Pros
Strong reputation for clinical excellence and patient-centered care. Exposure to a diverse patient population and complex medical conditions. Opportunities to float to Telemetry, Med-Surg, and the Emergency Department, expanding clinical skills. Supportive nurse residency program for professional growth. Opportunities for career advancement within a large healthcare system. Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient safety. Fast-paced environment that strengthens critical thinking, prioritization, and time-management skills. Many dedicated and supportive bedside nurses who are willing to teach and mentor others. Valuable experience that builds confidence and versatility as a nurse.
Cons
I had such high hopes and expectations of Cleveland Clinic. While it may be an excellent organization for patients, that has not been my experience as a bedside nurse. Departments such as the Observation Unit are being managed by Assistant Nurse Managers and Supervisors who have been away from bedside nursing for many years and, in my opinion, no longer demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting their nursing staff. Instead of fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, there is often a culture of condescension, disrespect, and intimidation. Many nurses experience anxiety simply knowing these individuals are in charge during their shift. What is even more concerning is that this behavior appears to have been tolerated for years, with little to no intervention from upper management or Human Resources. It is disheartening that nurses like myself—who bring heart, passion, dedication, and a strong commitment to patient care—are made to feel anxious about coming to work when leadership is present. Rather than focusing on supporting and empowering frontline nurses, the emphasis often seems to be on operational metrics and profitability. Meanwhile, the realities faced by bedside staff continue to be overlooked. We are frequently grossly understaffed and expected to manage patient assignments of six (6) patients, often without a PCNA or temporary resource to assist with patient care needs. This creates significant concerns regarding patient safety, quality of care, and the protection of our professional nursing licenses. Nurses deserve leadership that advocates for them, supports them, and understands the challenges of modern bedside nursing. Without that support, both staff morale and patient care ultimately suffer.
