Comments for Nurse Power!

Comment on Florence Nightingale pledge – out of date? by Audrey

Audrey — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:50:56 +0000

I graduated from an ADN program in 1988; we recited the pledge as it was orginally drafted. I had difficulty then stating “to aid the physician in his work”. Our profession needs to embrace the concept that we are indeed a profession and not simply a “resource” for the physician (I am sure that the millions of female physicians would love to see the ‘his’ patients be revised as well; another discussion, perhaps)? Orginally drafted in 1893; it is indeed outdated!
As an independent practitioner of this scientic evidenced based profession for 22 years; I would love to see an evolution of not only this pledge, but the general lack of understanding of the skills, knowledge, critical thinking ability, and accountability each of us own as a nurse. I believe we can embrace our past without continuing to be defined by it…the best physicians are the caring ones; however, I don’t recall ever seeing one picture of a physician with angel wings or halos.
One final thought, as I prepare to enter my MSN program this fall — join your professional organizations and actively embrace our professional status and refuse to be seen as only a ’servant, hand-maiden, angel, etc.’ It’s up to us to change how we are perceived. Thanks for the interesting comments….

Comment on Florence Nightingale pledge – out of date? by mary daley

mary daley — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:24:49 +0000

We should always remember Florences’ oath ,however nursing has come a long way since the day of the bedpan and lamp.i have been a nurse for 35 years and many a late night in a 60 bed ER as charge with one doc ,new residents and helicopters hovering have saved many a life and heard well what did you need me for? To sign the orders!Nurses,doctors and all of us make the health care team without each of us medicine would not be what it is .A passion,a desire and a need to help in ways most can’t .I believe that the oath should be updated but never forgotten from the woman who started it all.

Comment on Expanding Your View of Nursing by Mar

Mar — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:14:06 +0000

I understand the man’s situation with the BON in Conn. I have been a nurse for 16 years…never been fired, have been charge, preceptor, and am respected by nurses and physicians and often sought after as a clinical resource…unfortunately I too had false allegations brought against me. The BON has been litigating for nearly 2 years now…It is still pending but have been treated like a criminal..I am considering leaving the profession all together. The phrase “nurses eat their young”…very true…also their elderly!

Comment on Is Nursing Boring – Or Is It You? by Sarah RN

Sarah RN — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:51:21 +0000

I agree that when nurses start to feel as if things are “boring,” it is definitely time to shake things up. They should consider going for a promotion, changing floors/careers, or going back to school. There is no point in feeling like a zombie when you can easily do something about it.

Great article.

Comment on Florence Nightingale pledge – out of date? by Kim

Kim — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:16:57 +0000

Unfortunately, there isn’t a special name for the pledge I took.

The card it’s on just says “Nursing Pledge” under my school’s name. Maybe it’s specific to Evergreen Valley College… Now I’m curious who wrote it

I reread the pledge every now and then when I’ve had a particularly bad day at work. Oddly enough, it helps sometimes.

Comment on Florence Nightingale pledge – out of date? by Julianne

Julianne — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 01:26:23 +0000

Kim, is there a specific name for that pledge? I love it, think I may want to use it at my pinning ceremony next month

Comment on Florence Nightingale pledge – out of date? by Jo Anne

Jo Anne — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:42:11 +0000

I have always felt that the Florence Nightengale pledge had a Victorian aire to it. The version you propose is fantastic and is definitely more timeless. However, there is something missing from it, but I have not figured out what that might be. Would need to think about it for awhile or brainstorm with someone.

I found what you wrote and the 3 comments all to be very interesting. You graduated from a diploma program and said the original pledge; Kim said a different pledge upon graduation; and Sue graduated from a degree program and did not say any pledge at all. This is a perfect demostration of the many & varied ways nurses receive their training.

Comment on Florence Nightingale pledge – out of date? by Kim

Kim — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:35:03 +0000

I graduated in May 2008, and this is the pledge we took. (I have it, with my nursing pin attached, up on my wall)

“I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to faithfully practice my profession of nursing. I will do all in my power to make and maintain the highest standards and practices of my profession.

I will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping in the practice of my calling. I will assist the physician in his work and will devote myself to the welfare of my patients, my family, and my community.

I will endeavor to fulfill my rights and privileges as a good citizen and take my share of responsibility in promoting the health and welfare of the community.

I will constantly endeavor to increase my knowledge and skills in nursing and to use them wisely. I will zealously seek to nurse those that are ill wherever they may be and whenever they are in needs.

I will be active in assisting others in safeguarding and promoting the health and happiness of mankind.”

I like the emphasis placed on knowledge and community. With all the extra things, the bit about assisting the physician is only a small part of the huge thing we do as nurses.

Comment on Is Nursing Boring – Or Is It You? by Mary Jane Hurley Brant

Mary Jane Hurley Brant — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:56:48 +0000

Hi Donna,

Great post about being bored. If one is bored he or she has too much time on his or her hands. People need help so reach out and help. Also, do something fun.

What did you do in high school that made you feel like a million bucks? I’ll bet it had something to do with dancing or a trip to the beach or the mountains.

Lastly, I am not a nurse but I’m in the helping professions and I think sometimes feeling bored is a thin mask over “a little depressed.” So find a place of comfort for your soul and just be there with the comfort that you as a nurse have given to so many over the years. Your profession is incredibly important. Seriously, in my life I couldn’t have made it this far without all the nursing care I received for my precious daughter, Katie. Give me a good nurse any day and I’ll say thank you, thank you, thank you.

Mary Jane Hurley Brant, M.S., CGP

Comment on New Nursing Book by NICOLE MORRIS

NICOLE MORRIS — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:38:52 +0000

I purchased the “Daybook for Beginning Nurses” and look forward to the daily quotes each and every day! Great book for new nurses….. we need the encouragement!!!!!