Anyone who knows me realizes I have very strong opinions, and most of the time I don’t have a problem voicing them. Many of you know, but for those who don’t, I recently put in my notice to leave the job I’ve been doing for the last five years. I’ve been working at this facility even longer so I definitely have an opinion of the place, and I finally feel free to speak it.
But it’s not just my years at MRHC that have given my authority of opinion. It’s also my experience nationwide. I have traveled all around the world in missions, the military, and worked at many different healthcare facilities of all types. I’ve worked at large, metropolitan hospitals, teaching hospitals, veterans’hospitals, and so many more. I’ve made more money, gotten large bonuses, and had my school totally paid for by my employer. So I feel like I know what I’m talking about.
Today I attended an informational meeting put on by my facility. It’s something they do every year, and I know a lot of people roll their eyes about it. I mean, who wants to go to work on their day off for another thing?
Today as we began our meeting, the specific way our facility chose to start almost brought me to tears. I thought, once again, something I had just told my boss as I gave him my notice. I thought, I love my hospital! I do. I love it.
Here’s the thing. I have been all around the world, and if that’s taught me anything it’s an appreciation for a good employer. I see a lot of new nurses come to our hospital and leave quickly (after a year) searching for greener pastures. I get it; I’ve been there, and I did the same thing in my twenties. Now I realize a good thing when I see it. I realize the grass isn’t always greener. Over the years I’ve seen a lot of people leave, but I’ve seen even more come back. More often than not it’s about watering the ground where you are.
Nursing is hard. No matter which way you slice it, bedside nursing especially is chock-full of challenges. Times have changed, patients live longer (so there’s more of them than us), technology is more advanced (and difficult to learn), and documentation has increased. This is everywhere.
I just know this. Out of all the facilities I have worked for since 1997 (when my healthcare career began), I have never worked for one as caring and personable as our local hospital. End of story.
I see the complaints sometimes from the community. Being sick is even harder than being a nurse. It’s never going to be an entirely enjoyable experience, but I think we sometimes forget what a great thing we have here in Smalltown, USA. We have doctors who pray with you before your procedure. We have nurses who treat you like family. We have a billing department that works with you (I promise they do), and we have technology and services that go above and beyond what you typically see with our smaller population numbers. We got it pretty good, y’all. The facilities are clean, friendly, and personable. Something you might not see in a bigger city.
So, bottom line. We are blessed in our community with a fabulous provider of health services and an employer that can’t be beat. We got a good thing going, and I’m proud to be a part of it. Even if it is for now in a part time or PRN capacity.
Rita says
Thank you for being one of those nurses that made this hospital great!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Janie gray says
Magnolia regional is a great hospital, enough said!!!
Ramona says
Hi Brie- what made you step down to PRN at your hospital?
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
I have three children six and under, two of which I’m homeschooling. I feel my focus is best kept at home right now.
Marinda says
Good reason to go prn, for your children. Their ages needs theirs mom home more than being at a day care or with a baby sitter. It possible, and home schooling if done right is really important. So thank for sharing your story.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Jennifer smith says
Very true! Nursing is hard. I left our hospital and came back home! We are like family here. Some days are hard, but they would be hard anywhere!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Yes. You just pick your hard. 😉
Marsha says
Once I thought about leaving myself. Started working part time somewhere else. The place quickly offered me my dream full time shift, but I hated the place and benefits weren’t there. I stuck around and I’ve been there over nine years now. Proud I stayed.
Dave Parsons says
Thank you for your service of helping make others well! I will never forget the kindness shown me by people just like you when I had back surgery back in the spring! I will never forget the kind nurse who was attending me as I was coming to after surgery! What an angel as I’m sure you are too! Take care as you guide your precious kids in the way Jesus wants them to live and care for your family!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Eduardo Morales says
Yesssss ! ! ! ! !
MRHC is an Incredibly Great Place to Work at. I had to leave just a few months ago and I already Miss it ! The Nursing staff is Fenomenal and Very Caring. Thank You Ms. Debbie Weeks for giving me the Greatest Experience of My Life and Working with Some of the Greatest Nurses I’ve Known !!!! Hope one day I can return to work there as a Dr.
Yours Truly,
Eduardo Morales
Mike says
Thank you Brie for your service and humanity. I have been there as a patient twice and I agree 100% about our local hospital!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Dimple McEwen says
Brie, you are a great person and nurse! And as you, I feel we do have a great hospital and I am proud to be part of it too. Good luck in your new adventures. Love ya! Dimple McEwen MRHC RN
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
amy says
Brie… will miss you being there… I am glad you were moms nurse… I am glad that we got.to.meet..your blogs..inspire and make me think…some I read and.disagree all of them.I enjoy..you are a womderful nurse. I know as you embark the next chapter of your life you will be great at that too.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.