THE CON of BEING AN RN

Here's what the Bureau of Labor Statistics has to say about Respiratory therapy job outlook :

" Employment change. Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 19 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing demand will come from substantial growth in the middle-aged and elderly population—a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease. Growth in demand also will result from the expanding role of respiratory therapists in case management, disease prevention, emergency care, and the early detection of pulmonary disorders."

Who told you this occupation was drying up?

what happened to JB..because I would have believed I wrote what he did......you still around?

Moe said: what happened to JB..because I would have believed I wrote what he did......you still around?

Moe,
JB decided not to post anymore because there were too many people attacking her on this forum. Personally, I don't blame her, but I wish she would come back.

Thats a shame!! I just found this site...JB come back :) I have been a hospital RN for 20 years on a tele floor.....EVERYTHING JB says is the exact truth....I refuse to be treated or mistreated ever again by entitled patients, families, and bully administration suits with their fake smiles, and constant " i know how it is and stand up for nurses" BS attitude. I loved reading JB's beginning posts about how one shift can be....and it can get even worse...believe me JB is not alone in her feelings...

Moe said: Thats a shame!! I just found this site...JB come back :) I have been a hospital RN for 20 years on a tele floor.....EVERYTHING JB says is the exact truth....I refuse to be treated or mistreated ever again by entitled patients, families, and bully administration suits with their fake smiles, and constant " i know how it is and stand up for nurses" BS attitude. I loved reading JB's beginning posts about how one shift can be....and it can get even worse...believe me JB is not alone in her feelings...

Yeah, I know. JB and I were in agreement on the poor treatment of RN's. I don't blame her for stopping her posts, people on this site were really rude to her. Too many people singled her out.

I think the best thing that we can do as nurses is stand up for ourselves. It would be nice if nurses would stick up for each other too, but I think that's asking a lot.

Well as far as for me , I am a out of work RT. There are hardly no travel positions. Except for a few in cali and scattered states, but none to a few,and with so many looking, its hard. I have 10yrs exp in Adult Critical care and beyond. It has been a very stressful few wks. My main licenses are TX,WA, OR,CO, WV. I want perm in any of these states or travel if available.

try Frederick memorial Hospital.. Frederick Maryland...close to Wash DC.....many openings...

Mark RCP in Texas said: Well as far as for me , I am a out of work RT. There are hardly no travel positions. Except for a few in cali and scattered states, but none to a few,and with so many looking, its hard. I have 10yrs exp in Adult Critical care and beyond. It has been a very stressful few wks. My main licenses are TX,WA, OR,CO, WV. I want perm in any of these states or travel if available.

I just did a search and found the following hospitals looking for full time RT's:

Methodist Charlton Med center, Dallas, TX
Connaley Memorial Med center, Floresville, TX
Methodist Dallas Med center, Dallas, Tx
Lifecare Hospital of Dallas
UT Southwestern Med center, Dallas, Tx
and....
Odessey Healthcare is looking for a contract/employee RT for a fulltime position in Austin, Tx.

Mark RCP,

St. Anthony Hospital Pendleton is looking for fulltime RT's for the Walla, Walla and Kennewick locations in the state of Washington.

Only those that have a minimal amount of education will be treated with disrespect. Continue furthering your education and become the change you want to see.

Have you thought about moving to Virginia Beach, VA. I have been a manager for several years and there are plenty of oppourtunities available. I admit, Sentara could be a better employer and could pay much better. But overall I have been satisfied. Sometimes, I think that the ceo's cfo's don't realize what hard working RN's and techs are actually making. Its a shame at times.

valeriepricebsn in Norfolk, Virginia said: Only those that have a minimal amount of education will be treated with disrespect. Continue furthering your education and become the change you want to see.

who exactly are you addressing this too...? am curious..because the disrespectful patients and families I have dealt with has NOTHING to do with education.....mine or theirs....you may think so...but it isnt so,,,

Going into Nursing.........Well we all go into nursing thinking its about giving quality care but how quickly we learn that a budget outweighs good quality care. 24 patients and 3 Nurses 1 of those nurses is charge nurse and isnt assigned patients so 2 nurses to oversee 24 patients, and all administration wants is everybody out on time to prevent overtime and dont care if patients are assessed according to healthcare guidelines, oh they say that they care and that they hear nursing but they dont. In short, budget cuts destroy quality care and burn out the nurses, but administration doesnt ever work double shifts, they dont feel the cut in there paychecks and they dont realize the anxiety and stress us nurses feel when they are forced to carry a patient load and work shifts that could potentially cause harm to themselves and/or there patients, because in the end when it all goes wrong and a pts care is compromised because of hospital budget cuts and a pt is lost, who's license and job is on the line...not adminisrators, but ours, all because we are forced to work short and under stressful conditions that put nurses in moral and ethical turmoil......... Do I love being a nurse and have a passion for what I do...ABSOLUTELY........however budgets and administrators who dont have a clue what its like to work on the floor short staffed and go without eatting all day yet they continue to push us..well hell they are causing the nursing shortage..were pushed to our limits and we go unrecognized and treated disrespectfully.

Hello RN from modesto, I haven't been to the forum for a while. Someone on the RT forum told me RT's job are drying up. I was thinking of going to Kaplan College in modesto but it's 40k for the program. While the CNA program in stockton is only a few hundred, what should I do?

No matter how much you do as a hospital nurse, its never enough....ever

Learning Something New Everyday in Stockton, California said: Hello RN from modesto, I haven't been to the forum for a while. Someone on the RT forum told me RT's job are drying up. I was thinking of going to Kaplan College in modesto but it's 40k for the program. While the CNA program in stockton is only a few hundred, what should I do?

In Winchester Va..is a very good 2 year program for radiology.....doing ultrasounds, cat scan's mri's....the cost of the program was excellent last I had checked...its given thru the hospital...this is an excellent job area as well....

www.valleyhealthlink.com/?id=365&sid=1

hi im glecy.. pls check our website www.24-hrmed.com or send your resume in glecy.hernandez@24hrpo.com..

Thanks Moe i'll check it out!

ok thanx.. Send your resumes at my email glecy.hernandez@24hrpo.com. refer your nurse friends and we give referal bonus if they qualify..

Learning Something New Everyday in Stockton, California said: Thanks Moe i'll check it out!

Also....no one on this earth works harder than CNA's for such little pay....hugs and god bless all of you...really...anyone else??

Learning Something New Everyday in Stockton, California said: Hello RN from modesto, I haven't been to the forum for a while. Someone on the RT forum told me RT's job are drying up. I was thinking of going to Kaplan College in modesto but it's 40k for the program. While the CNA program in stockton is only a few hundred, what should I do?

I don't think RT jobs are drying up. Doesn't Delta College have a respiratory therapy program? Have you considered becoming a pharmacy tech? There's nothing wrong with becoming a CNA, but I think you should check out the other occupations available.

I am addressing this to both sides of the aisle. I am a department manager for Bayside Hospital in Virginia Beach, and I see both sides of the issues.

Lets give credit to registration as well.
Be the change you want to see!

its tough finding a job! I like indeed and PureMedicalJobsDOTCOM nursing page. good luck to all

valeriepricebsn in Norfolk, Virginia said: Lets give credit to registration as well.
Be the change you want to see!

Valerie...I am sorry....what do you mean by registration? thanks

valeriepricebsn in Norfolk, Virginia said: I am addressing this to both sides of the aisle. I am a department manager for Bayside Hospital in Virginia Beach, and I see both sides of the issues.

Valerie,
Please go into detail as to what you mean by this statement. Thanks

Modesto...:) we think a bit alike

So what would you all rate the stress levels and works of jobs in the medical field? of say the physician, the physicians assistant, a nurse practitioner, and the registered nurse? What are the benefits of each?

love the last question..will think/sleep on it..thanks

Moe in Greensboro, North Carolina said: Modesto...:) we think a bit alike

Yes, we do.

Those that work out in the front end of the business. Such as registering patients. The staff and patients can and do take them for granted.

Moe in Greensboro, North Carolina said: love the last question..will think/sleep on it..thanks

Thanks in advance!

I'm a New grad RT in San Diego, for the last 3 month i have been looking for RT job and had no luck finding one. I am considering Attending an RN program at Kaplan college in San Diego. But I would really like to know how much it cost before enrolling.

I am a BS Computer Engineering Graduate. WOrk in IT firm for more than 5 years as Sales /Marketing Executive and Technical recruiter. Due to economic / recession the demand for this job is getting smaller, thats why I am thinking of taking nursing, therapist (physical or respiratory) or pharmacist class so I could change my career to health field which I always heard that is always indemand.

May I ask your advice or points of view regarding my plan?
And from those course that I have mentioned what do you think should I take?

I am a BS Computer Engineering Graduate. WOrking in IT firm for more than 5 years as Sales /Marketing Executive and Technical recruiter. Due to economic / recession the demand for my job is getting smaller, thats why I am thinking of shifting my career path in nursing, being a therapist (physical or respiratory) or pharmacist which I always heard that is always indemand.

In line with this, may I ask your advice or points of view regarding my plan?
And from those courses that I have mentioned, what do you think should I take?
I am currently living in Southern CA.

Let me understand this, you are a Computer Engineering graduate (Technology Degree) working for an IT firm for more than 5 years and you are in Sales/Marketing and Recruiting? And you are considering a change in your profession? I would reconsider. I would perform a deep "self" assessment of my current and long term situation and continue to reaffirm myself in becoming better and in more demand of what I am today. The economy may be a bit slow right now and the grass may appears greener on the other side, but once you hop the fence you realize you have to cut it as well.

I think it's wonderful to see RN's on this forum that truly love what they do. It is very refreshing. For the rest of us however, it isn't all that wonderful. All I can tell you is that before you make any decisions on being an RN, you have to realize a few things. First of all, if you like to be appreciated and receive positive feedback on the things you do, forget it. You'd have a better chance of that working at McDonalds. In this profession, it's amazing how you can literally save someone's life and get no credit for it, but if you accidentally forget to unclamp your secondary tubing for your IV antibiotic, you will hear about it for weeks. Secondly, if you are looking for a job where you will receive a lot of support being a new grad, look elsewhere. NURSES EAT THEIR YOUNG. Most experienced RN's will look at you as being cocky and incredibly nieve and more than likely won't give you the time of day...not necessarily because they don't like you, more likey because they don't have time. Finally, if you are a kind, compassionate person who has a great desire to help people then donate your time to charity. I would be willing to guarantee that at least 90% of RN's had that kindess and compassion in them when they started too. But take years of being stepped on by patients, families, co-workers, and administration and those feelings will be replaced by bitterness. It only takes a few rude, manipulative, drug-seeking patients (you know, the ones rating their pain at a 10/10 asking for 3mg of IV dilaudid--all while laughing on the phone and eating a bag of chili-cheese fritos) to burn you out. And please don't even start me on the unsafe patient ratios..that could be a whole other post. If you can handle all this, all while being grossly underpaid, then you truly are going into the right profession. God Bless you on whatever you decide.

Plus, it will wreck your back if you work med surg for any length of time.. Physical toll is tough..

JB,

Please come back! I stayed up late reading everything you wrote. They could have been my exact words. They made me laugh and nod my head yes, vigorously! You don't really speak about the procedural units, i.e., the OR, GI, Cath Labs...I'm thinking that those are better.

I work as an international flight attendant and have been with my airline for 23 years. I started taking some nursing classes after 9/11 as a back-up plan in case my airline went under--it didn't and I finished my BSN. Now, I have two jobs simultaneously. My dream job flying which I will never give up and this new nursing career which I hate but can't leave due to the amount of time and effort invested. I've been in ICU and Tele and I'm constantly looking for a way out. I won't rehash all the CONs that you've stated so well. I'll add that every day that I come onto the unit is a day in Hell and as soon as I get into my car to drive home, I feel released from prison. I get together with classmates for lunch all the time and we have the same experience. Everyone feels disillusioned, stressed and trapped. I happen to have a few other flight attendant friends who took the same path and we wonder in amazement constantly at "What the HELL were we thinking"? I'm contemplating my next move. I don't know if I will try to get into a perioperative fellowship although I have applied to several. I might start grad school this Fall but have not decided which pathway and what I would do with this degree. I started nursing school thinking that I wanted to pursue CRNA after a few years in ICU. The problem that faces me now is the current economic downturn which will not allow me to go to school for 3 years without working. I hate feeling trapped and not having a definitive goal in sight r/t/nursing. My brother tells me to just quit nursing. I look at him like he's crazy. After all the blood, sweat, and tears? He says, sure, why not? People work outside of their fields all the time!

Wow - Glad I noticed this post. I'm coming from the other side of this - I was first an RN, and then considered becoming a flight attendant (even going through training for a major). I'm torn between feeling like I should be earning a certain amount, because I shouldn't waste the degree, or doing something I'd really consider fun, but living on a low income. Moe is right - the risk of injuring youself as a nurse is very high - RN's working in the hospital (which everyone has to do the first one or two years out of school) spend usually the entire shift walking on concrete floors, lifting/turning patients, 40hrs/week. The work environment (and people) are rarely pleasant/fun. After 2 back injuries, years ago, I eventually branched off into homecare (short visits) and case management, but still I'd like to be able to somehow keep this very part=time for income, and try going back to f/a when the airlines are hiring again.

RN in Philly,

It's very common for a person to have these two particular jobs for some reason. Maybe it's the love of call bells--I dunno. As far as pay is concerned, I actually make more as a flight attendant since I am at the top of the pay scale. Furthermore, I don't work the full hour when flying whereas with nursing, I'm earning every second of my hourly pay and feel lucky to get a potty break. With flying, I'm excited getting ready for a trip and look forward to a fun lay-over with the crew. With nursing, it's about covering my butt and making sure that I do everything correctly so I don't get written up or hurt someone. When I get really stressed on the unit, I start thinking about my next trip and it always gives me hope! I think of choosing between layovers like Paris, Amsterdam, or Aruba. I think about picking up a bunch of Bermudas this summer. I like this bartender named Bobby at our Bermuda hotel. It's always a good time. Anyway...what to do about this nursing career...there's got to be a place in this field that I'll like. My search continues...

I can't help but wonder how different things would be if I'd been hired in the mid-80's when I interviewed with PanAm and American (before going to nursing school) - Oh well..

With PanAm, you would have been out of a job as soon as Delta took over. Delta only took the most senior ones. They're fondly called, 'Pandas'. With American, you'd be sitting pretty now with the same seniority as me:)

I have been a nurse for over 30 years. Nursing has been a very gratifying career. The key to job satisfaction is being realistic about the expectations in this role. I worked at a Florida hospital after graduation in the 70's. We were understaffed, and administration was horrible. I left nursing for about a year and went back to the same hospital-now in a new building. Burnout and PTSD are common in nurses and I have dealt with both. My clinical expertise has been pediatric ICU. I am currently working in a periop position, which I now am debating leaving because in that area it's all about time, efficiency, computer charting speed. I am currently in a reorientation process, but I am told that I spend too much time with the patient. These are very sick kids with class 2-4 airways. I know that I will leave soon- I read that efficiency experts will be watching us, timing us etc. I need a job with more patient contact, and I am insulted to think that the business model is the "in" thing right now, I am a professional nurse sworn to do what is right for my patient, not working on cars, or assembly lines, but responsible for human beings. Anyone considering nursing as a career should carefully look at your stresses at home, with extended family. Very few people in my hospital work full time, it's too much. Good luck whichever way you decide to go.

Paul in Los Angeles, California said: "

regarding starting your career in med-surg. I have precepted many new grads into peds intensive care. Most have done a summer internship in our unit. Some have done very well, some have not. My daughter is an RN,working on a medsurg unit. She had started out in a cardiac step-down unit. Conditions were terrible, and she was forced out for speaking up. After a few months in med-surg (new hospital) she called me and said that she truly believes working for a year in medsurg should be a requirement- and she has about 2 years of experience. She has seen a lot, learned to handle druggies, rapid responses and codes. She now precepts and loves it. You get to see a broad spectrum of diagnosis, learn to improve efficiency and gain self-esteem. I suggest you stay in medsurg, but start finding out what you need to do to meet requirements for hiring in areas you are interested in.
Good luck, and welcome to the nursing profession.

When were you hired by American? I believe I went out to the final interview in DFW during summer 1983 or 84. Back then, I believe they were very particular w/the height requirement, and I was always just barely 5 and 3/4! When I interviewed w/PanAm, it was just before they were considering a strike - I think winter of 84' - that was just before I moved and entered nursing school. Good thing I didn't get in w/PanAm - now I know that it's a big no-no to be hired for/before a strike!

I was hired with American in August 1987, the same time that I got hired with US Airways. I chose US because the training date was on the 3rd of August and it was on the 30th with American. I was 21 and didn't really know the difference between airlines except that PanAm has always been considered the best in the world. It was a great move for me personally and I've loved everyday since the beginning. After 9/11, no one knew which airlines were going to survive so I decided to go back to school. Now that my airline is relatively stable, I'm already knee-deep into nursing. So, I balance both, loving one and hating the other. Say, I see that you are in Philly. I was based there for awhile. I'm a translator for Paris. PHL is our international gateway with over 30 international destinations. We're starting Tel Aviv this July 2nd, followed by Beijing!

brambleton in Ashburn, Virginia said: I was hired with American in August 1987, the same time that I got hired with US Airways. I chose US because the training date was on the 3rd of August and it was on the 30th with American. I was 21 and didn't really know the difference between airlines except that PanAm has always been considered the best in the world. It was a great move for me personally and I've loved everyday since the beginning. After 9/11, no one knew which airlines were going to survive so I decided to go back to school. Now that my airline is relatively stable, I'm already knee-deep into nursing. So, I balance both, loving one and hating the other. Say, I see that you are in Philly. I was based there for awhile. I'm a translator for Paris. PHL is our international gateway with over 30 international destinations. We're starting Tel Aviv this July 2nd, followed by Beijing!

Sounds exciting! Are you based out of Charlotte then? or PHL?. I guess w/seniority, commuting is not too bad w/a good line of flying! Yes, I'm originally from "ABE", but moved here to finish school (nursing), and ended up staying. I know USair has always been the prominent a/l here, but SWA has been ganing ground over the past few yrs. I went to Continental's training a few yrs ago, but was concerned about the pay, and was sort of at a crossroads with other life things at the time, and did not go through with it. Later, I somewhat regretted it, and applied, and was offered training with UAL, but for the IAD/BWI/DCA base without a car at the time, so I didn't take it (now have car!). Hopefully, hiring for the majors will resume in the future, and I can reapply and keep nursing on the side P/T. So you're a french speaker! I mention that when I apply - I have basic to intermediate French ability from hs and college. I even bought a kit at Barnes & Noble to brush up, before I went to CAL's training, and really should start brushing up! Exciting about the TLV/Bejing

I thinking about going to school for RN. I do have a problem through, my problem is I'm 30 years old, I have a full time job in production working on second shift ( 3pm-11pm). I live in Arkansas but want to go to nursing school in Memphis,TN. Arkansas nursing school were I live is kinda hard to get in and also they really don't work around the working people life. But I still have a problem with TN school aswell it like some of the classes start after 3 I don't know what to do cause I really hate this job, I have 3 shift on my job but every one has a classes starting on each shift do anyone have any suggestion how I should go about this. I am a single women, with no kids, it just the job is in my way. I still have to take care of myself while attending school as well. I know people do this all time so can someone help me out. Thank you