Nurses, Don't Eat Your Young

It's not in good taste.

I've been thinking about this for...a long time.

Why do nurses "eat their young"? Why do they rip apart their techs and preceptees? (that's probably not a word).

Dear Nurses,

Were you not once a student yourself? Or did you magically become the most confident and all knowing nurse you are today? Were you not once scared witless and shaking in your scrubs during your first clinical day? Maybe it's just me, but knowing that the very life of another human is in your hands can be extremely intimidating and horrifying. Is it because you had a bad experience with a teacher or preceptor and are continuing the cycle? Why not break the cycle and help me learn. I know I'm an extra body (and to you, probably a slow one), but I'm also an extra set of hands, eyes, and ears. You can't be everywhere at once, and neither can I, but at least together we can bounce off one another; just let me help you. And if you choose to be my teacher, I can gaurantee that you'll feel better at the end of the shift too. Not only have you provided excellent care to a patient, but you will have provided a learning experience to a student nurse that she will always remember. I'm sorry to be a burden, but I'm also sorry that I will potentially miss out on the unique lessons that only you can teach me.

Please consider,

Student Nurse

I just don't understand. I know us student nurses can be seen as a burden, but we really are there to help the nurses. And if you really want me out of your way, just say so. Just please don't deny me a) the right to common courtesy by at least acknowledging me and b) the opportunity to learn.

Having said all that, I have had a great number of learning experiences in the short month I have worked for my hospital. For those of you who don't know, I was recently hired at a local hospital as a Student Nurse Tech. I'll admit, initially, I was very disappointed my first week on the floor. I know that nurses are busy, but as a Student Nurse, I half expected to be following a nurse around - or at least feel accepted by them. Instead, I was handed off to a PCA for my on-floor orientation.

P-C-A: noun; Patient Care Associate - AKA Professional Butt Wiper.

Now don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for PCAs and other techs. They are brave souls and I'm hoping to become brave like them soon. My only beef was that, technically, I am more qualified for the job than they are. PCAs require a high school diploma and 2 weeks on site training. But I immediately had a change of heart after spending a few nights with them; they are fearless and experienced, and tought me a lot.

In conclusion: Nurses, please help your students. You never know what it is that
only you will be able to teach them. You want to show off that vast knowledge and expertise? Teach. It doesn't have to be in a classroom. Bedside, supply room, nurse's station, whereever. I gaurantee that both you and your students will never forget it. And I bet you'll sleep a little better after getting off that night shift.

It's not much, but it's all I've got for today.

GoodNight.