At this point in my nursing career I feel it is time to give back to the profession that has been so good to me. I made this decision a few years ago when I applied for the clinical educator position in my ICU. What better way to give back, than to pass on my wisdom, insight and emotional support to those following me. Many nurses my age don’t feel this way. They don’t understand nor do they appreciate the new generation of nurse. The older generation feels young nurses are not dedicated, professional in appearance or action, or adequately prepared to work in ICU.
The new generation is smart, young and brash. They arrive to work wearing flip flops, a nose piercing and pink-streaked hair. They listen to iPods, text their friends on cell phones at lightening speed, and maneuver through the puzzle of high tech gadgets, without a glitch. Unlike the generations before them, this generation has been pampered, nurtured, and barraged with a slew of activities since they were toddlers. This generation has no problem multi-tasking. Believing in a different work ethic than their older counterparts, or even their parents, they do not “live to work,” nor do they expect to work for the same employer for more than a few years. They do not respond to dictatorial work practices positively; they grew up questioning their parents, their teachers and their government. Questioning higher authority is expected. So don’t be surprised if a 20 year old questions your practices.
I don’t think my ICU is much different than most across the country. Nurses of every age from 20-60 work side-by-side, and it’s important for us to be able to work together, and learn from one another.
Older nurses have a lot to offer the younger generation. Although not as adept with technology, older nurses learned to evaluate their patient the old–fashioned way. Older nurses cared for patients without the luxury of high quality monitoring systems and care delivery systems that are available today. They learned to anticipate, not wait for an alarm to tell them their patient is in trouble. I tell my nurse resident, “The best nurse is not the nurse who functions smoothly in a code, the best nurse is the one who recognized issues early and prevented the code.”
It is important for nurses in my generation to make sure the new generation of nurse is capable and competent. After all, they will be taking care of us! As I work with my nurse residents this year, I am pleased to report, they are intelligent, composed, articulate young women. They understand a great deal more than I did as a nurse resident, but they still need support. The toll nursing can take on your mind, body and soul is burdensome at times.
Dealing with families, unpredictable physicians and critical co-workers takes time and practice. Older nurses have “been there done that” so many times, it’s like second nature.
When you think about it, the young nurses and the “older nurses” have a symbiotic relationship.
The “young nurses” are the technology experts, quick and efficient; while the “older nurses” provide stability, reassurance and guidance. It’s all about being there for each other and supporting our profession.