There
has been a conversation lately on one of the listservs (e-mail
discussion groups) that I participate in about whether or not to
provide every resource possible to students who are not safe or
competent. The major concern is what happens to these nurses once they
graduate and get jobs.
Many practicing nurses tell me that the biggest obstacle they face
on a daily basis is dealing with incompetent peers. Hmmmm. It seems
that encouraging those without the basic knowledge or skills to work as
a nurse only provides a nurse to the work setting that is unable to
keep up and pull her own weight.
So, what is the answer? I don't thing anyone knows for sure. But
one thing we can do as a profession is to encourage those with the
aptitude for nursing to continue, and redirect those who are lacking in
the basic knowledge and skills to seek employment in another area.
There are so many areas that nurses can work in, it is a shame that
so many nurses continue to pursue clinical areas where they struggle.
Maybe more resources should be put toward helping students find their
niche?
Your thoughts?