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Reader survey on nursing shortage

After reading the Editorial, "Reader Survey on RN Shortage: Results" (October 2001:10–16), I felt compelled to return a few comments. Although the almighty dollar seems to have won out on "motivating factor" for retention, I couldn’t help but notice the responses from questions 4, 8, and 10. Question 8 asks if I would encourage a student to pursue nursing. I would have to reanswer with a hearty "Yes!" The fact that 48% of respondents would not encourage a student to pursue nursing speaks volumes. The debate about nursing schools increasing enrollment, scholarships being made available, and corporate entities stumping for nurses mean nothing if the people in the thick of it do not make the effort to recruit. It takes a special person to be a critical care nurse. They do not just magically appear; we need to go out and find them.

When I was in college, one of the 3 responsibilities I had in my fraternity (grades and financial responsibilities were the others) was to replace myself before I graduated. That is not to say that my "replacement" had to do the same things I did. But I should at least make the effort to encourage membership in the organization that I was proud to affiliate myself with. Is that any different in nursing? It seems apparent to me, and hopefully to others, that the majority of respondents do not have the pride in their profession necessary to encourage others to join us. That is a sad commentary. One of my daughters has said that she wants to become a nurse. At 6 years old, it seems a bit premature that she has already chosen her path. But when the time comes for her to make her decision, I would proudly endorse my profession if she asked my opinion.

Questions 4 and 10 bring up the issue of respect. What increases respect anyway? According to respondents, almost 10% want an increase in respect. Have nurses lost respect? Have we ever had it to begin with? What did we do to lose it? Can we get it back? How do you quantify respect? Is there ever enough? These would seem reasonable questions to ask.

Respect is something you earn. It is not automatic, nor is it an emblem you wear on your name pin. You have to go out and work for it, night in and night out. Earning credentials like the CCRN does not entitle me, nor anyone else, automatic or unwavering respect. We have to go out there and prove worthy of it every night.

Not many people can do what we do. The fact remains that it takes a special person to be a critical care nurse, so perhaps some respect is due for that. The rest of it is earned, plain and simple. Maybe those respondents who feel like they are not getting enough respect need to work harder to deserve it.

Kevin Waterman, RN, CCRN
Eliot, Me

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