nurse practitioner

challenges: there are about 12 RNs (2 NPs) in our Health Dept in a city of 500,000. There is political pressure to set up shelters and drive-thru testing clinics that we cannot possibly staff or oversee. We are getting spread too thin in the community which causes such hopelessness in the staff.
When we are through this I certainly hope that Americans demand healthcare for all. The economic hit for many Americans, with a loss of insurance, is adding insult to injury.
On one hand, I feel so fortunate to be able to work and continue to bring home a paycheck. I get tremendous support from extended family who know I am testing our community members, but my heart breaks for our local small businesses and neighbors and friends who may not have the resources that my family does.
I have had my eye on retirement the last few years.....yesterday was my 36th anniversary of getting my RN license in the mail - from the old NCLEX system - a 2 day test with a pencil! I have never been prouder to be an RN to see nurses stepping up to this challenge with grace and intelligence. But retiring now would make me feel as if I were abandoning my colleagues in this unprecedented health crisis.
When does my self care start and my care for others end?

(1) |

Comments (2)

Follow Idea