I have learned that my patient's make me a stronger person everyday and my ailments and trials are so trivial compared to their fight for life. I have grown as a person by sharing both their triumph and pain. 33 years as a bedside nurse was all my body could take now I am at a gentler job in Public health teaching my client's how to care better for themselves.

I have learned that embrasing the nuturer in me is not emasculating, it is a strength that can be shared.

I have learned that nursing is tough, and that nurses don`t necessarily help each other. I have also learned that there are people in nursing who are in it for the money, not for what they can do for the patient/client. Also heathcare has changed so much since I got out of school in`84, that it is not as pleasant as it used to be, because most facilities are for profit, and don`t care about their employees. All they care about is making money, and saving money. Also facilities seem to be interested in nurses now, who have degrees, but no experience. (Experience should account for something.) I have been a nurse for 23 years, and I am a diploma nurse.(RN)

doglady: You are so right on all counts!!