a question for the experienced

[Dat Mann]

hi folks!

I've got a question for the experienced nurses out there.

I have worked in human hospitals for about 8 months and now work in an animal specialty hospital as an assistant (6 month experience). I am now doing my pre-requisities for a BA-BSN degree. So, while I have some general idea of what working in a hospital is like, I don't know what it's like to be a nurse per se.

I am mostly familiar with the positive aspects of nursing -- good pay, rewarding work, a sense being helpful, caring, etc.

I am hoping that you folks can give me some of the disadvantages of being a nurse. Think of the following question: WhAT DO I NOT LIKE ABOUT MY JOB? This question relates to both being a MALE nurse and a NURSE in general.

I have heard that most of the new graduates who start working quit within a year -- I'm wondering why this is so. I have also heard that doctors are very disrespectful towards nurses -- how true is this?

I hope you don't see this question as a concentration towards the negative aspects of the profession but rather as a positive reality check.

Thanks a million, looking forward to your answers!!

[cassioo]

I don't know that most new nurses quit within a year there are always a few that don't continue nursing after getting out of school because it wasn't what they thought it would be.

Now your question negatives about nursing...after 15 years for me is when I have to work night shifts. I don't do it very much any more and some people love it but it's not for me. Hospitals are open 24/7 they don't close on the weekend or on holidays so you end up working some of them.
There are still doctors that think they are God or the next best thing but I've found that if you know your job take care of their patients they are ok.
There are still patients and families that think you are there to be a servent to them...I work on a well unit (mother/baby) and women will leave their dirty towls on the bathroom floor, trash on the floor etc that irritates me but they might live like that.
You own diet can suffer when you eat on the run when you are so busy you don't get a meal break ...I know the law says you do but it doesn't always happen so you grab whatever whenever.
Feet hurt after standing 12 hours , back hurts after lifting patients, fingers hurt after writing or typing all day.
That's about all.

[hsieh]

when you work around a large group of people there can be politics. you just have to rise above the politics. or find a place where you agree with the politics.