I am currently taking my pre-reqs so that I can apply for an ADN program. I am not a traditional nursing student. I already have a bachelors in an unrelated field but decided i needed to make a career change. I am doing fine in my classes while working full time for now.
My concern is this. Does constantly being around pain, suffering, and death ever get to you? I mean, before i decided to take the plunge, I thought about what I would be exposed to every day and I kind of brushed it off as it not being that bad. Im not really squeamish or anything. But I do tend to empathize very whole heartedly to other people who are in pain and who are suffering. I can't help but not become saddened and depressed when I see tragic/traumatic things - the frailty of the human condition. My friend who is in his third year of med school tells me that you just get de-sensitized to it. But im sure this is something that is different with each individual. I know that it will drain me emotionally and I know how it will affect me. Knowing this, i am a bit apprehensive about my decision.
I suppose my question to the veteran and new RNs is, did you have the same thoughts before you went into the profession? How is it now that you've experienced these things? How do you cope with being around some rather unpleasant depressing stimuli all day? Thanks all.