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Originally Posted by
Ninni
Hello all: I am a "mature" nurse, who became a nurse 12 years ago, as a "mature" lady. This occurred after I received tx for breast ca. I had always wanted to be a nurse, and when I survived, I decided to go back to school and do it. I specialized in oncology, of course. And, although, I have often received great satisfaction caring for my patients, I am, literally, at my wits end (that's why they call me Ninni) as to HOW to make this nursing career work for me. It seems no matter what I try, there are flies in the ointment. Before I was a nurse, I had owned my own business, and for nearly 20 years I edited and wrote for newspapers and magazines. I have never seen a "business" that is so thwart with revenge as nursing. And, no matter how many ways you try to get around it; just when you think you've found the perfect combination, another way to "control" you pops up. I have been on staff, worked local agencies, and done travel nursing. I left staff positioning in order to gain more control of my life. And, I have been trying travel nursing to earn more money toward my retirement.....the horizon of which is looming closely. The last two travel positions I have had, the mgrs have hired on too many of us, and then had reduced censuses, and then do the darndest things to get rid of the travelers. It is just unbelievable to me.....the dishonesty. Why can't they just say they made a mistake????? In both cases, their own staff members are flying out the door because morale is so low; they hire travelers, then the census drops, and they want to get rid of us. If I want to continue to bedside nurse, I guess I better go back to local agency nursing. You are in and out, different places all the time; and the need is immediate for the units, reducing the likelihood of cancellation. I could consider some office type nursing; or working for the insurance companies, etc., but, I really enjoy the patients. Anybody got any other ideas????? Sincerely, Ninni