Why should i consider nursing?

LittleLady · Jan 1, 2005

I choose what I do according to the gifts, talents and skills I have and where my heart is. Chosing nursing needs more than the question, "What can I be benefit from this?" One needs a servant heart no matter how dismal some work situations are. In fact, one can make a difference by not participating in unproductive activities your co-workers may be involved in. I say this because I have some friends who are making a difference in their work. They have been stable at their jobs for many years.

Concerning the money, if you are able to work part-time and study part-time, do so. It may take longer and it may be harder, but take that experience as a challenge for you to grow and develop. Who knows? You may be able to find an open door for a financial assistance while you are pursuing a degree that may lighten your load.

Above all, take this as a principle: Whatever you do, do it according to your calling because you will never enjoy what you do if it is not something you love to do no matter how big is the money you earn. I have seen enough unhappy people at their jobs whether they are in nursing or other careers and they produce the worst attitude ever! This is not beneficial for both the worker and the patients or clients.

I wish you the best. May God grant you wisdom in your search and provide all you need.

unknown99, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2005

You should consider nursing because....

There is no greater feeling than........

Handing a newborn to the parents immediately after a long, hard birth.

Watching that 18 year old car wreck victim take his first step after he was told he would never walk again.

Seeing a West Nile Virus victim walk off your unit to go home after nearly dying/coma for months.

Looking into the face of an elderly client when they tell you thank you, and they really mean it.

The possibilities are endless!!!!

SarasotaRN2b · Jan 1, 2005

Actually I feel that nursing is a calling...even though now it seem more of a kind of shouting:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: . Twenty plus years ago when I got out of high school, I was planning on being a nurse. Unfortunately at that time, I just wasn't ready...both due to maturity and a loss of a close family member. Although I can't say I wasted the next 20 years, but this nursing bug has been haunting me. There are so many options once you have your RN and it is yours to call.

If it is really something that you want to do, you'll do it. Maybe it is something you want to do, but maybe the timing isn't right for you now.

As z's playa and many others have stated, it is you that needs to answer your question of "why you should consider nursing?'

Kris

Why should you consider nursing?....

Well there really isn't anyway to sell you on it...either you feel "the calling"...or you don't. That's my view on it.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Jan 1, 2005

Knowing what you know now, what other options do you think you should have considered? I'm trying to decide if going on in nursing is worth it. Like you, I enjoy the medical field, it's interesting, it seems to come naturally and have no trouble absorbing and comprehending the information. I'm also very good with patients. But am discouraged by the many negatives in nursing, particularly the things you mentioned above. I know those come with many other professions but they seem particularly pronounced in nursing. I feel as though I opened the door with my LPN and took a peek into a profession that is in trouble, dysfuctional, and has everyone at each other's throats. Not a good feeling! I'm just glad I didn't go thousands of dollars into debt to find this out. Definitely will not stay an LPN, but an ADN-RN doesn't look that much more attractive, despite the flexibility. I enjoy working one on one with patients - I'm not interested in looking after an entire floor or managing others. Plus, the negative atmosphere of floor nursing and truly unhappy co-workers is too much. So I'm moving on - somewhere! Like I said, what other options do you think are worth considering?

I spent a day last semester riding with a Home Health Nurse, and it was pretty awesome. Lots of paperwork, lots of driving, but also lots of intimacy with each patient. You almost become a family member, and you definitely make a difference. It's definitely something I'll keep in mind, if hospital bedside doesn't suit me as well as I hope. Also rode with Hospice--same deal, sort of, but I'm not sure it's for me. I know I could do it, but don't know if I could love it. Death is something we deal with, but I just don't know about every day.

acgemt · Jan 1, 2005

Nursing isn't something that you can ask people about and then think...hey I want to become a nurse. I believe it is something that is inside of you. Only you can know the answer to why you want to be a nurse. What are your reasons?

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jan 1, 2005

I am 25, from the Uk and in a well paid job. I am considering becoming a nurse but all the talk about low pay and long hours and really put me off. I already have a degree in science and human biology but the shortest course i'm aware of is a 2 year acclerated course in the UK. I am really worried that the stress of having NO money for 2 years will get to me. I would just like to hear from existing nurses who could perhaps advise me on what nursing is REALLY like. I would like to travel to Oz one day and use my nursing skills there.
I'm very confused and unsure! Many thanks

I think if you are going to become a nurse, the reason comes from within. (I'm sure I am going to draw some serious fire over this, but here goes, anyway.....)

If you are going to work with people who are really sick, and deal with their families who are all over your case because they are worried, plus be responsible for their meds being on time AND being appropriate, plus cleaning up the odd mess here and there (I think that's not just in school, and sometimes you are the one who gets the privilege), plus deal with the little personality issues between you and your team mates, and interact with the docs (some of whom can be rather trying), you probably better have something happening inside or it will literally burn you out, and fast.

You already have a solid career, it sounds like, and a good education. Do you want to leave the work you are presently doing? If so, why? That may give you some ideas about whether nursing fits for you.

Most of us have been soft hearted care givers all our lives, on some level or other. If that's you, nursing may be a good fit, even though by returning to school to study nursing, you will be starting back at "entry level." If it's not, you might want to look at something else.

You can still go to Oz! Good luck with figuring all this out.

Jen2 · Jan 1, 2005

I agree with everyone who says it's a calling. When I was growing up I had to have several surgeries and I was always in and out of the hospital. Even at three years old I was so observant of all the nurses. I watched every move they made and instead of crying when they were putting an I.V. in me or changing a dressing I would watch them and ask them questions about it. The nurses also comforted me and read me bedtime stories (parents were not allowed to spend the night then) which gave me a great respect for nurses at a young age. When my parents would bring me home from the hospital, they noticed that all of my dollies had mock I.V.'s in them with straight pins and scotch tape and toilet paper dressings. When I graduated High School I thought I would try Medical Assisting to get my feet wet to see if I really would like nursing or not. It took me six years to get back into college and I will graduate this May. The calling haunted me all those years, and I can't be happier that I am near accomplishing my goal that even at the age of three seemed so natural for me to be doing. Best of luck to you. This is something that only you can decide for yourself.

Justmeandmycat · Jan 2, 2005

I spent a day last semester riding with a Home Health Nurse, and it was pretty awesome. .

Interesting that you mentioned home health because that was my original intent upon entering nursing. That's how I saw myself, having that opportunity to see the patient's whole picture, their life, family and challenges and offering help in whatever way seemed to work. But as my LPN program went on, things changed in the local employment area. I discovered when I got out that the hospitals weren't hiring LPNS. And the homecare agencies want the hospital experience behind you, so it's a Catch-22.

For me to get into homecare I have to do everything all over again in an ADN program. Since I've already been burned once by nursing, I've decided to seek other avenues in the medical field. I'll continue to help others in another capacity.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jan 2, 2005

Interesting that you mentioned home health because that was my original intent upon entering nursing. That's how I saw myself, having that opportunity to see the patient's whole picture, their life, family and challenges and offering help in whatever way seemed to work. But as my LPN program went on, things changed in the local employment area. I discovered when I got out that the hospitals weren't hiring LPNS. And the homecare agencies want the hospital experience behind you, so it's a Catch-22.
For me to get into homecare I have to do everything all over again in an ADN program. Since I've already been burned once by nursing, I've decided to seek other avenues in the medical field. I'll continue to help others in another capacity.

I hate that when it happens!

But if you want your ADN, and you have your LPN, all is not lost.

Before you give up, if you really want to do home health nursing and need that RN, check out Excelsior College. It's not the cheapest way to go (nor the most expensive, either, by far!), but you can do it as fast or as slow as you are able or want to. You don't have to "do it all again," but you will take an exam for each of 7 areas (6 clinical, one mostly about the profession) as well as a 2-1/2 day practical exam to demonstrate that you are competent skill-wise enough to be safe.....

I've gotten caught up in those catch-22's so often myself, my heart aches for you! But do check this out--it might be the answer.

Feel free to email or PM me if you'd like to "talk."

Good luck!

Justmeandmycat · Jan 2, 2005

I hate that when it happens!
But if you want your ADN, and you have your LPN, all is not lost.
Before you give up, if you really want to do home health nursing and need that RN, check out Excelsior College.
Good luck!

Hi Chris. Thanks for your input. As a matter or fact, I have the EC package sitting on my desk waiting for a tax refund (?) to finance it! I'm also considering ultrasound and nuclear medicine programs.

The thing is, every route is a long and expensive one at this point. The short term goal is to get out of long term care since I can't stand another minute of it. Love the patients, hate the depressing atmosphere when I go through the door in the morning. That, and the "fifty, fat and frustrated" crowd who have lost their focus for nursing and lay in wait for each other. I'm steering a wide path around them but there's too many in this particular facility to avoid!

The long term goal is a career that affords me the one-on-one opportunity with patients I'm looking for, a sane schedule and some financial stability. That's why I'm even considering the diagnostic route. If anyone out there has an opinion of ultrasound and nuclear medicine careers, I would love to hear them. Maybe EC will be the way to go in the end, who knows, but I'd like to weigh all my options this time before spending any more money.

Again, Chris, thank you for taking the time to respond and I'll keep you in mind if I have any more questions.