, that whoever said that to you- it's all about them not you. Everyone wants to be appreciated for what they do! I think nurses are special people and I am so happy that you are going to be one!
I think that's important for nurses to remember too; we are often seeing people when they are at rock bottom, and when people are at rock bottom, gratefulness is not exactly top of mind for many. And that's ok! People at rock bottom who are stressed beyond belief still need care!
First, I am sitting in ICU with my husband who came down with an as of yet unknown or identified infection that has affected his breathing, lungs and blood pressure. Fwiw, he came in with kidney stones, but has a very compromised immune system already. Multiple tests - EKG, ECG, spinal tap, countless CTs and Xrays and an MRI. I'm stressed, but he always calls me Pollyanna because I will search out anything positive when I can and this is no different. Our kids have stepped up to help, we are in a wonderful environment with smart people and I know that when I ask for prayers, you guys will deliver. Seriously, any and all prayers will be welcomed.
Second, dd is a first grade teacher and this her 6th year. When people would ask what she would do when she graduated, she would say "a teacher" and inevitably someone would say, "I wouldn't be a teacher today for anything" and then list the reasons why. Teachers, especially, loved to list the reasons and why she should change her mind. I used to get so mad at them for discouraging her. We need teachers like we need nurses, so keep your negativity to yourself!!
@Jennifer, Praying they find answers and a treatment for your husband. What a blessing that your kids are adapting and you have good people around you!
A former friend of mine said the same thing when I told her my second son is majoring in education and wants to teach. "I wouldn't want to be a teacher these days..." Well, it's probably good that you're not, then, is what I wanted to say. Then again, she was a Gloomy Gertie about anything my kids were doing. Third son is 17 and wants to study graphic design: "Well, he'll probably change his mind about THAT..." Geez.
Aww, I am so sorry that you guys are in the ICU. I hope some answers are uncovered soon. Sending you love!
@Jennifer,
Many prayers coming to you and your hubby. Hoping they figure out what's going on quickly, and figure out the best way to treat it.
@Karen A., Gloomy Gertie is probably jealous of your children's successes. Take her pronouncements with a grain of salt.
@Karen A., Emphasis on "former" friend, right?
That comment about wanting to be a nurse for the attention was dismissive, belittling, and mean, and I hope that if you haven’t already removed that person from your life, that you are in the process of doing so.
The nurses who took care of my parents at the end of their lives were amazing.
For what its worth, I was very thankful and grateful to my nurses after my c-section, the nurses who took care of my babies in nicu, and the nurses I interact with whenever we go in for checkups. They’ve always been lovely and I think people do appreciate them!
@Ally,
Long time nurse here, over 30 years in (minus 7 years at home when my kids were very young). I never would have imagined I’d love nursing as much as I have. However, it has become increasingly frustrating over the last 6-7 years, largely because of bad management, but also because of the bureaucratisation that’s happened. It seems the focus has become much less about how we can take the best care of our patients, and much more about how we can improve efficiency (to increase profits, even in the non profit sector) and meet metrics. I quit my last job (which I had loved) because the new manager didn’t want to allow staff any say in how patients were cared for. I’ve just started a new position in palliative care which I am loving so far. My hat is off to you, Kristen, for starting down this path, and for recognizing that people will always need nursing care. It’s an amazing profession, not least because of the incredibly wide variety of specialties you can pursue. You will be an excellent nurse, and I hope we are able to fix what’s broken in our healthcare system so nurses like you can enjoy fulfilling careers. I could write a lot more, but need to get to work :).
@Clara B,
Agree 100% about more emphasis on efficiency and metrics...this is true of most, if not all, medical professions these days. I have a ton of respect for palliative care nurses.
Sometimes you're born to a career, and I feel like that's you with nursing, like it is my 14yo daughter with teaching. There's nothing wrong with going into it with your eyes wide open and loving it anyway. This is Earth. Nothing is perfect! But many things are very, very good.
From the few times I have been a patient myself- the nurses and the way they cared for me as a patient left a huge impression. The doctors were just in and out and busy and remain kind of faceless in my memory. I know you are going to be a wonderful, caring, and skilled nurse who will touch the lives of your patients.
I have been a nurse 15 years and while yes, sometimes it is a thankless job with a lot of regulations and excessive charting, it can also be very rewarding. I love chatting with patients about their life, I love teaching them about their meds, and on the days when you intervene and the patient actually gets better you feel like a freaking rockstar. Also for being “thankless,” the pay is pretty darn good. At the end of the day, I am in it for the money not people’s thanks. I also don’t think it’s fair to expect people to be cheerful and super thankful every second while they are in pain or scared or alone or sick or nauseated or having what could literally be the worst day of their entire life. But also a lot of people DO say thanks and are very nice and kind. As for eating their own, being able to have a thick skin and take criticism is important. Sometimes I do wonder if some people who left nursing because others were too mean were perhaps mistaking corrections or criticisms for cruelty? New nurses make mistakes and are wrong about stuff at a higher rate than experienced nurses. I certainly did and am a better nurse now than I was when I started thank God. I didn’t find anyone was particularly mean but I did have to be open to people telling me I needed to do something differently. Anyways given your positive attitude and hard working nature I doubt you will have trouble finding a position you are good at and enjoy. Also “nursing” is hardly one single job. There are SO many different career paths that look completely different!
Re: laundry: Yes, I wash my clothes inside out unless I'm trying to remove a major stain on the outside of a garment. I'd add that clothes will last longer if the use of the dryer is avoided altogether. (I do have the luxuries of a nice collection of drying racks, ample space in which to use them, and time to hang laundry. I realize that not everyone does.)
Re: buying everything used: I'm probably nearer NCA Katy's end of the spectrum on this one. but I do buy new when it's unavoidable or advisable.
And re: that “You just want to be a nurse for the attention you will get" remark: WHAT??? (I'm not a nurse--but no one in my experience who was, is, or is planning to become a nurse has EVER mentioned that as a motive!)
I know, right? It's easier to brush off criticism that is so obviously not based in reality. It makes it laughable!
We can all make nurse’s jobs less thankless by thanking them next time we have doctor or hospital visits. 🙂 I know the people on this comment section are up for that challenge and probably most of you already thank your medical staff. It really does brighten their day!
For sure. I always, always say thank you to medical personnel, and I do remember that some of my labor and delivery/postpartum nurses were surprised by that. So, I know that as a nurse, I will need to go in with realistic expectations, that not every patient will be thankful.
@Kristen, And also thank you to all the other support staff, even the billing department! It takes a village, as they say. Lots of moving parts to a well-run health care facility, whether a doctor's office or a big city hospital.
Thank you for the information and links on buying used. I am trying very hard this year to not buy anything new....I have developed a terrible habit of online shopping and returning (probably to have those things go to the landfill, much to my horror). So far it is going well.
And to comment on nursing. I am a second-career RN (went to school at age 40). I LOVE my career. I am in the unique position of working at a pediatric teaching hospital in Canada where RNs are highly valued as part of the team. Carry on!! you will find a place where you are valued! I have no regrets!
I can't figure out from the laundry article why washing inside out reduces static cling. Inside or outside out, material rubs together. I can understand the less wear and tear on zippers and details, but not static. Half the time my clothes are inside out when I wash, just because that's how they got removed, and I don't bother changing that unless something on the outside surface is messy.
I bet that person complaining about nurses was having a bad day or a bad penitence in the past. Ignore them and move forward with your goals! I complain about teaching at times ( it goes in cycles- sometimes it's the best and sometimes I want to run away to Aruba and never set foot in the classroom again). However, I try to do it only to people who understand I'm venting, and I really do like my job. All professions have their frustrations. As for becoming a nurse for attention ?!?!- it sounds like someone was watching 1970's soap operas or something. Definitely a "them" problem.
Enjoy your day!
@mbmom11,
Experience not penitence. Geez autocorrect ,that was a weird option
@mbmom11, Maybe autocorrect was feeling guilty. Heaven knows it should.
My best friend works as an ultrasound tech, but she's also trained as a nurse and does on call work and outreach to smaller communities in her area. She says that she always tries to remember that, chances are, she's seeing someone on their worst day because of pain, fear at what her imaging might find, etc. She enjoys the work and helping people--it's the administration that she finds frustrating. Every department has its own vibe; may you find yourself in one that suits you and your gifts, Kristen! Good nurses deserve attention.
When my husband was in the hospital for a medical emergency a decade ago (!!!), the nurses were the ones who made it bearable. They explained what they were doing and why, saw that he was entered into the right physical therapy programs, etc. Nurses are rock stars, and don't let anyone tell you different!
Yup, that's why I want to do this: to help people. And I am hopeful that this desire will keep me going on the hard days!
I’m not a nurse, but I’ve been a healthcare provider for 25 years. Working in medicine right now is really hard- so many challenges and obstacles. I will not list them all as my point here is to not be discouraging.
However, I truly believe that of healthcare is a calling for a person, as it is for me, it is still the right profession for someone to pursue.
Current challenges have really separated those who previously wanted to enter into it just for (fill in the blank) prestige, money, lifestyle. If you enter into it right now with those being your only priority, you will be very, very disappointed! There are other things those people can do that are not as hard, don’t require as much training or sacrifice, and that don’t sometimes eat away at your heart like medicine does.
Basically I’m saying that in today’s healthcare climate, do it only if you cannot imagine yourself doing anything else.
I have no regrets. ☺️
I used to hear that same thing almost 40 years ago when I began nursing school. "Nurses eat their young". Some but not all I guess. I had some great mentors. I haven't worked as a nurse for almost 25 years. I'm sure it's even more difficult now with the acuity of the patients and the staffing shortages. It seems like you have a calling for it. I think you'll be fine. Pro-tip - try OR nursing because you can only be with one patient at a time.
I have only been in the hospital twice to give birth, both both times I spent much more time with my nurses, than the doctors who briefly stepped in. I would say that my experience was much more a factor of their attitudes and care than the doctor.
My son was hospitalized for many months while he underwent treatment for cancer. That was over ten years ago now, and I still often think of his nurses and how kind and competent they were. They were a bright spot during a bleak time. Totally appreciated by us!
I just googled stalked my son's nurse (lactation nurse from NICU stay of 2 months), so I could send her a thank you note. I still adore her. My son is 14, and I haven't talked to her in 12 years. She wrote me back! 🙂 (I sent a letter in the mail.)
Moms of NICU babies are very grateful for nurses who help them breastfeed their 2 lbs 12 oz babies. I think we started trying when he was 3 lbs and could nurse about 4 ml . I went on to nurse him for over two years. (fully by 1 month post-discharge when I quit pumping)
There are nursing positions for every personality type. A friend of mine is not warm at all, and she loves being an ER nurse. Save their life and move them on.
@April, Lol- that’s how I ended up in the Recovery Room! Awake enough to ask me where I’m from & where I go to church? Discharged!!
What an interesting and diverse group of articles!
My mother always washed our clothes inside out. I try to do this with my clothing to keep them looking new longer. I also wash them on the gentlest appropriate cycle and put very little in the dryer. However, my husband likes to “help” with the laundry. I have never been able to convert him to doing laundry the “right way.” Most of the time, it all works out just fine even though it drives me crazy. I have my own basket for my things that need special handling. At least he tries to help. Just getting it done was the important thing when my children were home. Five people create a lot of laundry!
Joy! I have always found there are certain things that always make my heart swell: birdsong, giggling children, the sound and smell of the oceans, sunrises, sunsets, sea breezes, the smell of orange blossoms, watching dolphins frolics, and hugs from my children. The world is filled with these beautiful little moments.
Should we buy more used? Most definitely. Although I have an list of items that I never buy used, I would estimate that 80% of the non consumables that I purchase are technically previously owned. I have done this for decades for both financial and environmental reasons. I have also sold items for profit especially vintage and antiques. Although e-commerce has made it easier to buy and sell secondhand, I also think it has made everyday things much more expensive as competition has increased for good quality, used items. The price gap between previously owned and new is rapidly closing especially when shipping costs are taken into consideration. Over the last 4 years, I actually find myself buying more frequently from traditional retail sources.
Finally, I am certain that nursing has changed considerably over the last 30-40 years. I would venture to say that this is true of all areas of medicine impacting both providers and patients. As you are fond of saying, nothing is 100% good or 100% bad. I think this is true of nursing. I am sure that you will find your new career rewarding.
Wishing everyone peace, good health and prosperity.
My 23 yo daughter is an ER RN in the largest ER in our very large city. She started her nursing career at 20. She has had to learn a lot of hard life lessons already. Nurses DO eat their young. I believe she was made by God to do this though. She is amazing at what she does. You have to take the good with the bad.
Per buying everything used, I kind of disagree on that; at least with regards to things where safety might be an issue. We're now discovering that a lot of dishes we've eaten off of for years (like Corelle) have unsafe levels of lead in them. That said, I do agree that there are a lot of things you don't need to own new versions of, particularly if you already have one.
So I'm not an absolutist on this but I've always had a fair share of secondhand items.
If you want attention as a nurse, there are certain nurses uniforms that might get more attention than the standard scrubs will. LOL 😀
@Battra92, “If you want attention as a nurse, there are certain nurses uniforms that might get more attention that the standard scrubs will. LOL” What a very sexist, rude and inappropriate comment. I am a very experienced RN currently in my 44th year of nursing and I find this comment very offensive and insensitive.
I took it more as Battra poking fun at the person who told me I was becoming a nurse for attention...like, if I wanted attention, then a job where you don scrubs is a pretty silly way to go about it.
@Alexandra, I believe Battra92 was making a joke. He often comments and I feel sure he would not mean to be offensive.
@Ava, yeppers. Battra92 is a kind and gentle commenter with a quirky sense of humor.
@Alexandra, naw, that's just Battra92 coming in with a quip. He is a very sensitive soul actually. I sincerely doubt he meant to be offensive.
So.... about nurses.... I work in the medical field (in an hospital, as a rehabilitation technician (physical and occupational therapy) and sorry to say but nurses get much more recognition than many other staffs will ever get. I'm kind of tired earing how hard it is for nurses; it's hard for everyone working in hospitals, period.
Ok, getting off my soap box!
Have a good day 😉
@isa,
Oh yeah! I agree! That is not necessarily the nurses' fault though.
@st, I never said it's ''nurses fault''. But there is a glamorization of nurses like they are the only ones working hard in hospitals, and it's very much not the case (being the only ones).
Ah, I can imagine that when that happens, it's really frustrating for techs. Assistive personnel do a lot of the grunt work!
@isa, I get what you’re saying, and agree. I think it has less to do with nurses seeking attention, and more to do with the fact that nurses are both greater in number and more visible to patients and families. Personally, I’ve always felt that a medical facility is only as good as it’s housekeeping staff - now there’s a vital but under appreciated role!
@Clara B, I totally agree with you. I don't see nurses as seeking attention, not at all. But, like you say, everyone has an important role that deserves recognition/appreciation.
I'm not a nurse .... but as an OT who has been working for 36 years, mostly in an inpatient setting, I have worked with many nurses over the years. Good nurses are worth their weight in gold. They willingly communicate and collaborate with other medical professionals to provide the best care for their patients. I have NO DOUBT that you will be a top tier RN. From what I've read, your motivation for working with patients is a sincere desire to help them get better. That characteristic will give you the ooomph needed to get through the not-so-nice parts of the job. I have found that it is helpful to keep in mind that patients and their loved ones are frightened, physically uncomfortable, and feel a loss of autonomy when they are in the hospital. None of us is at our best when we feel like that. I feel like a superhero when I connect with a "difficult" patient. I look forward to hearing your patient care stories--I know you will touch many people with your positive outlook and outstanding skillset. 🙂
I love thrifting, so I'm interested in reading the article. However, I have my limits: used toothbrush? Underpants? Toilet brush? No thanks. But, I've found some wonderful used items that I use/display/wear/whatever, forever, or at least until they wear out. I found a signed, framed print at a thrift store that was simply a watercolor of a house on a wintry day, but I love it. In fact, a granddaughter has told me she also loves it, saying it reminds her of my house, so in pencil on the back, I wrote a note that she gets it after I'm gone.
Washing clothes inside out: I wash my "good" clothes and delicates inside out most of the time. Jeans, casual tee's, socks, working-in-the-yard clothes, I don't bother. I zip zippers and fasten hooks to avoid snagging, but that's about it. I also hang-dry 99.9% of my laundry, outdoors and on racks.
Nursing: I am sure it's hard, hearing some of the stories from the several nurses in my family, one of whom is young. They all love their jobs though; in fact one retired from a general hospital and immediately went back to work in a children's hospital, because she loves nursing so much. There are many jobs that are hard, like farming, but it's needed, people do it, and the ones that stick with it seem to feel it's worth the work, so why tell them these things? An experienced nurse telling a newer nurse how hard the job is, relating the horror stories, well - personally, I think a person who does that is subtly bragging or perhaps establishing dominance. "Look what I've done. Look at the hardships I survived. Are you as strong as me?"
@JD, I think it is not unusual for people to tell horror stories about their jobs. I don't take it as bragging but as trying to be interesting, or you assume people are interested in what X profession is really like. Also, you get used to talking about weird stuff with co-workers and don't always remember that what is a normal horror to you in your job can be horrifying to someone not in your profession. My husband used to remind me before parties that I was not to talk about things like blind vaginas or Munchausen by Proxy, which were things that were perfectly normal topics in my work life. At the height of my career I was so consumed by my work, much more than 40 hours a week if you counted on-call, that I didn't have much else to talk about. Combine that with thinking I was a very boring person, and it was only a short jump to talking about the weirder aspects of my job.
@Lindsey,
Lol, my co workers and I have been guilty of discussing, ummm, less than palatable subjects in our office. Anyone who happens to wander in would be appalled (and maybe a little sickened) if they heard us.
Nursing "for the attention" is nonsensical. When are men ever accused of that?
Buying everything used: I do for larger things: furniture, artwork, antiques, old quilts, jewelry. I don't for smaller things like a set of measuring spoons. The local thrift store, while fabulous, tends not to have stuff like that. I don't for clothing because I'm extremely picky about my clothes. That said, I contemplated some vintage bathing suits on Etsy the other day which I could never wear in the water anyway. My college required a swim test to graduate, and I hadn't a suit, so I borrowed one, which must have been from the 20s. It was knitted wool and it got huge and heavy in the water and by the end of the swim, didn't cover my chest any more, it stretched so much.
Re micro-joy: I will try again. I used to feel joy and hope all the time and I don't any more. Yes, it's been a very tough year for me and I once again have concerning physical symptoms. But I'll keep plugging away. Recently it's been proven that long Covid may be contributing to my depression and anxiety. "Those with long COVID who develop anxiety and depression after an infection may have brain shrinkage in areas that regulate memory, emotion, and other functions as well as disruption of brain connectivity." etc.
@Rose, I am sorry you don't feel much joy because often the things you write give me a burst of laughter, which is a joyful thing to me. So you give joy, even though you are having trouble finding it yourself.
@Rose, I had not heard that about Covid & depression.
@Rose,
You have had such a tough year, yet you come here and share so many stories, as well as your sharp wit. I look forward to seeing your comments (about a saggy wool swimsuit, for example). 🙂
I had heard about long Covid and depression/anxiety before....I wonder if medication and/or therapy would make a difference? Just curious.
Thanks, folks. I am going to try again in a couple of weeks with our stupid little town's new doctor. Myasthenia gravis meds.
It just gets SO FREAKING OLD after being sick for 35 years to try something new. I don't know how many treatment regimes I've tried since I originally got sick, none of which have done anything. Why can't they for once make my illness a priority and fix it? I'm going to spend the rest of my life struggling. Really, no one cares.
The other thing is that I am on my own when it comes to treatment. Every time I try something new it's because I read about and persuaded a doc to prescribe me meds. All my doctors are less well informed about the latest treatments than I am. I guess I don't fault them for this, as there's always so much going on medically, but it doesn't make me feel secure, knowing that I am in charge, not them.
I am a retired nurse. I worked the last 20 plus years in oncology. A very rewarding profession. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve so many people. Best wishes to you Kristen.
I think nurses are highly respected by the public. I don't know how doctors feel. I also know that they are well paid in spite of all the hype that says they aren't. There are many jobs open to them besides a hospital nurse. My granddaughter is an online nurse educator which allows her to be home with her children. She does have a masters in nursing education. Some people have negative remarks to make whenever someone tries to better herself.
I can tell you from personal experience, nurses are the salvation of patients today. Good, caring, kind nurses who continue to focus on the patient while dealing with the "system" that doesn't support them; other staff and doctors who don't support them.
Good nurses make all the difference wherever you are: In hospital, PT rehab centers, testing centers, doctor's offices/practices; cancer centers, etc.
One good nurse can offset all the nightmares of the outright bad medical personnel (as in they are so burned out or whatever that they should no longer be practicing).
You write: "underappreciated does not equal unimportant."
Exactly. Nurses are vital to our healthcare system. As are the good doctors who also fight a system where they, too, are often undercompensated and not given the resources they need to do their job (Oh, what I've learned in conversations from my PCP, who I hope will continue to stay in the system despite being overworked and greatly challenged by the profit oriented owners of businesses today.)
Your attitude going in is what will make you an excellent nurse. You focus on how you can help and what you can do for the patient---even if it's often hard to do and sometimes unrewarding.
I can't believe someone said you are in nursing for the attention. OMG. Nursing is ALL about someone else.
I have talked to many nurses over the years who have shared their frustrations. I have talked to them during the pandemic. It is heartwarming to hear how many continue to work (and long hours with heavy patient loads where they feel care is compromised but management does NOTHING) no matter what because they do it because they know the value for a patient and want the patients to feel better.
I spent two months in physical rehab and I can tell you that a few of those nurses were so kind and thoughtful and it made a huge difference. HUGE.
I now have a few nurses who have become personal friends. They work for large insurance companies, among other places, and OMG. The pressure on them is unreal. Again, process is about making money, saving resources but not on serving the patients' needs first and foremost. They are all stressed out but still working the best they can.
No matter where we work, or what we do. There is always stuff. Which is why the best career advice is to find work that even though it has pitfalls, you want to do it and you find the joy in it. All work matters but in healthcare, nurses are the lynchpins.
It is understandable that some have shared such challenging things. It's important to understand the reality of the workplace today. BUT...when you are truly "called" to something, like nursing, that is not going to stop you from caring and contributing.
You will face tough situations but given all you have gone through, with your patient centric perspective, you will be a great asset and a role model to others.
I think there are so many options in the nursing field,if the bedside & paperwork mountain isn't your thing.
Going to disagree on that person's opinion,the aides are the most overworked, underpaid, unappreciated members of the team,and not only are they the recipient of the crap from their superiors but also the patient/resident and their families.
Retired after 25 years with a bad back & knees.
@Pat, yes! PCA's (aids) are vital and SO underappreciated! Without my PCAs, as a rehab therapist, I cannot do my job. I truly appreciate them.
Due to some serious health issues (thankfully mostly in my past!) I have had many occasions to receive care from nurses. I have never had one that was attention seeking. I have been blessed with so many kind, caring people who often went out of their way to help me feel the best in situations that were often uncomfortable and filled with pain. I had a L & D nurse give me a back rub with lotion after the birth of my second child. It helped me relax and get a few hours of really needed sleep. I've had oncology nurses make sure my port was numbed before they put in the line to deliver meds. Nurses (with very few exceptions) are angels!!
I am so thankful you are going into nursing, because you are going to be an amazing nurse who will put her patients first. We need more people who share your attitude and gifts to enter this field. I do hope that nurses become more appreciated and receive better wages for the demanding jobs they perform.
Also, as patients, our attitude can make a huge difference. I always make it a point to thank my nurses as they help me, and it saddens me to tell you that many of them were surprised to hear "thank you" from a patient. A simple thank you, smile, asking how their day is going, can go a very long way. I also make a point of trying to call for a nurse before something is urgent, knowing that they have many patients and it will take a bit of time until they can get to me. Kindness is always best.
I can picture you being the type of nurse that my family encountered in 2022. They were the most amazing people. They took care of Daddy for 3 weeks in the hospital followed by our hospice nurse at home for 3 days. These nurses, took care of Daddy but also our family. They were our angels.
Aww, I am so happy to hear that this was your experience. We were just talking this week in class about family-centered care; to not look at the patient as just the patient, but as part of a family unit (and a family unit can look a lot of different ways).
Reclaimed/second hand items: I have very few items that are "new." Shoes, underwear, socks, uniforms (I made my own scrub tops/allows me to be "seasonal) are the "new" things. I did buy a very good brand of pots and pans when setting up housekeeping that have a lifetime guarantee. But by and large, everything else I have is secondhand and often from someone special.
Washing inside out? "Ain't nobody got time for that!" I do wear clothes a couple of days, jeans several days, I live in pjs. It makes no sense for me to come home from work in the morning go to bed for an adequate time and change clothes. I work a two day stretch, off three, except for every other weekend. I learned to buy pjs that I don't mind people seeing me in or to take out my dog. (I laughed at A. Marie's comment yesterday about finally taking a shower after four days, three is my max in this cold weather, but I get the gist, I never thought I'd be like the residents I work for, not wanting a shower!) Some of my tops have embellishment that require turning wrongside out, and I do that. I still am of the "touch an item as few times as possible" timesaving mode when it comes to clothes and laundry.
And the big one, the one I have first hand experience in. Nursing. Attention seeking? Far from it. And this follows on the heels of my last work night of experiencing staff shortage d/t weather AND illness, with an unhappy family member jumping down mine and my aide's throat for not attending to her mother often enough during the night. Though experienced, the aide did not recognize that the daughter's angst was really from fatigue and watching her Mom's failing health, her plan of assuming the responsibility in her home with Hospice care and being the chief caregiver the next day. Yes, we failed her. Could we have done better? maybe, but we did manage to take care of 42 other people w/o complaint. It is NOT always like this, but when it is, it sure makes you feel very low. (And for those number checkers, we were in compliance.) But...I will tell you, I could not, would not do anything else. The glimmering moments are like Academy Awards. I have touched a piece of a Japanese Kamikaze plane saved by a veteran. I visit with a lady who has seen a real Zeppelin and has ironed for people with a sad iron. I laughed with a guy who mistook his wheelchair for his motorcycle and couldn't find how to start the engine. I told him "He WAS the engine." And his response was "Vrooooom, vrooooom!" I've spent the last moments of life with patients and their family members and have never discounted the sacred privilege. A husband was giving the account of his life with his wife and said "It was such a long time." and then with tears, "And, really it wasn't."
@Chrissy, beautiful!
@Chrissy: (1) My not wanting to take a shower for four days because it was so @#$!! cold gave me real insight into why my DH didn't (and other people with dementia don't) like to shower. DH was terribly temperature-sensitive in his last few years, poor darling. And (2) your patient stories are wonderful. I remember your telling the last one about the husband and wife when DH died--and, no, it really wasn't such a long time. But I try to remember how lucky I was to have him for as long as I did.
@Chrissy, Your last two lines brought tears to my eyes.
I liked this post a lot, especially the nursing perspective you have. So many people told me this about social work and... lo and behold, I love my job!! Most jobs are thankless anyway, and if you walk around expecting to get thanked all the time, you'll be sorely disappointed in life in general. Also, someone said to me recently, "Your thanks at your job is getting paid" and I thought that was very smart!
The "you're doing it for attention" comment is an especially ridiculous thing to say to a blogger. Random strangers log on to pay attention to your work every day. LOL
That's what I thought made it so funny. A blogger would not go back to school to become a nurse for the attention. lol Blogging is WAY more of an attention-getting career than nursing.
I also find it hilarious that someone would tell you "You just want to be a nurse for the attention you will get.” Did you happen to ask why they said that? I would be so interested in the response...
I was a nursing assistant in a hospital setting (Mayo Clinic) from late highschool to just after college. I first went into it because I was entertaining the idea of going into medicine and wanted a first hand view. I found it super hard and I mostly didn't like it no matter where I floated during a shift. BUT as you also say, it is an important job. YES. I have great admiration for nurses, especially after watching a hospice team support my Dad and me and my Mom as we cared for him in his last months this past summer. I'm so thankful for you all.
I'm actually afraid that soon we won't be able to get the care we all need due to people not going into the field and general shortages. I'm glad you want to be a nurse and enjoy taking care of others, even when it's hard in one or more of all the ways it can be hard. Godspeed!
I’ve been a nurse since 2008; working in ICU first and now outpatient oncology. I don’t know if it’s just my specific patient populations, but both have been incredibly thankful for the nurses. Occasionally I have had a grouchy patient (or family members of patients), but for the most part, these patients have been the best imaginable.
“Nurses eat their young”……yes, some do. And it’s so sad to me. But I’ve also noticed that majority of the ones with this type of behavior are the ones you don’t really want to learn from anyways—they often are masking deficits in their knowledge/skill by being so nasty to other nurses. At least from what I’ve witnessed. And now YOU will get to be the type of nurse that grows and mentors other new nurses; the more of us there are with this attitude, you the quicker we can replace the ones that eat their young. 😉
Pay has come such a long way from where I started in 2008 (I made $22.50/hour for ICU night shift starting out and that was GOOD for my area) but most nurses don’t get into nursing to get rich. We do it because we are helpers by nature.
Retired nurse, here. 42 years of nursing at the bedside, and believe me when I tell you, it can be very rewarding, depending on your attitude about it. I have so many stories I could tell, I have often said, I should have started writing a book in 1979, the year I became an RN. The nurses I worked with and I still get together monthly, and oh, what fun stories we tell! Kristen, you have the heart for this job. My attitude was never, oh, I can get rich doing this, I can gain attention, I can rise up the ranks…I never wanted any of that. I wanted to take care of people, I worked everywhere from maternity, med Surg, and found my true calling in the ICU caring for the sickest patients, and loved it. Honestly, it was my dad who encouraged me to become a nurse. He always knew best! I have all the faith that you will enjoy your career, you will touch many lives in a positive way, you will have hard days, but the good days will outweigh the bad, and you will not regret the decision you have made. And, yes, you will be able to support yourself and your family with your wages, and will always have job opportunities no matter where you are! Embrace all that is good, and try not to let the negativity burden you. You are a prolific writer, maybe YOU can write the book I never wrote! Godspeed dear Kristen, you will be a blessing to your patients.
This is my favorite type of post—thoughts on life, answered questions, links to interesting articles, and such excellent Commentariat participation that I have "wasted" an hour reading and responding when I should have been painting this morning!
Thank you, all (especially Kristen, of course)!
P.S. "for the attention you will get" is so inane, telling all we need to know about the jerk who uttered it.
I have found that those who make mean-spirited comments are often using psychological projection. They're unconsciously projecting their own behaviors, thoughts and feelings onto someone else. That's not to say that they get a pass for saying what they said, but it does help me to not spend precious time trying to figure out why. Those who build themselves up by tearing others down are psychologically unwell.
To Liz's question on how to respond to those who say discouraging things about nursing, she could say something like "I understand the challenges of the medical profession and I'm looking forward to being the best nurse I can possibly be."
I've been a nurse since 2006, and a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2013. I will say a big part of loving my work as a nurse has been finding a good fit between my job and personality. Med-surg inpatient nursing was not for me, for example-- but I loved overseas nursing with Mercy Ships (this was volunteer for 14 months... feel free to email me if you ever want to discuss), and I love outpatient family practice now as an NP. So I'd really encourage you to try different areas of nursing if you don't find a good fit initially.
The other thing I will say is: yes, there have been a lot of changes in the nursing environment, even in the years I've been a nurse. Ideally nurses would work in supportive environments with supportive managers, but that's not always the case and is part of the burn out phenomenon. Hopefully you will end up at a good facility (Magnet designation for hospitals is a good start) that values and empowers nurses.
One thing I've grown more aware of is the importance of negotiating-- for wages, for sign-on bonuses, hours/shifts worked, etc. It never occurred to me that I could do that as a nurse, but you really can and should! I once missed out on a $5k sign on bonus, for example, that a coworker received just by asking. It's often harder to advocate for ourselves than it is for our patients, and it might feel like we should just be grateful for what we're offered... but "even" as a newer nurse, you'll have a lot to offer and you should always advocate for yourself too!
I'm always happy to chat more about nursing so feel free to email me! I love reading about your nursing journey and know you'll be an awesome nurse- you have the heart and the sense of calling. 🙂
@Lindsay B, I have had a different experience working at a Magnet facility. I’ve learned the hard way that it isn’t a nursing recognition designation, but it’s a BSN educated RN recognition - anyone with less education than that is considered second rate (and I have a BSN). And it’s very possible for a facility to obtain Magnet designation without actually supporting and empowering its nurses - it just has to produce and submit the prettiest reports with cool graphs.
I am not a current or former nurse but I've been in the hospital a few times, had some pretty serious illnesses where I could do nothing for myself at all....so, the patients appreciate nurses.
I still think of the nurses who basically delivered my baby & cared for me after a horrific delivery that left me unable to lift my head for at least two days. And that was 30 yrs ago...
I still think of the nurses who took care of me when I had a thyroid removed for cancer....how they even took care of my teen son who spent the night with me that first night.
And I still think of the nurses who called & checked up on me while I had covid at home. I wasn't that sick but they called every day, gave me advice on how to heal, encouraged me....made sure I had what I needed....
I've had experiences with some difficult nurses too but they've been so very rare. I think any job where you serve others, you'll encounter thankless people. I hope those of us who are extremely grateful make it worth it.
I worked as an allied health professional (Occupational Therapist) for 20 years. I loved the work when I was allowed to do what I went to school to learn do, that is help people regain their functional ability to perform daily living tasks through therapeutic interventions. I hated the work when the goal of my employer was my productivity to make money, regardless of a patient's needs. They deliberately understaff and underpay staff they have. They make the working conditions miserable and dangerous. And laugh all the way to the bank. After 20 years I left the profession for another line of work where I can be autonomous and use my skills the way I feel is best. I miss the good days as an OT but not the bad ones. I'm proud of the work I do now and do it well, thanks to the experience I gained during my OT career.
So my advice to you in nursing is to find the RIGHT nursing job, where you can use your skills and treat your patients the way you are taught is best practice. Where you aren't forced to cut corners or compromise your values. These jobs are rare, but they are out there. Make them your goal.
There are some wonderful nurses out there who can cut all the baloney and do a great job. I suspect you will be one of those.
A bigger negative effect on clothes is to dry them in the dryer. Dryers are really hard on clothes. I should also add that I so dislike hanging clothes that I'm happy my backyard is clothesline-unfriendly.
@WilliamB, And, as usual, I thought of something else to add after I hit "reply." I air out my tops after I wear them so they can be worn more often before laundering and I only wash clothes that are visibly dirty, sweaty, or smelly. So right-side out is usually best for me. (Plus I'm lazy.)
I worked in the OR for much of my 45 year career. Yes, when I was first in nursing I didn't always feel respected but the climate gradually but surely changed. A lot of it had to do with safety. Nurses are with the patients and doctors soon realized we only want what is safe and best patient care. Now in a well run hospital there is mutual respect and collaboration. Nurses make critical decisions and work with advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, and a lot of other professionals from PT, pharmacy, OT, respiratory and many others. The pay is excellent. The rewards are great. The work is hard but rarely thankless.
@Nancy, Exactly my thoughts too Nancy! I’m in my 44th year of nursing and have worked in many different areas of nursing. Physicians realize and respect that a nurse is with their patient all shift and rely on our knowledge, assessment skills and expertise. We have a collaborative approach for the best outcome for the patient. Patients and families are thankful. I’m well compensated with good benefits and pension. We work hard as a team and many friendships are created. Not to say there are some ungrateful patients or not so nice physicians but they are few and far between. Would do it all over again.
Hello, first time commenting! I enjoy your blog very much - frugality is a struggle for me so I am very much a work in progress and your inspiration helps a lot.
I decided to chime in today to recommend the book "Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore" by Patric Richardson. It is a delightful book that has revolutionized how I do laundry and my family's clothes are cleaner and in better shape! I checked it out at the library at first and was so convinced that I found a pre-owned copy for myself on ebay. I can't recommend it enough!
Good luck with this semester and know that you cultivate a really kind-hearted little spot on the internet and that your effort is appreciated!
@Meg, I just put that book on my Want To Read list. I do a lot of laundry!
I’m very thankful for people like you that want to help others. My daughter graduated from nursing school in June and now works in the dialysis unit in our closest city. She loves the patients and the staff. Yes , the work is hard, but so is any job worth its salt! Keep doing what’s in your heart and forget the rest!
Acute care SLP here. Not a nurse but have worked beside them for 25 years. Working in the medical field can be thankless but when you make a true difference in someone’s quality of life. Man, that feeling is something. It carries me for days. Treating someone with love and care is a gift to them and yourself.
@Lisa,
I work along side acute care SLP's, too....you make a huge difference in your patient's lives. So much respect for what you do!
The beautiful thing about being a nurse is you can change and do something else in the profession. When I started out 30 years ago I wanted to be a flight nurse. I was on my way to my goal needing a year in the Trauma ICU. Well, that was terrible for me. Lots of drunk people I had to baby sit. I change to public health. I had an incredible clinical experince when I was in nursing school. I stayed for 13 years. I'm now a school nurse and most days do love this job. I've been here for 17 years. It is what you make of it. Any job has its ups and downs.
I have many people in my life who are or were nurses, and they have worked in such a variety of settings and positions (ER, Poison Control, hospital, clinic, office, travel nursing, psych ward, rehab center, oncology, triage, flight nurse, public health, insurance claim review) — there’s no way a blanket statement like “nursing isn’t rewarding” can apply. Every position has its positives and negatives, and there’s rewards and challenges in every profession not just nursing. Keep going, do great work and find a place that feels right for you!!
A very efficient and observant nurse saved my life many years ago. Do you know what it feels like to bleed internally (while sedated after surgery)? You just go to sleep until your heart stops if no one is closely watching the patient. This nurse noticed and suddenly there was LOTS of rushing activity. Within less than about 5 minutes, I was wheeled back into surgery, opened up, fixed the bleed and I lived to tell about it. All thanks to a nurse who was watching me like a hawk. I've lived many years on this planet and have had several experiences with nurses. I have loved them all! Now my daughter is a nurse and I'm so happy she chose that profession.
So here is something that amazed me about what nurses put up with: I was at the hospital (for once, visiting someone instead of being admitted!) and there was a sign on the front desk of the floor that warned people that lewd behavior or sexual comments toward the staff by visitors would not be tolerated. The nurse I asked, assured me that this indeed was not an unusual occurrence. Just when you think you have heard everything...
Yup. Hasn't happened to me yet, but I'm sure that it will. My clinical instructor said every female nurse has had it happen at some point.
We've been instructed that unless we are in the middle of something that is life or death, it's ok to say, "I'm going to leave now, and I will come back when you are ready to be respectful."
All I can say is YEAH you.
You know, I guess we have a couple of generations who may missed "Thumper's" mom's warning: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!"
All I know that in our recent ER adventures, the nurses and doctors were overworked for sure but so kind and so competent!
Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you — not because they are nice, but because you are. ~Author unknown
I have every level of nurse in my family and extended family. It is true that the lower on the totem pole you are, the more shtuff (wink) you have to take care of. When taking care of someone who needs full care, I go into it as "I'm going to take care of them with dignity, respect and efficiency". This mind set helped me from caregiver/CNA to RN to BSN, CCN, TCRN, RRTS, CBRN. Evolution of specialties percolates when first you remember the d.r.e. for each patient, being an advocate for a patient strengthens the care team. I have never felt unheard or unfairly assigned. Most doctors appreciate the nurses opinion. Going into nursing wasn't about adulation, but humbly using my gifts for compassion and healing. Whoever stated that you were seeking something says more about them and their inferiority complex. Bless their hearts.
Thank you for being willing to be there for people that need nursing care. I think you will find it fulfilling and your patients will appreciate you. Perspective makes a difference. You know you can do hard things.
Nursing has changed so much it use to be about patient care but it seems to have gone by the wayside. Nursing is like any other job they all have there ups and downs… find what you love in nursing and it will be the best job you ever had.
My sister has been a nurse for nearly 20 years and still loves it. Her infrequent complaints have mostly come from the politics of certain work places. Recently there has been such a shortage that you will definitely have your pick of places to work, and if you aren't enjoying certain aspects it will be very easy for you to move to another department/hospital/physicians office, etc. I'm of the belief that there are people that are generally happy wherever they go, and others that are generally unhappy wherever they go no matter the circumstances. I think you'll be very pleased with your decision!
I can't speak for everyone, but I certainly appreciate nurses and I've found that it's often a nurse who will take the time to explain things to you and not make you feel as rushed as some doctors can. When my OBGYN underestimated how long it would take for me to be fully dilated and headed back to her office with plans to return in a couple of hours, nurse Jane delivered my son. She was brilliant. When my husband later told me that another OBGYN was standing in the doorway in case he was needed, I told him I had no idea the doctor was there. My nurse was accommodating when I asked if my husband could take a picture of her with me and my son so that I could show him later the person who brought him into this world. I really liked my doctor, but it's the nurse that I remember most from that afternoon.
The kindness and efficiency of a nurse meant the world to me today at a difficult time. I know you will be that nurse. Thank you!
Former nurse
Enjoyed every minute. Yes there were some hard times but I love being a nurse
One of the best paying professions Had a friend who worked overtime and made $250,000/year
Glad you choose nursing
I'm an RN of 35 years, having graduated at 25 with 2 young daughters. I love the opportunities nursing provides - I've been a med-surg nurse (would detest that now!), a nurse educator, a Nursing Supervisor, charge nurse on a surgical unit, and for the last 16 years, a Pediatric/Mother-Baby/NICU nurse and I love it! There are soooo many kinds of nursing that you'll find your niche.
I've heard of nurses eating their young, and until the last 4 years, I'd really never seen or experienced it. Unfortunately, it does exist. There are always going to be grumpy, awful humans in any job, although you least expect it in a career that's all about helping people!
I think some people have things going on in their lives that they bring to work, don't handle stress well, or have just gotten jaded and don't always think about how what they are saying impacts someone. Others had a bad mentoring experience as a new nurse and think it's ok to be that way to others. We had that situation on my small unit and after it didn't nipped in the bud the first 2 times, she did it with 3 more new people in about a month's time and it finally got handled.
Yes, there are many hospitals with poor management, budget being the focus etc. but not all are that way. Ways to avoid those kinds of negativities - find a job with a nursing union. My experience is that we have so much better working conditions, staffing ratios and pay than most. Join committees - Unit Based Committees/Professional Practice Committees, etc. This puts you in the know, and in the driver's seat for making your department/unit the best it can be. I do that, plus schedules, the unit newsletter, hospital safety committee, Labor Management, bargaining and so on. Be the change if things aren't great.
Expect some bumps in the beginning. There are people who aren't tactful in how they deliver messages, especially if a mistake was made. Learn from it and let it roll off your shoulders. We all learn from mistakes (and we continue to learn every single day!). Give yourself time to feel "seasoned" - at least 6 months or more before jumping ship from a jon/unit, but also, recognize when situations (manager, co-workers etc.) are toxic and not likely to change, and exit when you can.
Some of my best friends are my co-workers (same for my sister who has been at my hospital's ER for 24 years). One of my co-workers has "retired" twice and keeps coming back because she loves us! When you find a unit like that, going to work is a joy! We work together, help each other when things are busy, trade shifts with each other and so on. It makes you look forward to work when you work with your friends!
In this increasingly unhealthy and stressful world, you will always have awful patients who challenge you at every turn, but you will have many more who just appreciate everything and that's what makes the job so rewarding. I'm a teacher at heart, and having a patient express how grateful they are for what they've learned from me is the best reward (the pay is awesome too!)
I've been washing most clothes inside out for several years now because in my mind I figured that it keeps them from wearing as fast and causes less color fade from friction/rubbing, and less color transfer from dark clothes like jeans. Nice to know there's some validity to it!
I am a former nurse and, yes, it can be a very thankless profession, but, it can also be very rewarding. Since many good nurses were fired for refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccing, I would not advise anyone to go into the nursing career at this time. We were always encouraged to get the flu vaccin, but, not once were we threatened to lose or jobs if we refused. Many of these nurses had already been exposed to the virus and had natural immunity.
Every single nurse I've known personally has spoken of the job as rewarding but very tough. One of my sister-in-laws was a 5-foot tall firecracker who worked in an ER -- the stories she would tell! -- and the only real regret she had was not always knowing how things worked out. She was also a great believer in more spending for the treatment of mental illness and drug addiction. My brother-in-law worked in a neonatal ICU -- for every baby they saved, there was another baby born addicted and sent home with his still-addicted mother. Another sister-in-law specialized in respiratory care and worked her fanny off during covid, but also socked away so much money she's thinking of taking a year's sabbatical. Finally, my mother-in-law was a straight-forward, no nonsense and unloving woman, who studied nursing when she was 50 years old. She taught me how to fold a fitted sheet (do they even use those in hospitals anymore?), and she talked lovingly about caring for the elderly, and helping them with lotion to make their skin less dry and itchy. They all demanded so much of themselves, to treat their patients with dignity and respect, and to give them the best care possible despite budget cuts and staff shortages. I personally have nothing but admiration for all of the nurses I've known in my life, and you should totally ignore the naysayers. I can't imagine they would have the nerve to denigrate your choice of career, so please ignore them. I'm proud of you!
I am astounded by those cruel words someone said to you. Of all the things I can think of that may describe a nurse, “attention seeking” wouldn’t even make the list. That person has some self-image issues for sure.
While being in any career has its plusses and minuses, a lot depends on YOUR attitude toward same. I worked in a very stressful career field for a quarter of a century, and felt the service I provided to my hometown for 20 years far outweighed the ugly treatment I often got at the hands of the administrators and some coworkers at the company. My customers, my church (pastors and fellow parishioners), my family and my friends supported me (so did many in the community), even if those at work did not; there were times that cruel pranks were pulled on me and where I was openly insulted. But I felt my job was the result of God's calling so those people's ugliness did not deter me. Even though there were many days I'd go home and cry. Oh, and I managed to find joy in my work even on those bad days.
The work I did was notorious for low pay, hence my frugality. But I pinch pennies until Lincoln cries out in pain. I buy clothing secondhand almost all the time (except for underwear, which comes from Walmart). Ditto appliances, vehicles, lawn mowers, TVs, furnishings for my house (some are hand-me-downs inherited from the old folks), books, etc. If someone is crazy enough to get rid of a perfectly good [whatever], I'm just crazy enough to buy it for pennies on the dollar. I can't tell you the last time I went to the mall, but I frequent all the secondhand stores in the area.
Yes, I wash a lot of clothes inside out....keeps 'em from fading.
I loved my nursing career. I got my BSN and worked as a student on med-surg. After I took my boards I worked in ICU for a hospital that had classes to teach more info (reading cardiac monitors etc). I worked as a head nurse, orthopedics, hospice and helped in labor snd delivery for a few hours when they needed an extra hand. I loved it. Not the meetings and stuff but meeting people and helping them to understand what was going on snd what were their options.
We moved every few years as my husband was a minister - but I could snd did let the hospital know what I wanted and knew I could go elsewhere if they couldn’t accommodate me. I worked Sunday-Tuesday 12 hour night shift for many years.
As far as inside out - all shirts get washed inside out. T-shirts with decals (concerts, promos etc) last much longer when washed and dried inside out. I am hard core about ensuring inside-out so the occasional came out of the dryer right side out continues to baffle me. Some blue jeans are wash inside out too - mostly I think due to cheap die but that is just my opinion.
Not a nurse but with any profession, gains lost - I will stay off my soapbox - over the years are worth fighting to regain. As with little to no child care help in the US (unlike other first world countries), it isn't going to force women back to the 1950s. Stand tall, stay strong - I work in a still too male dominated field after 45 years in this career. However we are making progress (and yes, I make it clear I am NOT your mother and will not remind you upcoming events).
@Selena, *cheap dye" sigh...
My sister is a retired RN who loved her work as a pediatric nurse. She helped countless children and their parents stay healthy, get healthy, or cope with challenging medical issues. She shared many wonderful stories with us and also many laughs! Nursing was a wonderful choice for her and for her patients, even if there were times when it was difficult. There is no profession that is all smooth sailing all the time. A nurse is in a unique position to care for and advocate for people who need them, and I for one appreciate them. The "under appreciation" crowd may be referring to sexism rather than a nursing issue, but that is changing slowly. Be the best you can be, and think of the naysayers as speaking for their own experiences. The other good nurses also appreciate you, and that can help in situations that can be very stressful.
When I lived in Seattle there was a newspaper columnist who wrote about personal issues, such as why people say awful things. He called these insults "slugs," which is helpful to me to identify how hurtful they can be. When you can identify a slug, you can decide not to accept it. People who are negative and/or bitter may be speaking from their own feelings, but they can't speak for yours. In every profession you can choose to some extent who you associate with. Stick with the positive, most competent people, and there are likely to be no slugs to deal with!
I have been a proud Registered Nurse for 40 years and still maintain my license at age 76! It is a wonderful profession, and I personally always felt well paid. So many choices are open to a nurse, choices about where to work, when to work, kind of work, settings for work, etc, etc. No profession or skill offers perfection, and nursing is not perfect. You will deal with the messes of human life, and with human beings who are living through those messes and not always super nice. I always told myself and others that even on the very worst of days at work I had opportunities to make a difference for hurting, suffering, anxious people. That's a pretty good feeling to enjoy as you drive home from work.
I am so grateful to each and every individual who is a nurse. The care that they have given my grandfather during hospitalizations has been so powerful. I think it is a hard but amazing job and is much appreciated by at least some of us.
Kristin, I have been a nurse for over 40 years and this is my perspective on the concerns expressed about our profession. It is hard and there are challenging dynamics and people, but it is also incredibly rewarding. For anyone who wants to help others, it is a great career. It is not entirely thankless, there are grateful patients and families.
Nurses can be hard on new nurses; I think because you do need to be fairly tough, which creates kind of a military vibe. I think your life experience and resilience will stand you in good stead. Based on your writing here, I know that you will "be the good" and that is the best approach to toxic situations. Only good can overcome bad and by showing up in a positive way, you will have a beneficial impact on the work environment. You've got this!
Ha! Loved the comment about seeking attention! That is hilarious!! Clearly someone not working as a nurse said this. I love love love being a nurse, and can already tell you will be a great one! You have such a beautiful soul, created for nursing. It is a hard and oftentimes thankless calling, but the times I am thanked, I feel so blessed I do this. It certainly isn't for a paycheck! I consider my God-given talents to be a helper to others, while not talented in so many other things!
Your future patients are going to be blessed to have you as a nurse! We need more people entering the profession with a realistic but proactive mindset.
“You just want to be a nurse for the attention you will get.” Bahahaha.
That’s a lot of vitriol to be spreading. Good on you for rising above again and following your own truth, Kristen.
I am a retired R.N. /N.P. Yes, the first year of nursing was hard. Some of the
“seasoned “nurses were cynical and put me through the paces, tested me, gave me the scut work,etc. I think it is a little like boot camp, and you just have to suck it up and prove yourself through hard work. I have found that as a generally optimistic,cheerful person,I kind of piss off the more cynical types of people in this world. Well,sorry/not sorry.I don’t allow those folks to change ME. Just soldier on and over time you will be brought into the fold and become a valued team member.That said,I LOVED my nursing career.
EVERY career and new job has a trial period, a time of acclimaton.If anyone asked me why nursing?I’d just say: HEY THIS IS MY CALLING. ALL jobs take hard work to do it right!
In the old days you “had to” work a year of med surg before being allowed to train in a specialty..I don’t think that is the case now.Labor and Delivery nurses are their own tribe and it was a beautiful one.. once I got into OB I was in HEAVEN! You will be too!!!!I did not like Med surg at all and was lucky I made friends with the D.O.N. (I made myself USEFUL) in our small hospital..by volunteering to ‘float” and also to come in on my days off to work in L and D to help out, I was promoted to L and D after just 7 months !!!!!
I have found,that as an “older” new nurse, (I graduated when I was 30.) I weathered the beginnings just fine.. maturity is a definite plus in nursing!!
You’re going to have an incredible career and the profession and the patients are lucky to have you!!!!!!
Another thing I want to mention, if you decide on Labor and Delivery as you have mentioned, there is TONS of autonomy in that department and OB doctors and their LandD nurses become like FAMILY. YOU will be the one deciding when to call the doctor to come in for a problem.YOU will be caring for their valued patients hour after hour, and then alerting the doc when delivery is imminent.YOU will be in charge of managing the labor process ,for the most part..and it is a really really fun department.VERY unlike any other!!
As an RN for 7 years before I became an NP for now 13 years; some of the nursing comments are true but I'd argue the same for any type of service job? And just like any job that focuses on service - there are many things that will go un-noticed, unthanked, and be hard, but you'll have equal the amount of joy, satisfaction of a job well done, beauty that comes from doing a job for someone else that they can't repay, but can only show that love going forward. Keep at it - the profession needs you!
I'm a former middle school teacher, and people would tell me awful things about adolescent kids: ("I could never work with them" or "Why would you want to do that?" and even once "I think all kids that age should be euthanized"!!!). It was discouraging and disappointing to hear these things, but I loved what I did and I loved my students. Young people often get a bad rap. It felt good and right and important to not only love them but to be their advocate.
Nurse for almost 22 years, worked as a nurse practitioner for the last 16 of them, mostly in-patient. Every career has its pros and cons. Nursing is a great career. People’s perceptions and preconceived notions of nursing vs what nursing actually is are two very different things.
I am mother/baby nurse with 27 yrs of experience. I worked 1 1/2 of those years in a med-surg float pool in the hospital where I have worked since I graduated from nursing school. While there are some areas of nursing I definitely do not want to do, I love my job working with moms, babies and the families. Nursing has been good to me for the most part, allowing me to go part-time when my kids were little. I adore my co-workers and I feel we are like family. Just in the past 2 months we have had baby showers, sent a lantern for a funeral, and supported a co-worker's family at Christmas while she goes through treatment for cancer. Yes, there are frustrations, but that is true with any job. I am so thankful for my experience early on in my career that helped concrete ALL the concepts of nursing I learned about. There are so many areas in which nurses can use their skills and knowledge, and once we find that niche, it's not so much a job but an extension of who we are as knowledgeable, helpful, concerned, compassionate people.
Kristen, I think you already know that, and I really feel you will be an awesome nurse!
As my mom (who was a phys-ed teacher turned ER nurse) used to say, "Don't let the turkeys get you down!" 😉
I think this could be an area where going into a career a little older is a big help! I started a full-time grade 7-12 teaching job this fall, after almost 20 years of homeschooling and part-time university teaching. At 46 I know a lot more about myself, and a lot more about the world, and have much more realistic expectations about both than I did right out of college at 22. I also think that raising kids is a good preparation for thankless work!
I have honestly been surprised at how much I love my job. I am not a morning person and do not love having to wake up at 5:15 am, but I have not had a single morning where I didn’t want to go to work. I love my students and my colleagues. (My three younger kids are also at the school with me, which is a big plus!)
Teaching is another career that people can be really negative about, but if you have realistic expectations and enjoy at least most of the work (I know I need to sometimes work outside of contract hours, so I do the work I least enjoy—grading—during school hours and save my reading and prep work, which I do enjoy, for when I’m home), you can make it a good experience, especially if you are in a healthy work environment.
Plus, I think by your 40s you realize that you are always doing some kind of work. Keeping house is sometimes hard, raising kids is sometimes hard, caring for parents is sometimes hard, and your job will sometimes be hard. There is no avoiding hard!
I spent most of June in the hospital/ trauma/ rehab halls of one of our local hospitals. That included many nurses, therapists, and doctors. I had older nurses and some that had gone through my elementary school. Hats off to the nurses who were all top notch! One of the young men I'd had assured me that they were there to help me, even as I rang for him every 90 minutes to be helped to the bathroom.
RN over here with 25 years experience in different areas (peds/ picu/ nicu/ maternity, nursing informatics, and case management). I also come from a family of RNs. I may have been guilty of not being "ecstatic" when someone tells me that they're thinking of becoming a nurse. I love being a nurse, but I think most people don't know what the career truly entails. I usually encourage someone to volunteer at a hospital for a few months to really observe the nursing life. If they still want to do it after that, then I truly support it! Sometimes they do decide to pursue it. Sometimes they don't. But, at least they have a better understanding.