You take the good, you take the bad and there you have…

Towards the beginning of this year it became apparent that those in healthcare and specifically nursing would be seeing some unwanted changes. It is a known fact that this country is experiencing a major nursing shortage and many in the field would feel the brunt of it this year. The economic state of this country has forced many hospitals and clinics to cut back and for nurses this means more work. I’m sure you witnessed some of these affects in the facilities you’ve worked in as of late. Those who are on the verge of retirement or already have are coming back to work and picking up more hours. Other staff nurses are also taking on more hours and more work. Though they may all be earning great overtime pay, it all comes with a price.

When you first decided that the nursing profession was for you, did you ever think it would come to this? You obviously wanted to be a nurse for the simple fact that you have compassion for mankind. There are not many who can do your job day in and day out. I know for myself that I could never fathom being in your role. The sight of others bodily fluids does nothing for me other than make me want to turn around and run as fast as I can the other way. But you’re different. You have ability to put that out of mind and do your job and do it effectively. You’re able to make quick decisions in regards to a patients care and most days it seems like you couldn’t picture yourself doing anything but being a nurse. But what happens when you begin to question why?

There are a couple great articles out there to help put your life and job in perspective. Both are similar in vane but have their own unique points. You know why you wanted to do this in the first place, but sometimes we need to step back and remind ourselves. Read them for yourself and regain your focus. You’re good at what you do, heck you may even be the best, but even the best have the worst days…

Check out these articles and see for yourself what steps you can take to give yourself the reassurance that this is what you wanted to do from day one. If you have any other suggestions for travel nurses and nurses, please share.

Should Unhappy Nurses Quit the Profession?

Step Up or Step Down When You Want to Quit