Well i read through this whole thread and simply have to laugh knowing that 99% of the ppl repling are NOT RN's.
So let me give you the perspective of someone who is.
I am a Flight Nurse, advanced practice I teach every class that exists. I have worked ER, Trauma Teams, Trauma ICU, CVICU etc. Here is the truth.
The average RN is making 45-50 K a year. A plumber makes more than than with less than a year of trade school. Where I trained, in Canada, we have switched almost entirely to a 4 year Science Degree. So, no more 2 year programs.
Why are nurses unhappy? There are alot of reasons.
1) Some simply like to complain.
2) Pay for work/knowledge isnt addressed in Nursing (see comments below this list)
3) There is little control over your environment and as things get worse inhospital you are expected to roll with the punches.
Now to explain pay issues. I dont think any typical floor nurse is worth more than 50 K a year. However, regardless of where you work, what your certifications are, weather you have a degree or not, your ALL PAID THE SAME. So if you work critical care ie: Trauma, ICU, ER, you dont make any more than the pill pusher at the nursing home yet the expectations placed on you and the level of knowledge is far superior. That is why nurses are upset about pay.
As far as Nursing boards holding back EMS? Yes that is true it happens to some degree. However, EMS also holds itself back. What other profession works as a volunteer for FREE? I was a paramedic and i would have NEVER worked for free. Everytime you do this you devalue your profession suggesting to the "people who set the wages" that you would do it for nothing so why pay more?
Secondly, as fire depts over take EMS and you see less professional paramedics and more "fire Medics" you get a watered down medic. My dealing in the USA with fire medics as opposed to professional paramedics in places like NYC is totally different. You can do ONE thing @ 100% but you cant be a fireman and a medic at 100% each. Eventually one loses to the other.
Lastly, EMS is a kick back job in most places across the country. When i was a paramedic we didnt call it Earn Money Sleeping for nothing. As opposed to the RN who runs their ass of in the ER non stop for 12 hours, some trucks may do 5 calls a 24 hour shift. Sure you might do a stand up 24 here and there, but that isnt the norm. I have been on both sides of the fence so i know. Oh that and you only take care of 1 patient at a time as opposed to the ER with 4-5 per RN. All who have been in EMS or who are, know the 1% rule. 99% BS calls 1% good calls. Depending on your area, this may be different but we are talking generalizations and averages.
So why are nurses upset? Really its about recognition. Many are frustrated because they work hard get advanced certifications and do the best for their patients and yet recieve no compensation for the extra work let alone a "thanks" from the hospital. In the helicopter i place chest tubes, central lines, intubate carry about 40 drugs do research as well as publish. Interestingly, i make less than i do when i work the ER. Again, its about recognition.
For those here that know i am going to med school in the future, i am not leaving nursing because its a bad profession. Nor am i unhappy with nursing. It is alot of fun. I am leaving nursing for DO for the same reason i left paramedicine for RN... I am an A Type personality with an uncanny need to "Know What I dont Know". I love challenges and education. From my vantage point, the next logical step is physician.
Good luck to everyone and i hope this post helps explain some of the issues.
Sainttpk said:
Hello folks,
I have no intention of being a nurse, I am actually applying to medical school, but I have noticed that alot of nurses I talk to seem to be unhappy with their career choice. Maybe I am making a generalization, but I am curious is there alot of dissatisfaction among nurses in the field compared to other professions?
T.
