My concerns about being a nurse!?!

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in none.

Hello, I am considering getting into nursing but I had so concerns I hope someone would be able to address for me. I have been reading and rereading alot of comments on being in the profession of nursing. I have read that there is high burnout, no support, and that everyone is against you. That the administration offers over-time but gets mad when you use it. That nurses do not stand together and unite against what they feel is unfair. And that after 5 years of being in nursing you are looking for a way out, any way out. Now, I understand that no job is easy and that a profession with such a high amount of females there is bound to be some backstabbing. So, my question is while I do really want to be a nurse I am also highly afraid of what I have been hearing. So is there a way to avoid this or avoid some of these. Also if I specialize like working in the NICU or ICU is that much better than just being a floor nurse or is it the same? Sorry for the long post, lot on my mind.

Hello, I am considering getting into nursing but I had so concerns I hope someone would be able to address for me. I have been reading and rereading alot of comments on being in the profession of nursing. I have read that there is high burnout, no support, and that everyone is against you. That the administration offers over-time but gets mad when you use it. That nurses do not stand together and unite against what they feel is unfair. And that after 5 years of being in nursing you are looking for a way out, any way out. Now, I understand that no job is easy and that a profession with such a high amount of females there is bound to be some backstabbing. So, my question is while I do really want to be a nurse I am also highly afraid of what I have been hearing. So is there a way to avoid this or avoid some of these. Also if I specialize like working in the NICU or ICU is that much better than just being a floor nurse or is it the same? Sorry for the long post, lot on my mind.

I know what you mean! Just remember that on an internet message board, chances are you're primarily hearing those who come here to let off some steam and vent... You aren't often going to hear as much about the GOOD things and positive stories because people just live their lives and enjoy them and don't feel the need to come here and share them with strangers... So you're getting a disproportionately negative picture of the profession if you're going mainly by what folk post here- or any other internet board. :)

Specializes in ED.

5 years to burnout good to know.. are you kidding me? you base your career decisions on the venting of others on a web forum? Im sure if you go to allmillionaires.com the complain about accountants the IRS and how the little people dont appreciate the great opportunities they gave them.. :)

You write in a lot of hyperbole. How in the world is it possible for everyone to be looking for a way out, any way out of gainful employment after five years?? There are many nurses who like or even love their jobs, there are nurses who need their jobs Looking for anyway out of gainful employment sounds like you have someone else to pay your bills with no contribution required on your part. Most grownups don't have that - and most grown ups have mouths to feed to boot. So the generalizations of which you speak just don't exist.

But - nursing isn't for everyone, anymore than any field is for everyone. You sound like you have a lot of reservations about nursing and you should only go forward with getting your nursing credentials and license if this is truly something you want to do. If you think there is a field where you don't encounter any of the things you just mentioned then that is where you need to go instead.

Specializes in None :[.

Hi, i recently started an lpn program; everything in school is going great and have felt no emotions of regret... the staff&other students are polite, proffesional, and joke around from time to time- i really appreciate the atmosphere around school. Im not quite sure if there is too much backstabing within the deeper entrenched relationships but, being one out of the three males in my class of 87- i am much more comfortable than i thought i would be. The brighter side of this profession choice is that the lpn program is only a one year program and even if i do not decide to stay, for whatever reason, thats still better than going to school for 2 or more years and disliking your chosen career... but thats just from the viewpoint from some guy who graduated from high school in 2008.. i hope this post offered any insight no matter how shallow !

To me the nursing job is the best job.Ths job will offer you so many directions you could explore. It is very rewarding job. Believe me, when it will happen to you one day to save somebody's life you will feel emotions it it very hard to express. When you see your patient to recover and you know you helped him it is happiness. When your patient dies on your hands you will grieve as it is your family member. This job is not for everyone. First, you have to have a lot of heart and compassion and you must love to do what you are doing because you deal with blood and pus, urine and feces, bad smells and human suffering. And yes, it is a very stressful job. So, if you are ready for this challenge, welcome to the nursing!

Specializes in CNA.

I know so many nurses that LOVE their jobs! They work only 3 days a week and have lovely big houses to enjoy on their days off. That's what I keep thinking of when I hear nurse horror stories, LOL

Specializes in none.

Let me tell you that yes I do live at home and have someone to pay my bills but I have read alot on nursing and want to make an informed discision. Are you a nurse yourself? Because if you are it doesn't sound like you've been one long. And if your not then I don't want to hear from you. I want to hear from the seasoned nurses, the ones that have worked in different departments and know what burnout is. Don't talk to me like a child because i'm not and have worked in healthcare so I have seen alot for my age.

Specializes in none.

And yes I do base my discision on the venting of others on web forums because they work in the field and they have experience. They have seen alot and done alot, so they know what nursing is all about. Why am I getting attacked for asking a question, are people that touchy?

With any job/profession there is a possibility for lifetime of joy and fulffillment or a life full of regrets and hate. Do your research. Talk to a few nurses and ask them how they feel about their jobs. Nursing isn't for everyone. And remember you can't always listen to everything you hear, especially if its angry nurses venting online. I think it is possible to find a supportive group of nurses that stick by each other and advocate for themselves and patients (depending on the hospital). Yes its true that nurses run a chance of caregiver burnout, so its important to develop strong stress reducing techniques. Don't let the scary things you've heard scare you away. Do some more research and soul searching. Good luck!

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