THE CON of BEING AN RN

RN in Modesto, California said: Yes, as you know posting under a different name can be easily done here. I get a little suspicious when the posts sound too similar.

It also seems odd to me that people want to post how wonderful their nursing career is when the title of this forum is - The cons of being an RN.

I've replied to so many posts by nurses, who glorify nursing, and as you said, state what a wonderful job they have and I question why they are on this forum. And the replies I get essentially crucify me telling me I'm miserable, I must really hate nursing, etc. I'm on this post because I don't sugar coat and glamorize nursing which is what these nurses do. It's people like yourself and others that are telling the truth which I find is helpful to myself and others who feel they're not supported by administration, and are continuously advocating for the patients only to get stompled on. I don't believe everything these nurses say. EVERY job has a "con" to it, whether you're in business, engineering computer science, education....there is no "perfect" job, although some of these nurses make it sound like they have the BEST jobs in the world and again, why are they on "the cons of nursing"?

Heidiful in Centereach, New York said: I've replied to so many posts by nurses, who glorify nursing, and as you said, state what a wonderful job they have and I question why they are on this forum. And the replies I get essentially crucify me telling me I'm miserable, I must really hate nursing, etc. I'm on this post because I don't sugar coat and glamorize nursing which is what these nurses do. It's people like yourself and others that are telling the truth which I find is helpful to myself and others who feel they're not supported by administration, and are continuously advocating for the patients only to get stompled on. I don't believe everything these nurses say. EVERY job has a "con" to it, whether you're in business, engineering computer science, education....there is no "perfect" job, although some of these nurses make it sound like they have the BEST jobs in the world and again, why are they on "the cons of nursing"?

I know,it's pretty ridiculous. If you look back on this forum JB from Jackson, Michigan was frequently attacked on this forum for her posts. I think she got tired of it and finally gave up.

As I stated before, the unions that are in place now were fought for by the "complainers". It is ironic that someone who works in a union environment would think that those of us who have valid complaints and don't have a union are probably "slackers at work" or are just unhappy people that need to find another profession.

I wonder if a different approach might be more effective in doing something besides 'wining' as they keep saying. Maybe if we each just listed the infraction that our co workers or employers commit, as I did in my post about the new job I oriented for last month. Maybe if we could leave the generalized slander of certain nurses, nationalities or hospital corporations or fellow employees, which is viewed by many as wining, and instead focused on specific situations as witnessed by ourselves, like intentional, unsafe, under staffing. This could become a place for people to do something positive. The nastiness of certain nurses occurs in every facility and a strong manager or team leader could put an end to that. That's another issue altogether. The hiring of foreign nurses when our own are looking for jobs is an issue and it ties into the under staffing. Hospitals claim they are only searching for employees, because nurses here have fled the hospitals, so they get their ticket stamped by the governor or whom ever is responsible to approve more foreign nurses. This situation was intentionally caused by under staffing in the first place. When nursing became more hi-tech and we were dealing with much sicker patients, nursing ratios should have increased. Instead, they were cut back. This is what created the situation for nurses to leave en mass and gave them the opening they needed to bring in cheaper, less complaining nurses. Unfortunately, we all know the patients suffer an those of us left behind suffer also. So, What are we gonna do?

I think this forum is a place where nurses come to vent. I understand the frustration of those nurses that are qualified for certain positions, but don't have a chance of securing the job because of the influx of foreign nurses.
I think this forum does do something positive, it enlightens people who are looking in to the nursing profession. I wish this forum existed when I was deciding on nursing, I wouldn't have been so shocked about all the BS.

Connie in Millville, California said: Nursing builds charater, It is hard work. you are abused, but you are loved and appreciated by some of the patients who will remember your kindness for their entire lives. I think about this when the computers are broken, the indgent homeless guy is bossing me around and getting his gormet meal while I am starving because I can't get lunch and water or go pee. You are the one who makes the differance. The soul is satisfied when you safe someones life and for all of the struggle and neglect I have suffered, I know that I had the opportunity to safe someones future, and soften someones loss. We offten speak of how hard the job has become, but I remember 35 years ago asking the nurses if I should go into the profession and they told me them "it is a thankless job" It always will be and more so now that your every action is tracked by someone in another room at a computer. But You have that power that every nurse hopped for in the beginning, The power to stop, a wrong treatment, a missed diagnosis, and to save a life if you are ever so luckly to experience that blessing.

Are you advocating people being abused? I understand sick patients not always being pleasant but we are mainly talking about abuses from coworkers and administration. It is thinking like the above nurse that makes nursing stay behind the times. Nurses will never evolve to be a true profession if ones feels it is acceptable to be ABUSED. I am not talking about patients that are not in their right mind either. So don't go off half cocked on me.

Connie in Millville, California said: Nursing builds charater, It is hard work. you are abused, but you are loved and appreciated by some of the patients who will remember your kindness for their entire lives. I think about this when the computers are broken, the indgent homeless guy is bossing me around and getting his gormet meal while I am starving because I can't get lunch and water or go pee. You are the one who makes the differance. The soul is satisfied when you safe someones life and for all of the struggle and neglect I have suffered, I know that I had the opportunity to safe someones future, and soften someones loss. We offten speak of how hard the job has become, but I remember 35 years ago asking the nurses if I should go into the profession and they told me them "it is a thankless job" It always will be and more so now that your every action is tracked by someone in another room at a computer. But You have that power that every nurse hopped for in the beginning, The power to stop, a wrong treatment, a missed diagnosis, and to save a life if you are ever so luckly to experience that blessing.

I don't know how you can say "nursing builds character" and "you are abused" in the same sentence. Then you continue to say how you are starving, can't get lunch or water, or go pee, but your soul is satisfied knowing the homeless man is eating a "gourmet" meal. That was Christ's job. Saying you are abused, yet your sould is satified and you can't eat, drink, or pee is called lack of self respect. It's nurses like yourself that don't speak up. It's not because of the patient's that you are not eating, peeing and are being abused....it's administration's fault who don't give a crap whether you eat, pee, drink or are abused because they refuse to hire more nurses. Quite honestly, when you neglect yourself, your patient's care is compromised. And neglecting yourself, like so many other nurses, is considered codependency.

This forum has been somewhat helpful to those of us who are thinking of going into nursing, especially as a second career. I still have a few questions.

1. I am interested in what you think of the actual job-the procedures, the autonomy (or lack thereof), etc. Please specify which "specialty" you are in. I think this would go a long way for the rest of us in getting an accurate picture of the job, versus hearing you re-iterate the cons of the terrible social interactions with your coworkers and managers. :)

2. It seems to me that perhaps getting a masters in a specialty would help with your employability and job satisfaction. And you have the most flexible work schedule of any profession I know (trust me, working 8-5 is not conducive to going to school, unless I wanted a shady night school diploma in criminal justice or whatever the new flavor is they're advertising now on tv). Is there a reason I'm unaware of which prevents you from wanting to further your education?

3. How is it not possible to run to the bathroom to pee during a 12 hour shift? I find this claim ridiculous, and I tend not to believe anything else the poster says because after a statement like this I feel like hyperbole might be the name of the game. I know it's "cons of nursing" but can't you be a little more honest, so that the people actually using this forum to help in their decision making can use sound judgement?

Thanks to everyone who will respond sincerely!

i've been thinking about becoming a nurse, but after reading some of the responses i'm not sure. I don't want to go into a field that in not going to enjoy later down the road. what do you suggest?

thank you.

AF,
I work in a care facility, but not in a hospital setting. We are now expected to behave like we are in a retail setting rather than a medical one where the unexpected can happen which requires quick thinking and actions in order to prevent patient harm. For example, if my patient has a extremely high blood (in the high 400's) sugar at 5am which is not covered by a standing insulin order I am expected not only to contact the doctor for orders but, also to call the family in order to get their okay. Now, with these expectations do you think orders are carried out in a timely manner?

I think getting a masters degree in a specialty is a great idea, but you still need to start at the bottom in order to get nursing experience. I'm not sure what you mean by nurses have the most flexible work schedule.

In answer to question #3 - Here are my experiences and please keep in mind my annual evaluations state I have excellent time management skills - Many times, I've worked a 12 hour shift and not been able to take lunch even though it's the law in California to have taken your lunch by the 5th hour. I've had to put off going to the bathroom until my bladder literally feels like it's ready to burst. I know you're wondering why, well here goes - I have to assess my patients after receiving report, counting narcotics etc. by the time that's all done I'm already behind on passing my 7:30am meds. I then have to start my charting which is constantly interrupted by phone calls to the unit (if the clerk isn't there guess who has to answer?), patients in pain, (if their nurse is busy guess who has to medicate them?)families with questions, (no, you can't always say "I'm not that patient's nurse)pharmacy making deliveries that need to be reviewed/signed off and put away, employees showing up for walk-in TB tests,(no they're not scheduled they're told to just show up)-to be cont.

(cont)- doctors making rounds ( yes,you have to be available and ready to update the doctor on your patients whenever they show up)Implement now orders( yes, now means NOW!!)inputting new orders, all of this of course generates a lot of computer/paperwork (not to mention delivery of care) and takes up a lot of time. In the meantime,I'm constantly assisting the CNA's by placing patient's on bedpans, answering call lights that haven't been answered in a few minutes because we are approached by management about patient satisfaction and god forbid someone complains. In addition, I have to make sure I pass all my 9am,11am,1pm,5pm meds and any treatments that are ordered. I also have to make sure I am documenting each and every encounter with my patients and the outcomes. By the end of the day, I am exhausted and maybe have been able to go to the bathroom once( I feel lucky if I go twice). As a nurse, you are the one responsible for the flow of the floor. You will be the one who gets chewed out if something isn't done(even down to rooms not being cleaned)by ancillary staff. You are expected to be everyone's mother, it doesn't dawn on management that we are all adults and each staff member should be held accountable for their own actions or inactions. It's not really my idea of autonomy.

Thank you for your honest answers, it definitely gives me more insight as to a typical day and constraints on a nurse's time.

AF

In answer to the question about not being able to pee.....If you have no time to take a drink in 12 hours, you don't have to pee.
No food or beverage allowed anywhere on the floor.(by staff that is) Backpacks and totes, in which I always carry a canteen of water, are in your locker in another area. I've smuggled in coffee and water before under my jacket, but I've been caught and reprimanded several times also.

Hi AF in New Brunswick,
I found the actual job fufilling and I loved the hands on portion of it. Unfortunately, politics, administration,difficult families and the nearly impossible workload became too much. Do not underestimate the importance of having support from your managers or coworkers. It can make or break your job satisfaction. During medical leave for a work injury, I realized how incredibly dangerous it is to be a bedside nurse, both to the patients and to your license. I was in the ER for over 12 years, and was a "strong" nurse according to my peers. I still had to take the fall for anything that went wrong during the shift when the patient was mine, regardless of who should have been held responsible. I have been required to defend myself in depositions on 2 occasions simply because my name was on the chart. When you work as a team, and help your coworkers, you may go down with them too. A master's degree is no guarantee of the pay or positions you may find in other occupations. One of the main reasons I didn't pursue a BSN was the pathetic wage increase compared to the ASN. I have worked side by side with MSN's at the bedside who had no interest in teaching or being a clinical specialist. There are not as many opportunities as one might think, look at what the majority of open positions are looking for....BEDSIDE nurses. Nurse Practitioners require a PhD now in some areas of the country. I have to settle for whatever non bedside position I can get because I don't have a BSN, still no regrets! If I do return to school someday, it definitely will not be for nursing. The days off are flexible but don't be surprised if your manager isn't. Their first priority is to have you there working when they need you to work. As far as education, it's always about time and money. And I have worked countless long shifts without a bathroom break. The urge subsides after awhile. I have a bladder sling from holding my pee too many times to prove it..LOL

AF in Saint John, New Brunswick said: This forum has been somewhat helpful to those of us who are thinking of going into nursing, especially as a second career. I still have a few questions.

1. I am interested in what you think of the actual job-the procedures, the autonomy (or lack thereof), etc. Please specify which "specialty" you are in. I think this would go a long way for the rest of us in getting an accurate picture of the job, versus hearing you re-iterate the cons of the terrible social interactions with your coworkers and managers. :)

2. It seems to me that perhaps getting a masters in a specialty would help with your employability and job satisfaction. And you have the most flexible work schedule of any profession I know (trust me, working 8-5 is not conducive to going to school, unless I wanted a shady night school diploma in criminal justice or whatever the new flavor is they're advertising now on tv). Is there a reason I'm unaware of which prevents you from wanting to further your education?

3. How is it not possible to run to the bathroom to pee during a 12 hour shift? I find this claim ridiculous, and I tend not to believe anything else the poster says because after a statement like this I feel like hyperbole might be the name of the game. I know it's "cons of nursing" but can't you be a little more honest, so that the people actually using this forum to help in their decision making can use sound judgement?

Thanks to everyone who will respond sincerely!

Dear AF, I know it seems very far fetched for someone outside of nursing to understand when a nurse (or often other healthcare professional) states they have no time to pee or eat. Even drink some water while working. Unfortunately, this is so often the truth.

I work with several good RN's with MSN's and tons of credible experience still at the bedside. I also teach some classes so often run into other MSNs that are still even trying to get interviews. They are lucky to even find a per diem adjunct faculty position teaching clinical but the majority of their work is still at the bedside. All the ones I know are working 2 jobs and other side work trying to pay off their school loans. I don't know if it is my area or not but there just is no positions for MSN's here. The ones I know have truly a lot of good solid experiences. But they are stuck with student loans now and some can't even get an interview for higher level positions.

AF in Saint John, New Brunswick said: Thank you for your honest answers, it definitely gives me more insight as to a typical day and constraints on a nurse's time.

AF

You're welcome, I hope it gives you a clearer picture of the responsibilties placed on nurses.

AF I will try to answer you questions one at a time, since I'm on my Blackberry and keep getting booted as I'm trying to post.....

Autonomy in nursing is just about nil. As a new nurse in the hospital, I was basically a monkey, passing out pills then racing back down the hall to start at the top for the next set. As someone said. 730 am which start late, then 11am fingersticks insulin and meds before lunch etc etc etc. Interruptions always put you behind "What? you want me to squeeze in some pt care while I'm at it?" You go to give a patient their pills, (and remember now you're on the clock, your med cart is a computer and can tell if you are later than the legal 30 minute limit), your patient is half out of the bed and has is soaked with pee, while trying to go to the bathroom. No one answers the call light because they are all up to their ears in alligators. You lock your cart and do what you have to...now your patient is back in bed, and takes another 5 minutes to swallow the crushed up pills and applesauce. You are now extremely behind. Your evaluation says you 'could manage your time more effectively" , after all, the OTHER nurses are done on time. At another time I will write and tell you WHY the OTHER nurses are done on time, and it's not a good thing for the patient.

Also as far as the time constraints placed by management a big one is the time you are actually punching out. When they say you cannot be "over" your shift time, they mean it. If you are scheduled to work until 7:30pm and some manager still sees you there typing on the computer at 7:33pm you are generally asked "what are you doing?" Never mind you have the pt chart open and it is a Saturday night after a long shift and you were short staffed that day. You even had emergency problems arise, such as sent a patient to the ICU, family crisis, a death, new admit, problematic discharge etc etc. Many places are writing the nurses up because they call it "poor time management" Even though you can show them all that you and your coworkers attempted to do. Plus broken down equipment, missed supplies, computers that shut down on you, pyxis machines (medication) that lock out, unable to reach doctors etc that goes on daily. I know many many nurses at various hospitals all over my town that will clock out on time but go back just to get their charting done. Why? Because you are nothing without charting. It is unlike any other job where you can pick up where you left off tomorrow. You cannot. I personally know many excellent nurses on probation right now because of this issue. They were just doing their job. Now, there are the nurses that fraudulently chart that they did things. Their charting looks good but their patient looks like heck! It is a farce.

suki in Phoenix, Arizona said: Also as far as the time constraints placed by management a big one is the time you are actually punching out. When they say you cannot be "over" your shift time, they mean it. If you are scheduled to work until 7:30pm and some manager still sees you there typing on the computer at 7:33pm you are generally asked "what are you doing?" Never mind you have the pt chart open and it is a Saturday night after a long shift and you were short staffed that day. You even had emergency problems arise, such as sent a patient to the ICU, family crisis, a death, new admit, problematic discharge etc etc. Many places are writing the nurses up because they call it "poor time management" Even though you can show them all that you and your coworkers attempted to do. Plus broken down equipment, missed supplies, computers that shut down on you, pyxis machines (medication) that lock out, unable to reach doctors etc that goes on daily. I know many many nurses at various hospitals all over my town that will clock out on time but go back just to get their charting done. Why? Because you are nothing without charting. It is unlike any other job where you can pick up where you left off tomorrow. You cannot. I personally know many excellent nurses on probation right now because of this issue. They were just doing their job. Now, there are the nurses that fraudulently chart that they did things. Their charting looks good but their patient looks like heck! It is a farce.

Yes, that is so true. There are so many nurses who clock out and go back to work so, it looks like they were done on time. I think nursing is one profession where unions should be in place everywhere because of the abuse of nurses. Management does not want to pay overtime and they don't care the reasons why you may need it.

And....Suki, It is just those nurses, that are a big part of the problem. Instead of confronting management with the improbability and sometimes the impossibility of doing the job in the time allotted safely, they find "short cuts" that put the patients and the rest of us working with them, in jeopardy. Oh, it's not that management believes that the job is doable in the allotted time, They know darn good and well shortcuts are being taken. But if they don't SEE it, they don't have to address it...because as we all know, that would open up a BIG can of worms about staffing quotas and patient loads. MONEY to the big hospital corporations.

Pete Sake in New York, New York said: And....Suki, It is just those nurses, that are a big part of the problem. Instead of confronting management with the improbability and sometimes the impossibility of doing the job in the time allotted safely, they find "short cuts" that put the patients and the rest of us working with them, in jeopardy. Oh, it's not that management believes that the job is doable in the allotted time, They know darn good and well shortcuts are being taken. But if they don't SEE it, they don't have to address it...because as we all know, that would open up a BIG can of worms about staffing quotas and patient loads. MONEY to the big hospital corporations.

Absolutely right. The nurses that clock out and continue to stay to chart are in essence telling management that the work assignment is doable. They are doing all of us a disservice.

Pete Sake in New York, New York said: And....Suki, It is just those nurses, that are a big part of the problem. Instead of confronting management with the improbability and sometimes the impossibility of doing the job in the time allotted safely, they find "short cuts" that put the patients and the rest of us working with them, in jeopardy. Oh, it's not that management believes that the job is doable in the allotted time, They know darn good and well shortcuts are being taken. But if they don't SEE it, they don't have to address it...because as we all know, that would open up a BIG can of worms about staffing quotas and patient loads. MONEY to the big hospital corporations.

Ah yes, so glad you brought that part up! Ok, now we must look at the big picture. The one that certain people on the forums get so upset about. The problem at these hospitals became a problem when they brought in a certain "type" of nurse whose culture doesn't expect them to speak up.

suki in Phoenix, Arizona said: Ah yes, so glad you brought that part up! Ok, now we must look at the big picture. The one that certain people on the forums get so upset about. The problem at these hospitals became a problem when they brought in a certain "type" of nurse whose culture doesn't expect them to speak up.

They're only part of the problem. The nurses where I work are not from another culture and they clock out on time in order to make management happy.

RN in Modesto, California said: Absolutely right. The nurses that clock out and continue to stay to chart are in essence telling management that the work assignment is doable. They are doing all of us a disservice.

I hear what you are saying. However, there are no jobs here. I was able to get out of the hospital doing it the worst. But they are all doing it here. I feel for the other nurses that go home with a heavy heart at night. They have the Fillipinos that won't say a word. These nurses (that clock out and go back to type) have bills, kids etc. There are no jobs. I can see where they are torn. I am lucky because I have a source of other skills and very flexible. Don't forget we have NO ONE here to go to when they chit on us. NO ONE! Point blank they will tell the nurse "there is the door, someone else wants your job anyway." Do you see why some posters can be so pissed about the foreign nurses being BROUGHT to the states at the cut rate? Administration knows they will take crap and say nothing! I have followed my share of Fillipinos and saw an eyeful. I have also met and worked with some that did care and wanted to do better. But when the going got tough THEY STUCK TOGETHER. I never met a bigger group of people that will cover for each other than them. Sorry, but those are the facts............that I have witnessed. I had to get out of there. But any facility can change at a moments notice to save their administrators salary.

RN in Modesto, California said: They're only part of the problem. The nurses where I work are not from another culture and they clock out on time in order to make management happy.

true and they are just codependent.

I've been in nursing 35 years. BEFORE the influx of foreign nurses although, I know my hospital at the time (1970's) were recruiting in the Philippines. There was a bit of a shortage then....the school I graduated from doubled the class size shortly after I graduated, because they were convinced that there weren't enough nurses, but, I know for a fact AT THAT TIME, new nurses were leaving hospitals in droves, convinced they just weren't good enough, and couldn't keep up. Discovering that it was easier to bring in foreign nurses that would "take it like a man" and cost them less, hospitals were not motivated to change their staffing ratios or look at the fact that nurses were jeopardizing their own licenses to make it through the shift.

suki in Phoenix, Arizona said: I hear what you are saying. However, there are no jobs here. I was able to get out of the hospital doing it the worst. But they are all doing it here. I feel for the other nurses that go home with a heavy heart at night. They have the Fillipinos that won't say a word. These nurses (that clock out and go back to type) have bills, kids etc. There are no jobs. I can see where they are torn. I am lucky because I have a source of other skills and very flexible. Don't forget we have NO ONE here to go to when they chit on us. NO ONE! Point blank they will tell the nurse "there is the door, someone else wants your job anyway." Do you see why some posters can be so pissed about the foreign nurses being BROUGHT to the states at the cut rate? Administration knows they will take crap and say nothing! I have followed my share of Fillipinos and saw an eyeful. I have also met and worked with some that did care and wanted to do better. But when the going got tough THEY STUCK TOGETHER. I never met a bigger group of people that will cover for each other than them. Sorry, but those are the facts............that I have witnessed. I had to get out of there. But any facility can change at a moments notice to save their administrators salary.

Suki,
I know firsthand what you're saying. I've worked with Filipinos before and yes, they do take care of each other. I also understand that nurses need to keep their jobs, but personally I don't condone not getting paid for the hours worked.

suki in Phoenix, Arizona said: I hear what you are saying. However, there are no jobs here.

And the reason there are no jobs is a complex one. It's not JUST that the foreigners have taken our jobs. There was a lot of thought put into the system under which hospitals work. First of all the hospitals are working short staffed, and they LOVE IT. Why should they increase their staff and expenses. If they were FORCED to follow ratios, there would be plenty of jobs. We of course would still be fighting for those jobs from the foreign nurses. Ending their visas as more american nurses agree to work under better conditions, would solve that. HOWEVER. The hospital corporations have one of the strongest lobbying groups known to man....That's how they manage to get approval every year for visas for more and more foreign nurses. The national industry of hospitals are the ones pulling the strings and they are not going to give up. This has been their response to nurses unions. And I'm sorry, but our own organizations are NO help because they are CLUELESS.

Let me clarify I am not talking about overtime either. In Arizona we don't get overtime (unless it is truly over 40 hours a week) then they will somehow cut your regular days hours during the week so you don't get the OT. We can work 20 hours in a 24 hour period unless you go over 40 hours with the one week, no overtime. OT is pretty much non-existent here. They will send the nurse home midshift and work short before allowing OT. It must be pre-approved. So when one is working say 10 min. over their shift (lunch is a joke) just to finish your charting you are on straight time. But you are correct, we should be paid. I've seen the Manager come racing out of the office when the patient transferred off the unit wheels are barely out of your vision; to make sure to tell the nurse "ok your numbers have dropped you need to go home" and then tells you to divide up your patients to the others. That poor nurse is trying to tie up loose ends and is beings rushed to hurry up and clock out. It just isn't a pretty sight. Never mind it was a high acuity group of patients you had. Acuity doesn't mean anything here, they still just staff how they want. Filling out acuities is a drill, I've filled in for the Manager/Sup and they were telling me to just erase them and staff like this.......... Not enough nurses that will speak up. An uphill battle. I've driven home with tears so many nights, not for myself but for the patients and my coworkers. To know how they are treated is not right and NOT what most nurses got into nursing for. That is the honest to goodness truth.

Oh boy, you hit another one of my buttons with healthcare........the lobbyists. I know some of the posters here badmouth me because I talk about politics and make nasty comments that I should be in politics and not nursing. Those are the ones that are a big part of the problem. They don't see the connection. Others are making decisions for our own careers. That is what I call passive. Something I was not raised to be. Politicians and greedy hospital administrators know very well what they are doing with that type of personality versus one like mine.

suki in Phoenix, Arizona said: I hear what you are saying. However, there are no jobs here. I was able to get out of the hospital doing it the worst. But they are all doing it here. I feel for the other nurses that go home with a heavy heart at night. They have the Fillipinos that won't say a word. These nurses (that clock out and go back to type) have bills, kids etc. There are no jobs. I can see where they are torn. I am lucky because I have a source of other skills and very flexible. Don't forget we have NO ONE here to go to when they chit on us. NO ONE! Point blank they will tell the nurse "there is the door, someone else wants your job anyway." Do you see why some posters can be so pissed about the foreign nurses being BROUGHT to the states at the cut rate? Administration knows they will take crap and say nothing! I have followed my share of Fillipinos and saw an eyeful. I have also met and worked with some that did care and wanted to do better. But when the going got tough THEY STUCK TOGETHER. I never met a bigger group of people that will cover for each other than them. Sorry, but those are the facts............that I have witnessed. I had to get out of there. But any facility can change at a moments notice to save their administrators salary.

Suki, hates Filipinos.

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California
1 day ago
It is possible to get your point across without denigrating others and their culture. But you would need to have learned RESPECT to have that capability.

Sorry, Rolinda but what everyone is saying including myself about Filipino nurses is correct. They will NEVER stick up for themselves and will allow the administrators to walk all over them. American nurses who do indeed stand up are not liked by administration. Why does your culture, NOT stand up????? I once tried to round up the floor and go and talk to the manager of the floor. ALL the Phillipinos WANTED me to do that. They were all unhappy. I did go and talk to the manager. When the manager went back and talked to the nurses...You guessed it..the Phillipinos said EVERYTHING was OK...YES they did. Manager came back and said I quote you, "They said they had no problems"....Its a joke. I wish foregin nurses would LEAVE. WE really do NOT need them. They get less pay than American nurses and will band together. This banding together is what has torn American nurses away from them. Oh well, hope they have fun in the hospitals. American nurses are leaving in droves for other nursing jobs outside of the hospital.

And by the way Rolinda...Your culture has NO respect for American nurses. You talk your Tagalog even while giving report. Do you know how many times I have had to yell at them and tell them to speak English. I was Charge and they started that crap in report. Speaking in Tagalog. You all click up together and gang up on the lone American who still happens to be working in the hospital. I will never have respect for your people until you learn how to respect us. And by the way...the patients are SO happy when they see an American nurse walk into their room...I have heard it many times. Patients have told me the Phillipino nurse are rude, harsh, and have horrible bed side manners. Others will agree with me.

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Suki, hates Filipinos.

The facts speak for themselves. I do have coworker friends that are Fillipinos and they would so totally disagree with you. My Fillipino friends in fact are ashamed of their fellow nurses with the poor attributes described.

Do not try to lie Rolinda, people can see right through you. The truth hurts. However, it needs to be spoken. Rolinda, why are you on this forum when you are NOT a nurse?

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Rolinda in Chula Vista, California
1 day ago
It is possible to get your point across without denigrating others and their culture. But you would need to have learned RESPECT to have that capability.

yes, it is called stating the facts. Try reading the posts. Many of us state incident after incident. Can you read? Do you comprehend? Or are you just putting your feelings and loyalty in front of the needs of patients?
BTW you are not even a nurse, so you don't know what it is truly like to be a nurse! You found a forum that you feel is attacking one of your own and you have to jump on it.
Can't stand a liar.

Christina in Los Angeles, California said: Maybe you have to get the nurses together and lobby for safe staffing ratios and breaks and unions...like the nurses DID in Calif. WE DID IT. No one was going to do it for us. And we do NOT have mandatory overtime. NOPE, not in Calif. We have one of the strongest nursing unions in the country. We fight...except the foreigne nurses...they will never fight...they just tag along with us. I do wish we did NOT have to have them working side by side with us. They are a hinderance...NOT a help. WHY IS IT you always have to put your email and numbers code in like 2 or 3 times before it actually posts???

more examples of stated facts for you Rolinda!

My 1st order of RESPECT is and always will be for THE PATIENT. Then comes my fellow nurses. However, when one chits on me, the patient, the family or my fellow nurses: I WILL STATE THE FACTS. Face the facts. Because the truth will set you free!

Okay everyone. I may not be a Nurse, but I work closely with them and am friends with them. You just don't understand the Filipino culture. Our parents' teachings are different than Americans' and you are expecting them to think and act like you. They're not you. Although I was born here, I learned the culture from my parents. I appreciate both cultures. My very conservative parents, strongly emphasized following and respecting authority. They used the phrase, "Never spit on the hand that feeds you". In other words, our employer provides us the means to better ourselves. Our income enables us to purchase a home, transportation, food, etc., so they don't want to lose that and don't buck the system. Gosh, can't we just get along?. After experiencing these nursing forums. I realize how fortunate I am to work with a team of professionals who respect and appreciate each other.

Stacy in Los Angeles, California said: And by the way Rolinda...Your culture has NO respect for American nurses. You talk your Tagalog even while giving report. Do you know how many times I have had to yell at them and tell them to speak English. I was Charge and they started that crap in report. Speaking in Tagalog. You all click up together and gang up on the lone American who still happens to be working in the hospital. I will never have respect for your people until you learn how to respect us. And by the way...the patients are SO happy when they see an American nurse walk into their room...I have heard it many times. Patients have told me the Phillipino nurse are rude, harsh, and have horrible bed side manners. Others will agree with me.

If English is their second language, it may be more difficult for them to communicate in English, especially during reports, where the verbage is even more complicated, so they revert to their familiar Tagalog language. Try putting yourself in their shoes. They're away from home, working with individuals who don't understand them, let alone, like them. That's a difficult situation to be in, so they help each other and stick together.

suki in Phoenix, Arizona said: My 1st order of RESPECT is and always will be for THE PATIENT. Then comes my fellow nurses. However, when one chits on me, the patient, the family or my fellow nurses: I WILL STATE THE FACTS. Face the facts. Because the truth will set you free!

Yes, the truth can set you free.

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Okay everyone. I may not be a Nurse, but I work closely with them and am friends with them. You just don't understand the Filipino culture. Our parents' teachings are different than Americans' and you are expecting them to think and act like you. They're not you. Although I was born here, I learned the culture from my parents. I appreciate both cultures. My very conservative parents, strongly emphasized following and respecting authority. They used the phrase, "Never spit on the hand that feeds you". In other words, our employer provides us the means to better ourselves. Our income enables us to purchase a home, transportation, food, etc., so they don't want to lose that and don't buck the system. Gosh, can't we just get along?. After experiencing these nursing forums. I realize how fortunate I am to work with a team of professionals who respect and appreciate each other.

Most of us here "understand" exactly what you are saying, and sympathize with them. HOWEVER, their upbringing, their actions, and their attitude however justified and understandable, is causing the destruction of an entire profession and putting patients at risk. Their FAILURE and downright REFUSAL to stand up for what is right, is NOT seen as an admiral trait. It is selfishness and cowardice at best, complicity at it's worst. That doesn't mean that there are not American nurses who won't stand up either for fear of losing their jobs. As nurses began to stand up and had to fight against the apathy of their fellow nurses who just "didn't want to rock the boat", they were in fact slowly gaining some ground. In come the complacent, easily intimidated foreigners who will do ANYTHING for a job......that surely took the wind out of the sails of those who had already stepped up and put their jobs, and licenses on the line. Working conditions are worsening, as more and more of these people fill those spaces. Voices have been stifled.

Pete Sake in New York, New York said: NOT seen as an admiral trait.

*Admirable* Sorry, damn spell check

If they have difficulty communicating in English they have no business working in the hospitals and taking care of patients in THIS country. And you are NOT even a nurse. Get the heck out of these forums for NURSES...I stand by what I say. The Phillipino nurses are destroying the hospitals. Truth hurts...too frigging bad. And speak ENGLISH while giving report, NOT Tagalog. And while you are at it..get the doctors orders correct..And one more little thing...If it is a male patient...say HE and not SHE. I could go on and on with these foreign nurses from this particular country. They want to click up and just ignore the American nurses. Wait, one day will come when they will all be booted out and American nurses will again shine in our hospitals. They are Weak, rude, lazy, and not very educated. There education is nothing like ours. Had one tell me that their nursing program is closer to our High School degree..Would you want them taking care of you? Their behavior has pushed the American nurses away. Hospitals tell them NOT to speak their language while working. That is all you hear..Tagalog all over the nursing station. Are they really that stupid. I don't care if they are more comfortable talking in their own langage. If they are working here and getting paid. Speak ENGLISH. And you all stick together, you do not wish to assimilate here. You work 2 and 3 jobs sending money back home. Disgusting bunch to work with.

If they have difficulty communicating in English they have no business working in the hospitals and taking care of patients in THIS country. And you are NOT even a nurse. Get the heck out of these forums for NURSES...I stand by what I say. The Phillipino nurses are destroying the hospitals. Truth hurts...too frigging bad. And speak ENGLISH while giving report, NOT Tagalog. And while you are at it..get the doctors orders correct..And one more little thing...If it is a male patient...say HE and not SHE. I could go on and on with these foreign nurses from this particular country. They want to click up and just ignore the American nurses. Wait, one day will come when they will all be booted out and American nurses will again shine in our hospitals. They are Weak, rude, lazy, and not very educated. There education is nothing like ours. Had one tell me that their nursing program is closer to our High School degree..Would you want them taking care of you? Their behavior has pushed the American nurses away. Hospitals tell them NOT to speak their language while working. That is all you hear..Tagalog all over the nursing station. Are they really that stupid. I don't care if they are more comfortable talking in their own langage. If they are working here and getting paid. Speak ENGLISH. And you all stick together, you do not wish to assimilate here. You work 2 and 3 jobs sending money back home. Disgusting bunch to work with.

Stacy in Los Angeles, California said: Sorry, Rolinda but what everyone is saying including myself about Filipino nurses is correct. They will NEVER stick up for themselves and will allow the administrators to walk all over them. American nurses who do indeed stand up are not liked by administration. Why does your culture, NOT stand up????? I once tried to round up the floor and go and talk to the manager of the floor. ALL the Phillipinos WANTED me to do that. They were all unhappy. I did go and talk to the manager. When the manager went back and talked to the nurses...You guessed it..the Phillipinos said EVERYTHING was OK...YES they did. Manager came back and said I quote you, "They said they had no problems"....Its a joke. I wish foregin nurses would LEAVE. WE really do NOT need them. They get less pay than American nurses and will band together. This banding together is what has torn American nurses away from them. Oh well, hope they have fun in the hospitals. American nurses are leaving in droves for other nursing jobs outside of the
hospital.

I'm sorry that happened to you Stacy. That was wrong.

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: I'm sorry that happened to you Stacy. That was wrong.

Unfortunately Rolinda, it's not just Stacy that happened to. And as you notice, most of those that have had that happen, including myself, are more concerned about the direction nursing is taking, and the danger to the patients, than they are with feeling sorry for themselves.....if that were the only consideration, we'd be with all those other nurses, that have just walked away and said, "I'm not staying here for this".

Pete Sake in New York, New York said: Unfortunately Rolinda, it's not just Stacy that happened to. And as you notice, most of those that have had that happen, including myself, are more concerned about the direction nursing is taking, and the danger to the patients, than they are with feeling sorry for themselves.....if that were the only consideration, we'd be with all those other nurses, that have just walked away and said, "I'm not staying here for this".

I agree, as Heath Care Professionals, patients should be our priority. Has anyone attempted to befriend a foreign Nurse?. Share your concerns. If you can get one on your side, the others may follow. There's power in numbers.

I wish you all much success in fighting for what is right. I can't fault anyone for attempting to make improvements in their profession. Finding solutions, resolving problems and making improvements is part of what we do as Health Care Professionals.

TOO many times. One too many...why bother anymore. I won't do it. I will disrespect the foreign born Phillipinos who disrespect me, since that is what they do best to us. Teach your OWN people to be grateful and Thankful they are in this country working. Most can't wait until they return home after retirement.