I know this is a bit of an older thread, but I couldn't resist.
What is your career?
Registered nurse on a post-surgical/Cardiac surgery unit. In school to get my Master's in Nursing Education.
How much do you like your career?
Depends on the day. I like what I do, making a difference- if I'm lucky. I enjoy being able to precept students, train new staff, and critically think. Other parts that I like include getting to see new procedures come down the ramp, seeing the effects of medications- how they benefit people, utilizing 'manipulative' measures to resolve complicated situations, and advocating for those who can't do so themselves.
What do you not like about your career?
Politicking. I hate being belittled because I am not a doctor- therefore I must not have any critical thinking abilities or experience that is applicable to decision making for a patient. I despise having to play the 'doctor-nurse' game, even if all it is is something I'm used to having to do to get what I need- putting on a mask. Working in a field that is primarily composed of women- who gossip and are moody- ugh, and the conversations. On my down time, I'd rather be figuring out what is going on with my patient and what got them to where they are, not what happened to some overblown character on a TV show, what concert you went to, when you're getting married, or what color bridesmaid dresses you're getting and the long detailed story about how you got them.
I'm not keen on the emotional, mental, verbal, and physical abuse you can be subjected to on a daily basis either.
What are your strengths and weaknesses in that job?
I'm damn good at what I do. All bragging aside, I'm quite thorough in the care I provide my patients. I don't leave things undone, and consider all possible effects of any treatments we provide. I'll advocate for a patient until I get what I want from someone, or until someone else gives them what they need. I can play people like instruments- useful when you have to wait on orders to do anything- legally.
Weaknesses? I have a low tolerance for ignorance, low work ethic, people who cut corners, people who do things that are unsafe, and people who blatantly don't care about what they are doing. This leads to conflict at times.
Have you had other jobs that you liked or didn't like? If so, what is it that you liked or didn't like about them?
I'm relatively young and haven't had many other jobs. Most have involved customer service- which helped me learn how to interact with difficult people. I had another hospital job while in school, and it was...interesting. I didn't like where I was at, as I witnessed a lot of apathy, ignorance, and overall unkind care. I liked that it made me passionate about what I do.