I have been in charge of a well recognized hospital's ICU , worked Hematology Oncology, Home Health etc...for 20 years. Nursing is my passion and where I feel complete and worthwhile, but the stress level in nursing these days is difficult for someone older and dealing with health issues. I've been working part time in research under the education department and have used all my strong skills from my nursing background with the positions I have had. I have gone to nursing chat with Donna through nurse week but there always seems to be money involved...buy a book for the answers etc....is there somewhere I can look for a nursing job which can be an honest fit with my skills, background and passion. Nursing is hurting and the problem is the profession does little to support retention or outreach to those who have felt such a loss, not being part of their passion and where their gift is an assest. I have continually struggled with family finances because all the jobs I've had outside of nursing doesn't pay anything close to what I should make, nor what my education is worth, and value as a woman nursing advocate and professional. Thank you for whatever guidance you can offer.

Dear Bettyann57;

I feel your pain and concern.  Nothing pays like nursing but when your passion for it starts to fade and the stress just carries over into the rest of your life it can be difficult.  What other positions have you tried?  What do you feel were the reasons those attempts failed?  Was it just the money or were their other disappointments?  I have been an RN for 14 years and had the same experience.  Love to hear from you!

Honestly, my passion isn't gone at all. I did not mention I was diagnosed with Lupus about 12 years ago.

I had to make the choice to leave the long hours in nursing, getting lunch at 2-3pm in the afternoon after starting at 7, finding it difficult to get a bathroom break, when leaving for lunch my charge nurse who covered me never followed up on my patients care unless an IV went off. I loved Hematology Oncology where I worked after leaving my charge position in the ICU. It was a 10 hour day and 12 with the commute.

Overall, saddened by what I had experienced, I found that women in nursing can be their worst enemy. Instead of supporting each other, there seemed to always be a competitive nature and lack of respect and acknowlegement for those who have had much responsibilty and experience as I did. On this unit I was never included in any inservices, updates in the cancer field, and unfortunately the information was never passed onto all the staff. Many times I saw the charge nurse as being in control of the information which could only help the patients and families and ultimately us as nurses in our continual need for ongoing technological, research, and patient updates.

I feel I have a true gift to be able to get anyone to open up and share their deepest darkest secrets. I can tap into and get people to feel comfortable trusting me while being very vulnerable. I have always been sensitive, non-judgemental, fair in the workplace with all nurses and employees at all levels, and always delivered quality nursing care. I always have looked at the TOTAL individual and their needs, as I would make attending physicians aware of their myoptic viewpoint and treatment focus. I have very strong skills in organization, anticipation, looking outside the box, and getting any project done ontime and complete, if not overdone!

I cannot do actual nursing bedside care anymore, but want to be in the nursing field hopefully in a leadership role or one where I have a voice which is validated. I've thought of the political field, corporate nursing, starting a business....but I'm lost and just haven't been given any real concrete direction. I'm open to most anything where I work with people. I am a people person and not one to sit behind a desk.

Any feedback or suggestions you have I'd appreciate.

Your knowledge, experience and caring nature are invaluable, but you are correct when you say we can be our own worst enemies.  Have you considered consulting?  My newest contact suffers from MS and had to leave direct patient care for the same reason.  The field of medicine, especially from the viewpoint of a hands on nurse, is continuing to grow.  God Bless You!  Keep looking at alternatives and congratulations on your many years of great care.

Have you looked at the hospitals in your area or private medical practices in your area? If you want a change for a bit from patient care, you can also look on the administration side.  You might also want to check out McKesson -- they hire home-based nurses to provide phone support for triage questions/issues.  That might be a change for a bit and something that offers flexibility.

Thank you Tory. I will look into McKesson.

If there is anyway you can increase awareness to this need in nursing and lack of support

to those who have health issues it would be wonderful. I have thought about approaching our local Seantors and Govenor to be a voice, or asking Oprah to do a program on this subject. I'd love to voice my concerns and ideas.  For whatever reason I believe we as a nation and a profession are losing out on incredible experiences and resources of passionate nursing individuals, especially women!