[katiti69]

I've been considering a career change from fundraising to nursing from a few years npw. I', starting slowly with an Anatomy class this spring and continuing to volunteer at the hospital in my neighborhood, but everyone keeps telling me that a career change to nursing would be a mistake. Who is everyone, you ask? My mother-in-law, who is a nurse, my father-in-law, who is a doctor, a friend of the family, who is a doctor, my husbdand - of course!

What should I do to help me make up my mind for good? Any advice on how I can figure out if this would be the right move for me or not?

Katiti

[Jules A]

Hi and welcome,
Why are they saying you are not suited to be a nurse? Jules

[nurse4theplanet]

Is it what you want to do? If so, then go for it.

[Beeanurse]

I believe that if its in your heart to be a nurse then be a nurse. If your a people person and are compassionate for others and genuinely care for others definitely be a nurse, the world needs more!!!!

[nurseangel47]

If you could take a certified nursing assistant program to become certified as a cna and worked as a cna you would know fairly surely by observing the nurses around you and talking to them as you work whether or not you want to take it on or not. Lots of folks who aren't sure become cnas first, then make the decision. It at least exposes you to the nursing world as such. Good luck. If it's what your heart is leading you to do, go for it!

[willdgate]

If you are not taking courses directly in nursing I would not get into it, people warned me but they were not the proper people to take advice from. First off, nursing school is the most horrible exp. that you can think of, and then once and if you graduate you have to pass the N-clex, then you have to work in a hospital then there where the drama cont. a nurse always is looking for a job. Stay were your at, the grass is not greener on the other side. Just a lil advice from a nurse's prospective.

[Teacher2bCRNA]

Wow. This has me . I want to go into nursing as well, I am currently a teacher.

Originally Posted by willdgate

If you are not taking courses directly in nursing I would not get into it, people warned me but they were not the proper people to take advice from. First off, nursing school is the most horrible exp. that you can think of, and then once and if you graduate you have to pass the N-clex, then you have to work in a hospital then there where the drama cont. a nurse always is looking for a job. Stay were your at, the grass is not greener on the other side. Just a lil advice from a nurse's prospective.

[kcalohagirl]

I wouldn't let one post dissuade you. I graduated from Nursing School with a BSN in May. Nursing school was challenging, but definitely not "the most horrible experience you can think of". There were good days and bad days, instructors I liked and others I didn't, classes I liked and others I didn't, the same as there was with my first degree. I stressed about the NCLEX as did every other new grad I know, but if you study in school, study for the test, and pay attention, you should pass. There are other options of where to work besides a hospital. I do happen to work in a major university medical center, and I love it! The work is interesting, and I enjoy most of the people I work with. Like any job, there are some people you like, some you don't, good days and bad days. You don't have to be best friends with everyone you work with. You have to function as a team. period.

I definitely think it is an option worth exploring. There are so many different options when looking at nursing. I work on a Progressive Care Unit for patients that have undergone Cardio-thoracic surgery. My best friend works in a Pediatric ICU, my fiance works on a medical telemetry floor. There are nurses who work in home health. Some of the nurses I work with have been nurses for up to 20 years.

It can be a great career for those who are up to the challenge.

[nurse4theplanet]

Originally Posted by Teacher2CRNA

Wow. This has me . I want to go into nursing as well, I am currently a teacher.

Don't let that point of view discourage you. There are some nurses that regret going into nursing...but you will find that in every profession.

My advice to anyone considering nursing is to get some idea of what you are getting into beforehand, either through cna or volunteer experience. Then research schools and degrees thoroughly. The more you know about nursing, the better able you are to determine if it is right for you.

If you decide to go into nursing, research different programs and routes thoroughly as well. I disagree with the previous poster who said nursing school is the most horrible experience anyone can go through! It's definitely tough, but I can think of a few things that have been harder (boot camp and waiting for my husband to return from Iraq come to mind). Nursing school is completely manageable. And if you look into programs thoroughly as I suggested, then you should be able to pick a school that will prepare you to pass NCLEX with no problems.

Good luck to everyone!

[music]

To Katiti,

Many years ago, I went to nursing school and there were times I wanted to quit when things got tough. I was out of town, homesick and most of my friends were off at college in sororities and having what I considered to be a lot more fun. I was getting up very early, wearing a starched uniform, staffing the hospital and had lots of rules. I studied a lot and some classes were harder than others.

Whenever I told my mom I was thinking of quitting, she would listen and tell me I needed to stay and that I would thank her one day. It has been over 30 years now and I am still a nurse. I have thanked her many times.

I work in a very busy and stressful Emergency Department. I love my job. Sometimes I wonder on stressful days when we are short staffed but at the end of the day, I know I have done something special that many can't do and I thank God for the honor of helping others. To me, nursing is indeed an honor. People share their innermost secrets, their fears, their hopes and dreams with nurses every day. It is an amazing profession and we need more nurses so if you have the fire in you to work hard and give to others, I highly recommend it.

I do lots of other things outside of the hospital and I love what nursing has brought into my life. It helped me to be a better wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. It taught me more about life and about myself than I can describe and it gives me tremendous satisfaction.

To be a nurse is something that is difficult to describe in real terms. It is something that connects you with life in all its glory, wonder, stress and strife. It's not for everyone. It is a profession in great demand. There are many opportunities. You work long hours, holidays, weekends and different shifts, but along the way you find what works for you and you settle in.

Is it hard at times? Yes
Is it worth it? Definitely!
Best wishes on your journey if you decide to follow this path.