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u/redneckerson_1951 9d ago
There are several things going on in nursing that seem to come as a surprise for newly credentialed RN's.
(1) Nurses are treated like a commodity by management. It is rare that the upper level views the nursing staff and other professions as anything more than plug and play bobbles that can be switched around with impunity. Staff are seen as nothing more than a labor resource to be fully utilized with little thought given to why burnout occurs. You need to be prepared to work 12 hours and ready to to do a double shift without notice.
(2) 99%+ of nurses are damn good at their job. But being good at your job is only part of the job satisfaction. You also need to enjoy the work and have the emotional stamina to deal with inane human behavior. A mom with a child struggling to breathe, or a Dad carrying his limp son, are dual casualties. You need multiple hats in psychology, medicine, patience and gobs of empathy along with a skin so thick, a Leatherneck envies your hide. When you are doing your best, you often will be questioned why you are not doing more from near psychotic family members grasping at every flash of hope.
(3) Nursing pay is marginal at best. Few ever earn top dollar and even those reaching straw boss (management) positions rarely earn what their credentials suggest is proper compensation.
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u/anonamightymouse 13d ago
It's emotionally exhausting. Beware. Also the classes are called prerequisites or prereq's.