This may be a very strange question to ask, but I promise that answering it will really help my decision making. I had originally applied to a 4-year college with the intention of going to medical school. After two years, I decided that maybe nursing would be a better option for me. I have already been accepted into nursing school, but I am already having some doubts about whether I should stick to what I had originally intended or attend nursing school. My decision is not just based on "feeling", but I won't bore you with the details.
Here is my question: what are things that you do/encounter/experience on a regular basis that you believe someone should know about before entering this field? I'm not talking about the obvious (i.e. blood, needles, etc.), but other aspects of which not everyone is aware. They may be things that you are fine with (and maybe even enjoy) but might not be for other people.
In other words, could you fill in the blank?
You should NOT become a nurse if _________________.
Specializes in trauma, ortho, burns, plastic surgery.
...if your own personality profile is not fitted at all with THE nurse personality profile
...if you don't have an adaptable personality and you see too straight to see the all or too twist to see the correct path
...if you can't understand the social relations beetwen you, others, society
....if ME and my ego is much most important than any others.
I belive that ANYONE could be THE NURSE IF is able to change and work to change him/her self and are enough introspected to see when him/her behaviors are not appropiate
...if you get overwhelmed easily from having to multitask and prioritize on a constant basis.
...if you don't have some source of strength and happiness outside your job that you know you can count on, be it family, faith, or even a pet or hobby... this is very important because it's a job you can throw yourself into and it seems like you're going to get a lot of rewards out of it... but if that's ALL you count on or if you let it become too large in your life, you will get hurt and burn out.
ToxicShock
506 Posts
...If you let your religious beliefs compromise patient care.
...If you have ANY doubts about whether or not you should go to nursing school.
...If you can't stand up for yourself or for your patients.