Reply With QuoteI have carefully read all of the posts on this topic. The degree of hurt and anger and sadness and disillusionment expressed is almost overwhelming. Compare these feelings to the innocence that we initially brought to our profession - so sad. I want to hold all the hurting nurses in my arms until you feel better.
I recall how many times I drove home in tears after strugging against impossible odds to care for my patients. And, as a man, I never felt free to express these feelings so I held them in.
As a nurse, I find myself morphing. It occurs to me that being a nurse is a way of seeing the world - much more than hurrying through hospital hallways. It is who I am and not a label that I owe to someone else. I've left clinical practice and am returning to school to add more layers to my nursing abilities and from there I'll rely on my own sense of inspiration to lead me.
As nurses, I think we should remember that the values of caring and nurturing others have been devalued throughout our society. We experience one aspect of that. Many people experience this as a sense of loneliness and isolation. We can't remedy this on our own but perhaps we could take our frustrations less personally and give ourselves credit for caring and always doing our best. Nursing isn't what it is because we are inadequate providers.
For those who remain in the profession, the job is yours to unite as nurses and find your own solutions.
This is the second time I've seen you not care about issues that other nurses care about! Don't you care about people who are sick? Or are you just in it for the paycheck?
