Notes on Nursing

Currently I am taking an Ethics class and the teacher is bringing up subjects that effect me in real life at work. I am constantly faced with trying to "hurry" things because I have too many patients to care for, but being a tech at this point I really have nothing to stand on when I feel that I have too large of a patient load. The Nurse Mgr seems to think that nothing goes on at night on my floor so there are many nights that I am the only one taking care of 19 patients and that can be a back breaking 12 hour experience.  I talked with my professor about how being a tech is negatively influencing my thoughts about nursing and patient care.  There are times that I find myself saying, "I will not be a floor nurse for the rest of my life" and "I cannot handle this, if I have to clean up another mess I am out of here!" I always thought that I was a caring person and that I genuinely wanted to help people but there are times that I think patients think they are the Ritz and ask me to do things that not even a butler would do. The idea of getting "well" is to return to pre-illness functioning but I do not think patients think about the ramifications of staying in the bed and expecting total care. I understand if they are unable to do things and I am more than willing to help those who cannot help themselves, but when I see someone who is totally capable, I have a hard time.  I have found myself resenting my patients and my co-workers. So many have such negative attitudes and it can be very tiring to have to listen to the same dribble day in and day out. There are times that I want to be brutally honest and say..QUIT! I also notice that nurses who have a two year degree have this attitude towards me and I have yet to figure it out...they had the same chance as me to get a 4 year degree. I have student loans and as far as I know anyone can get them...true you are in school longer and that means longer wait until you can start making money whereas an ADN does have the school and gets the same pay...how is that nursing is one of the few professions that pays the same despite one's education level? Does a paralegal make the same as a Lawyer..nope. Does a physical therapy assistant make the same as a Physical Therapist...nope. I am hoping that one day there will be a distinction among a professionally trained nurse versus a technically trained nurse. I am not saying that ADN are not as good as BSN, but there is a difference. I have been trained to see you as whole person, not just using skills to "take care of you."  I am not sure what started this rant, but I tired of the attitude and judgment..I am here to learn and do the best that I possibly can and I assume that you are here for the same reason so why not collaborate?

I try very hard to come across conceited or act that I am better, but I am proud that I am getting my BSN at a respected Nursing School.  Do not force your feelings of inadequacy on me! Rant over!