Why Do I Care?

As a New Grad seeking employment for almost 9 months now, I couldn't imagine turning down ANY kind of opportunity like that regardless of the circumstances, where I live it is beyond tough to find a job. I will be so grateful when I get an opportunity like that, I could definitely understand where your frustrations are coming from!

Ruby, you can teach all of the nursing skills to anyone, but you can not teach someone how to be a nurse. These individuals think because they're aspiration is to move beyond the "RN" role they're automatically going to move away from patient responsibility at the bedside. I would hate to have a "NP" who couldn't even maintain her/his role as an RN delegating my care. NP(s) are well respected because they are seasoned nurses. I see this too will die out soon, which is why they're pushing for the DNP.

Just echoing what many readers are probably thinking, but as a nursing student, it is my hope that I will land a job (in the ICU, funnily enough) where there are experienced nurses willing to pass on their knowledge to a new grad. As with many things in life, though, there are many people who won't know what they had till it's gone.

As preceptors we do care; we care a lot.As someone who has been precepted, in the same boat as your orientee, we do appreciate it, I plan on returning, with experience and determination, don't count us out! I've been on both sides; I enjoy teaching, and giving back to the profession; I WANT to see my peers in the trenches as long as I can; I have at least another 15-20-plus years; I know many have other destinations, but a good percentage don't-I WANT US to succeed, and enjoy our business.

All I'm seeing in this post is, "I care because it makes my job more difficult." I really thought this was going to be about how patient care is made more difficult and potentially less safe by a nurse constantly being in charge of the patients and preceptees in a high-acuity environment, but it's all about how "demoralizing" and "heartbreaking" the job is for the seasoned nurses where you work.

I graduated in 2008. I hsve had jobs that has aspects I love and don't love. I want s hospital job so bad I couldn't imagine turning downd a job your describing. Where are you located. I'll apply. I'm not new. I have experirnce and I love nursing. I want to learn ss much as I can. I have learned a lot from every job I've had.

Dudette, I figured the 'decline in quality/safety of patient care' was a given. Ruby's point of view is interesting and I think everyone is entitled to express their opinions and feelings here--we're here to vent or just talk in a relatively safe area. And hey, demoralized staff probably does affect patient care.I was one of those nurses who left my unit after less than two years. Even worse, I was the 'most' experienced. I know my leaving certainly didn't help conditions on my old unit, but I also didn't want to martyr myself at a place I didn't see myself staying long term. My new unit certainly requires sacrifice on my part, but it's one of my dreeeeaaaaam specialties---I plan on settling in for the long haul.

Quote from dudette10All I'm seeing in this post is, "I care because it makes my job more difficult."

What I get out of Ruby's post is that she is frustrated to be precepting nurses who are only in her ICU as a stepping stone to something else. Most are not there because they want to settle down in that unit. Precepting a continuous stream of nurses who are just passing through would be stressful; finding an orientee who would be a great team member only to see them move on would be disheartening.

Quote from Crispy CritterWhat I get out of Ruby's post is that she is frustrated to be precepting nurses who are only in her ICU as a stepping stone to something else. Most are not there because they want to settle down in that unit. Precepting a continuous stream of nurses who are just passing through would be stressful; finding an orientee who would be a great team member only to see them move on would be disheartening.

I can't understand why more hospitals don't ask for a 2-3 year commitment from new grads. I'm pretty sure there are a lot of us that would sign a contract for a prized hospital job! It must be hard to watch your hard work walk out the door but I hope that you are able to take pride in the fact that you have trained someone (even if they leave your unit) that will positively impact the lives of others.

Quote from woohSo crusty old bats should care about making new nurses' jobs easier, by being super nice and supportive. But we shouldn't care when new nurses make the crusty old bats' jobs harder?