Nursing: Art vs Science

I was asked interesting questions, and my answers I thought would make an interesting article. It makes one take pause and look at why we become nurses. Is it the art--which means the physical and compassionate part of nursing, or the science which is the data and evidence based practice part of nursing. Can the 2 intertwine? Are they in direct opposition to each other? What is the definition of nursing as an art and a science? How would you explain them? Give some examples--do you practice artfully, scientifically or a nice blend of both? Which is more important? Is their one more important than the other? Read More

Nursing Jobs at Columbus Regional

As one of the area's premiere employers, we're proud of the growth we're experiencing. It means we can give the great healthcare professionals in the Columbus, GA region the opportunity to begin a rewarding career with unlimited growth potential and outstanding benefits. We are seeking Registered Nurses across ALL SPECIALTIES to join our team.

Benefits:

• $6,000 annual tuition reimbursement
• Relocation assistance
• Flexible scheduling
• 403(b) with company match
• Health/Dental Insurance
• Growth opportunities

Visit http://jobs.columbusregional.com/articles/RNhiring to apply!

RN total patient care...

I'm just curious how many of you work in hospitals that has gotten rid of all LPNs and CNAs. My hospital is moving in this direction and a few floors have went to RN total patient care. I don't mind doing everything myself, but I hate the fact that when I'm busy in a patient's room and I have other call lights going off, there is no one to answer them. The unit clerk will sometimes answer lights but they can't do patient care and usually page me to tell me someone needs to go to the bathroom. It's just very frustrating. Read More

How to protect self from needles?

Sticking self with a needle can be a scary thing. What do you do to protect yourself from this happening? Please share any tips, experiences, etc with our new nurses. Read More

Death is a journey

When you are a nurse who takes care of patients who are actively dying, it can be not only very rewarding, but a profound experience of the heart, mind and spirit. It is a process. And like any process, needs a guide. And as nurses, you may find yourself a guide into a patient's whole being. What someone may have been in an active life can and does change when one is looking death in the eyes. It can be up to a nurse to say that it is OK to let go... Read More

Burned out and hate nursing

Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be a nurse. I wanted to help people. I wanted to heal. Now 4 years out of nursing school, I HATE nursing with a passion. I am a med/surg nurse with a BSN.

Reasons I hate nurses (in no particular order):

1. Most days I feel like a pill-pusher. I don't feel like I make a difference.
2. Doctors feel they are perfect.
3. Patient satisfaction scores.
4. Patient sense of entitlement.
5. Family at the bedside dictating what they want...like I am their personal servant.
6. Lack of appreciation mized with how much more work can they give us.
7. Nights, weekends, and holiday. I don't want to give everything I've got only to see no return in work satisfaction. Read More

Losing respect for nursing students

I've always been one that enjoyed having students. Im not one to eat the young. We were all there once. But I feel like I'm losing respect for some of the new students coming out. I guess I'm old school but we did not sit when we were students and we did not stand at the desk and gossip. You did not see a nurse or a doctor standing and a student sitting. Uniforms that look disastrous and hair hanging down. They are at times loud and unruly. Is the respect for our profession gone? Or is it just me? Read More

Did anyone tell you, you couldn't do it?

I want to be a nurse and one day I hope I will be. But sometimes it can be so discouraging when you have people telling you, you can't do it. They say you're dumb, unfocused and just doesn't have what it takes to be a nurse. I just don't get how cruel people can be sometimes. So I was wondering if any of you had people put you down and and discourage you from doing something? Read More

Coming out of the darkness

The birth of a child is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman's life. Sadly, for approximately 15% of women, it can be the exact opposite. Postpartum depression is a recognized mental health disorder that has gained greater awareness in recent years. Here is the story of one new mother's struggle with postpartum depression. Read More!

Mental Health Awareness Month

Raise your hands: How many Allnurses.com readers know that in addition to mothers and deceased war veterans, the month of May is dedicated to mental health awareness?

Give yourself a gold star for the day if you were able to lift a palm in the affirmative. Most Americans---including healthcare professionals!---don't have a clue. And if you, like me, are someone who cares about mental health, it should alarm you that statistics show as many as one in four Americans is affected, either directly or indirectly, by a diagnosable mental illness. Read More...

"I'm an addict...not psychotic." Aren't they both mental health issues?

I work for a small, private hospital specializing in mental health conditions for adults and adolescents as well as chemical dependency and rehab. While the acutely psychotic patients are placed on a separate unit, the main unit of the hospital contains a mixed population (chemical dependency and stable psych patients). I can't count how many times I've had detox patients sign themselves into our facility only to leave AMA because they didn't realize they were signing themselves into a "Psych Ward". What the heck do they think chemical dependency is exactly? A condition of the mouth? Read More

Conversation with my kids this morning

This morning I had the following conversation with my kids (ages 5 and 3):

"Mommy, why are you dressed up?"
"I'm going on a job interview."
"Why do you go to job interviews?"
"You meet with people and if they like you they offer you a job."
"I like you, Mommy!"
"I like you, Mommy!"

Aawwwwww! Read More