Do nurses love what they do?

[Beautiful_Beginnings, ASN, RN]

I am enrolled in a nursing program. I look forward to the career in nursing that seems to have endless career possibilities. I worry as a future new nurse of job satisfaction. I have read numerous post of nurses regretting their choice , seasoned or otherwise. I read an article that stated only 53% of nurses would choose the career path again. I actually had a nurse beg me not to enter into the field, she stated she wish she would have done more. This was very disheartening because I work around some great nurses, her included. It made me wonder if the dissatisfaction is true or am I just reading articles of the select few? Yes, I know nursing is not the only career with similar sentiments, however since I am entering the nursing career, I would love to hear everyone advice on the topic

[direw0lf, BSN]

Some people go into nursing for the wrong reasons (salary, 4 days off, etc) and some see nursing with rose colored glasses and some maybe make nursing their whole world. Those people will probably beg you not to make the same mistake they did. But you can shadow a nurse, to see what the work really entails. Personally I loved interning and even though it's hard work, it's also very rewarding to me and I live the endless possibilities. I'm starting np school the fall after I graduate which opened more doors. You don't need to remain a "traditional" nurse. I ignored nurses who say this is a bad profession and stay away. I'm not deluded going into this.

[Beautiful_Beginnings, ASN, RN]

Thank you, that places things in perspective:)

[Rekt]

No, but it sure helps put premium in my Lexus.

[AceOfHearts<3]

Am I happy every single day at work? No, and I think that is pretty much impossible no matter the profession/job.

There are things I do not like about my job, but overall I am satisfied. I'm much happier in ICU than I was in tele.

I had a career prior to nursing that I absolutely hated. Nursing is hard, but it was the right choice for me and I would pick it again.

[dread_pirate_roberts]

I feel like I read this same type of question in a lot of areas, and my knee-jerk response will always be the same....Yes/No. There are days when I feel like the dumbest person in the room and I want to quit. There are days when my patient tells me that I made such a difference in their care, and that they were grateful for me. There are days when I'm on my 350 lb intubated patient's third liquid stool blowout of the day and my back and psyche ache. There are days when everything seems to clip along at the right pace, the checklist gets completely done, and you feel like a rockstar. I guess my point is that, at least in my experience, for every good aspect of nursing, there is something that can be considered bad. Whether or not you "love what you do" is almost entirely dependent on the attitude with which you approach your situations. The times when I'm dumb? Well - I learned something, so I just became smarter. The poop-parties? That patient can't do anything for themselves. I protected their dignity three times that day by excusing their family members and cleaning them up. It's aaaallll up to you :) best of luck!