Pros
First rate tertiary care facility. Big on collaboration between MD and RN. RN opinions are valued by physicians. Unusual and interesting patient care challenges. When I get to go to conferences, I am able to participate at a level and to offer coherent opinions on topics that some of the physicians don't fully understand. It is humbling. Such a gift. Physicians are excellent and are extremely generous. It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to serve with them. Comparatively low pay, but benefits are excellent (college tuition reimbursement for employee, spouse, 3 kids per employee, etc). Ongoing efforts to improve are paying off. Nursing capable of pulling it together enough to win awards. As long as they let me use what I know to take care of people and allow me to grow personally and professionally, I will continue to be a part of the Vandy family. So far, they haven't disappointed.
Cons
Emphasis on incident reporting ostensibly for improvement has backfired. Collaborative atmosphere is becoming punitive mess. Needs to be a way to report positive things and it needs to be emphasized. Veritas has NEVER been presented on my unit without a sideways reference by management that no matter what the advertizing says, can be used punitively. Nursing continuing education for frontline nurses is sporadic. It's a really big place. Easy to get lost.
