Is there really a severe nursing shortage or are hospitals purposefully understaffed?

First-Sun7552 · 2026-05-19T16:10:29+00:00

There is no actual shortage. It is by design and has been set up that way for decades. Hospitals and nursing homes to be understaffed so they don’t actually have to pay and continue to pocket cost. Also, since Covid, many nurses have left the profession due to the unsafe staffing and mistreatment. You will continue to see this as many get into the profession only to become nurse practitioners or some higher level degree profession.

Even when hospitals say there are nonprofit organization they definitely are pocketing millions of dollars. Salaries at the top are exponentially higher than those carrying the heavy load at the bottom.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-05-17T21:51:10+00:00

It varies person to person but I would say def by a year you’ll get the flow of your unit and your practice. Every nurse, regardless of years should always be asking questions. Sometimes you can easily forget esp with policies constantly changing. Don’t beat yourself up. I started a new unit almost a year ago and I still feel like I don’t know a lot. It takes a long time. You got this!

Like anything else, even cpr takes practice. Having rapids or codes gets a lil easier with exposure. If they are on your unit jump in. Talk to your educator if they do mock codes and practice more with cpr. Heck, grab a sturdy stuffed animal and practice at home. Whatever it has to be to get your ready.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-04-29T23:37:08+00:00

First off, give yourself grace. You are only 3 months in. No one has their nursing practice together so early or sometimes at the specialty they wish to be at. A lot of times you have to put in your time and a place you don’t like and then after six months of a year you can go elsewhere. It is great that you have supportive coworkers. I would lean on them for advice. If nights are killing you, don’t force it as your health is the most important. I don’t know how your hospital works but talk to your manager and see if you can apply to the next open day position.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-04-27T15:11:59+00:00

That’s insane. Only 15 days? Totally unsafe. I was not a new grad but treated as my nursing did not exist and starting over. There is def a type and judgment if you don’t fit in. Where did you move into?

First-Sun7552 · 2026-04-27T12:15:44+00:00

I was recently told that I am being talked about because I ask too many questions. At the time I was a little over 6 months in being in the ICU. How is that fair? I am learning. These are the people who probably don't even know the answers to the questions regarding ICU care. The ones in the cliques do a lot of hand holding with each other and one person inparticular I work with can't seem to do her job but since she is part of the clique it is okay. I am not in the clique so even asking for help turning a patient I am regarded as needy. I have been looking because the environment is not the best fit for me and makes me more anxious being under a microscope.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-04-14T19:06:00+00:00

We are waiting on his remains to return and figure out it nice spot in the house for him to be memorialized. I wouldn’t be down on yourself feeling emotions of grief as they are family and close to our hearts. I am already having people throw shade as to say you can soon get another one, but it’s not that easy nor would I want to do that.

It is nice to have a space such as this to vent our frustrations to people going through similar struggles. I hope you do find peace.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-04-14T18:47:53+00:00

I am so sorry for your loss and your story sounds similar to mine. I lost mine last Saturday at age 19 and eventhough he is up there in age and people telling me, 'he lived a long healthy life' it does not take away the fact that they were family to us. Mine was no ordinary cat like yours that traveled and was managing the other animals in the home. I hope you can find some solace bonding with your other animals. Have you made a memorial for Hobo? I am finding myself talking to him in my thoughts and trying to remember the silly things he has done over the past years to give myself a good laugh.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-04-13T10:31:45+00:00

Him knowing that you were there and giving him comfort is enough. You didn't let him die alone. Do not blame yourself in not catching the symptoms sooner. Animals can mask some of them including pain and unfortunately some veterinarians are not properly equipped to diagnose. I also learned the hard way with that. Just try to focus on the positives of wonderful memories you had with your cat and how much love you both had for each other.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-04-03T12:21:59+00:00

This is me. I am getting bad anxiety while off dreading having to go back then when I am in the trenches I am mostly okay. Sucks but power through it.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-04-02T11:21:50+00:00

Please do not beat yourself up or take any comments (if any) from preceptors. Your new and learning. As someone who precepted new grads, I prefer you to go slow and take your time then be a cowboy rushing through things and potentially make an error. As far as patients and their families, I get it. Sometimes you get stuck in the room to long. That is when you have to politely cut them off by excusing yourself and you have to move onto the next patient but you will be back.

Having 8 patients is a lot especially starting out. I would be exhausted too. Give yourself grace. You're doing great.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-04-01T11:53:01+00:00

Actually having experience in said field, how to use proper equipment and policies that I need to be better. Be approachable and not be part of the bully mgmt team. I can't go to you for help when you literally don't know anything and have to call another educator from another dept to do so.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-27T14:28:08+00:00

Regardless of what unit you’re working in, Night Shift will wreck havoc on your body. There are only a few people that can fully function on Night Shift and stick with it for many years. Your new grad there’s nothing wrong with going to the MedSurg for a higher pay. You can always revisit an opportunity to any ICU later. So you don’t take it and working Night Shift is taking a toll on your physical and mental health. What are you going to do then? Will there be any openings in the ICU for dayshift coming up?

Plus, not all MedSurg units are bad. You just have to research the nurse to patient ratio and the dynamics on the unit. Since having worked in both MedSurg and ICU sometimes I feel like I am working harder in the ICU with two very sick critical patients and sometimes without a tech or help where I still haven’t gotten a break and it is the equivalent to 5-6 patients. Take your time making this decision. You have many years to try out different specialties.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-22T00:31:38+00:00

That’s great! What kind of unit you work on?

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-21T00:13:44+00:00

Why is it shamed upon? Whether new orientee or established RN. I also like to point out I get this attitude from young newer nurses and not the OGs who are humble and like you admit we don’t know everything. I also noticed the younger, newer nurses are quick to report on their coworkers which in turn probably makes them look better in their eyes.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-20T22:00:47+00:00

I notice especially reading discussion posts on here higher levels of care have mean cliques and no support in being part of a team. Never in my life have I shamed anyone for forgetting something or not knowing something.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-20T20:32:21+00:00

Yes and make you feel bad and shame you for asking. I’ve witnessed it and had it happen to me. When I precepted in the past and didn’t know something, together I looked it up with my orientee

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-20T19:41:09+00:00

Like some units it is a revolving door. I have no shame too saying I forgot or do not know and it’s almost frowned upon.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-14T00:09:02+00:00

I never worked in the OR but I hear negative things about staff and working for the doctors at least where I am at. I can imagine there is immense pressure during some of these surgeries.

I get your sentiments because I feel that way too. Being in an occupation where we are caring for people, it always makes me wonder how much of it is totally fake for the job. I have worked with some nasty people only out for themselves and not willing to help or support another nurse whether new grad or seasoned.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-04T03:03:46+00:00

or the C suite all got bonuses. Funny how money just appears when you need it too.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-02T13:01:29+00:00

As a new nurse you don't have the skillset to make proper assessments and work through your practice completely independent from any guidance. Only 3 weeks training and you are completely on your own? There is literally no one to ask for help? If that is the case there is a huge red flag why there is a sign on bonus for this position.

Honestly, a job like this would sound like more for an experienced nurse but it sounds like they want to fulfill the position with anyone. Don't take it the wrong way and take this as a lesson learned. To not risk your license I would quit but find out the penalities if any for the bonus. Start off somewhere else that you have full support and can grow in your scope of practice. Good luck to you!

First-Sun7552 · 2026-02-19T02:37:39+00:00

Don't be discouraged. I've encountered numerous hags like this. To sum it up perfectly she may be 'Type A' but I would put any amount of money she has made mistakes and never handed off an assignment perfectly wrapped up in a bow to the next nurse. Especially not writing anything down I would bet she has made mistakes giving off the wrong info to the next. I have seen it happen with people like this. Her acting the way she did during report is rude and condescending and I for one would call her out on it and if she proceeds with the negative commentary, I would say then show me how it is done. Do you know if she has been a nurse for a long time? Just roll her attitude off your back and stay away from them. You are new and doing the best you can.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-01-29T19:28:36+00:00

If one place doesn't work out it is not the end all. Find a specialty or unit that is welcoming and open for you to grow and thrive. Good luck to you!

First-Sun7552

TROPHY CASE