discouraged but optmistic

[marvalous]

Originally posted by shellygrl:

While standing in line yesterday to register for LPN I struck up a conversation with an RN who said I should forget nursing. She said she's getting out after 10 years, nursing has gotten dangerous with a staff shortage and she's had it. Needles to say I was wondering if I should get out of line and I was certainly discouraged. I know I will probably encounter all kinds of roadblocks like this. Anyone with the same attitude as her ? Any comments are appreciated.

please don't let people like this discourage you from starting your new carreer. i remember when i had started college, people would ask what's your major. my response " nursing" people were always saying by the time you graduate the shortage will be over and you wont be able to find a job. now i am RN and i graduate when there is still a shortage and plenty of jobs to choose form. good luck.

marvalous

[shellygrl]

While standing in line yesterday to register for LPN I struck up a conversation with an RN who said I should forget nursing. She said she's getting out after 10 years, nursing has gotten dangerous with a staff shortage and she's had it. Needles to say I was wondering if I should get out of line and I was certainly discouraged. I know I will probably encounter all kinds of roadblocks like this. Anyone with the same attitude as her ? Any comments are appreciated.

[JulieW]

Hi there,

I agree with the other person who responded. Please don't let someone else take away from your excitement.

I just graduated from LVN school and I am currently working as a CNA until my license arrives.

I have experienced much of the same reactions from nurses. When I was at clinicals, the working nurses there would highly discourage students from persuing nursing because of all the negative aspects. I am getting the same reaction from some nurses I work with now.

I haven't even begun practicing as an LVN yet, but I can certainly see why there is so much frustration out there, just from being a CNA. Lots of burn out and poor staffing ratios, etc, etc, etc, HOWEVER, this is your exciting time and it's your new career to explore for yourself. No one should be putting their negative experiences off on you.

My advice is to find a nurse who loves what he or she does, and stick close by for encouragement and guidance. I know that's what I'll be doing!

Best of luck in school! Feel free to email me anytime!

Julie

[macie]

I too am a recent graduate and have heard many horror stories about the nursing profession. however, I have now worked as an r.n. in a hospital setting for one year and though I must admit there are some days that don't go so well, in the long run, nursing is a very rewarding career! I wish you the best of luck and encourage you to continue in fulfilling your goals as a nurse!

[lesliee]

All during nursing school I was paired with nurses who "warned" me about becoming an RN. When they weren't telling me to get out of the business, they were giving me snide remarks about the foolishness of going for a BSN opposed to an Associates degree. My advice to you is this, consider these people burned out and keep on plugging towards your personal goal. The field of nursing is so diverse that there is no need to become burned out - just switch to another speciality! Good luck with schooling. If nursing is really what you want, go for it. Don't let anyone stop you.