Finding "The One..."

Unemployment has created a new class of nurses in the work place. Much of my week has been spent interviewing a number those nurses to fill a few vacant spots in my department. Most of the brand new nurses went into this work for the money. When I 'went into nursing' - many years ago -nurses were just barely earning above minimum wage as new grads. When I ask questions about what brought the applicant to nursing and why elder care, some of the people are more candid than others about the cash factor. For LVNs the answer is simple – few other places (hospitals) will hire them. The schools are churning out LVNs/LPNs to fill open positions in nursing homes - we have a shot at having enough staff to pass medications and do treatments. Most people being interviewed will tell me that they like elders because they once cared for an aging parent / grandmother or something along that line. Most will express the desire to become RNs – more money and more options. A few of these people will make very good nurses no matter why they wanted to get into this demanding job. Somehow they will learn to see the humanity in their patients in spite of the terrible demand on their time. Those exceptional nurses will with bond with their patient and their staff in order to provide leadership, guidance and care. Some will work eight hours and go home. That exceptional person will ask questions and attend in-services. They will search for excellence and strive to attain that goal. I search for that person as I interview the mass. It becomes quest - to find that one person who is looking for a pay check and a mission, the person who brings passion to care giving. Offers will go out to three people today. Is each person “the one”? I doubt it. I’m hoping at least one will rise to the challenge of caring . (To be continued…..daily)