"Part of the problem is that Americans just plain do not want to do the work."

[TNNurse]

50. Many problems

I am an RN. I have worked in the hospital for 35 years. Much has changed. Technology now runs the system and some of that technology is life-saving, but some has caused a divide between nursing and patient care. So much more time is spent learning computer programs and the ever changing turnover of equipment.

I have a BSN and have done bedside care but now work in a supervisory role which does give me some patient contact. I will be 64 soon. At age 60 I had to start working 12 hr shifts. Young nurses wanted 12hr shifts, it gives them a three day work week. We were no longer able to cover 8 hour shifts so everyone (except top administration) went to 12 hrs. They need me and others with experience to help orient new graduates. They come out of school with less and less direct care training. They have a lot of knowledge. I am too old to work 12 hour shifts...it is exhausting. I could certainly not be at the bedside for 12 hours.

What I have seen recently is that new graduates do not stay with bedside nursing very long. They have so many other opportunities in clinics, offices, case management that do not require 1) those 12 hr shifts they thought they wanted 2) nightshift 3) working holidays 4)working weekends. The rewards in pay, respect and educational opportunities are not in bedside nursing. The good stuff comes from NP (nurse practitioner) level works. The money is there.

I was diagnosed with cancer last year and had surgery, chemo and radiation. My boss was great and has let me work a flexible part-time schedule. I have a lot of knowledge and experience to offer in place of full time work. However, in January since I am part-time, I will lose my health insurance through the hospital....did I mention I have worked there 35 years? Hospitals are using the ACA as an excuse to disrespect their employees.....a hospital that does not offer some employees health insurance, they do not see the flaw in their thinking. Hospitals cannot function without part-time employees and they are going to learn this the hard way. The patients will suffer first, though. It is ignorant to assume that this will force people to work full time, there are multiple reasons why some just cannot.

I could go on but I just wanted you to see there are lots of reasons for problems with "enough nurses" especially in hospitals. In general they do not seem to get that they need to give us a little more respect. I did not even mention the work ethic of some of the younger employees....they do not seem to understand that a job requires that you show up regularly. If they begin to have problems with one employer there is another nearby that will take the licensed person with few questions asked. We spend a phenomenal amount of time and money orienting.

By the way, I had my surgery in one of those magnet hospitals, it was fine. But no better than fine.