The Nursing Shortage: Is This Cycle Different?
March 28, 2001
response by Brooks to topic The Nursing Shortage: Is This Cycle Different? (Jan. 31, 2001)
Dear Editor:
As a nurse of 30 years, I am concerned with all the help our new graduates need when they first enter the work force. I believe the shock these new graduates experience in their first job situation causes them to burn out quickly and then leave the work force. I wish people would realize that given staff nurses' heavy work loads, staff nurses don't have the time to mentor these new nurses properly when they take their first jobs.
Nursing is one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world; it allows you to make a real difference in lives when you are truly prepared. It is truly a shame that we lose people with heart and caring because they are overwhelmed when they go to work. We need to be up front and realistic with our student nurses and not gloss over the reality of the work place. Let us also place at least some of the blame where it belongs, on our own shoulders, and have nursing education and nursing service work more closely together to ease the transition of new graduate nurses into the work force.
Sharon Brooks, RN
Sharon991@webtv.net
