At the risk of making a "me too" comment, I want to say that I too love to hear from people with differing views, as it stimulates both thought and conversation.

I also think that this forum has proven itself pretty good an carrying on a civilized discourse involving differences of opinions. I know there are people who who have some perspectives and personal values/ethos that are different from mine but we have managed to maintain an appreciation for each other as nurses and individuals--who says lefty, feminist, lesbian JewWitches can't get along with more conservative Christian colleagues?

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A Window For Your Home: Stories of dying and doctoral education

http://awfyh.blogspot.com/

magic is the deliberate manipulation of coincidence

AngelBev,

I understand and applaud your apparent desire to ensure a peaceful environment here in Nursing Voices. Please also consider this: It is entirely possible to "Speak the truth in love," that is, to convey your thoughts with courtesy and grace. In so doing, you add to the general body of knowledge. And who knows, the seeds you plant may one day grow into mighty trees that will give shelter to many!

So, I say, let's all share our stories, experiences, and viewpoints!

Joy

Well, I am new here and just trying to get a feel for the board. I haven't found a topic yet where I could contribute a meaningful post. Either something was said already or I do not know enough to be able to answer.

Welcome to Nursing Voices NailsBSN. Great to see you here and hope you return frequently to join in discussions

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Julie
http://www.lifeinthenhs.wordpress.com

Oftentimes, I feel overwhelmed by the fact that a majority of the posts are written by a very small minority of the folks on this forum. The minority who write most of the posts tend to be very experienced, as well as wordily opinionated. Opinions and wordiness, are not bad things, in and of themselves.

I think the problem arises when everyone tries to be preemptively apologetic and not step on other's toes. That makes it very difficult for the "silent majority" on this forum to express their opinions, since everyone else is trying so hard not to offend. We're afraid to ruffle anyone's feathers, so we don't post.

We all know that we disagree with a lot of people - it's a part of life that the internet magnifies by bringing people into the Nursing Voices community who would normally never interact within close proximity of each other. Disagreements are bound to happen - be respectful and honest, but don't be afraid to disagree.

Can anyone else think of some more concrete solutions?

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http://raspberryblase.blogspot.com/

I have to agree that those who post regularly give the impression of being knowledgable, also as nurses we tend to like to give advice. Secondly I would agree that people don't tend to want to disagree with each other all that much.

Having said that, this is not an exclusive club and I hope that we don't give the impression that it is. It would be great to get some different opinions, even if they were differing ones!

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Julie
http://www.lifeinthenhs.wordpress.com

Most people, I would guess, come here to read as they are active learners seeking out a better understanding. Many would probably only visit here (or any other given forum site) in a state of crisis or particular need.

There are few people like me who just come here to give their opinion (I like my opinion and everyone should have a copy).

Most those wanting to learn - are learners, or novices - and perhaps have limited experience to draw from to advise others; even tho they give great common sense ideas sometimes.

The issues that are generally discussed are ones that we cannot resolve in our own head or at work and we seek clarification, validation or information from our peers on here. However, to post is to admit you don't really know the answer and that may seem silly to those more experienced nurses with all the answers (like me).

There are many issues that older/experienced nurses have but they probably become too pragmatic in a global understanding and problem-solving way about nursing to need to nut out the nitty gritty of it all and can file it away.

If you want to encourage more posts, I'd suggest some ethical dilemmas and case studies might stir things up (clue: the ones with no real answers get the longest threads!)

That is the beauty of this forum, it allows people to express their views. I know I have been involved in a few heated discussions on here, but have learnt a lot through them.

As for experience I don't have much in years. But I have seen a lot. No way am I an expert in nursing, but I know what I have seen.

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'Think not of yourself as the architect of your career but as the sculptor. Expect to have to do a lot of hard hammering and chiselingand scraping and polishing. - BC Forbes'