What to say to a student who needs encouragement?

[Joe V]

There are people of all ages wanting to become a nurse. What would you tell them about nursing school or nursing in general?

[Davey Do]

[TriciaJ, RN]

I'd say become a CNA and experience health care from the inside.  It is actually a very good investment of time.  The "basic training" will come in very handy if you do go on to nursing school.  At worst, it will save you a huge time and money investment in something that you find ultimately not suitable.

Added bonus:  an alternative to entry-level jobs to support yourself during school.

[Davey Do]

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I would say that if nursing is what you really want, you'll have to navigate some challenges but it will be worth it in the end. Nursing students need to develop a sense of humility with self-confidence- to be able to receive feedback without feeling personally attacked (many times feedback truly isn't personal but it needs to be given). You can learn book things anywhere, but watch the nurses on the floor and emulate those that you see that are the nurse you want to become. You can do it!

[Davey Do]

1 hour ago, JBMmom said:

I would say that if nursing is what you really want, you'll have to navigate some challenges 

 

[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

Do what I always did (and still do) when faced with the need to make a new achievement, learn to drive, work as a nurse, crochet a blanket, breastfeed a baby, undergo surgery, take a pet for euthanasia, ski, whatever:

Tell yourself, “Think about all the bazillions of people who have done this, none of whom are any more exceptional than you. You can do this.”

And then you do it. 

[SmilingBluEyes]

Nursing is painful. But also full of joy and fulfillment. But keep your eye on the prize:  helping your patient. The garbage you have to wade through in regulation and management will be a downer. But at the end of the day I remind myself why I am there and try my best to BE my best for my patients.

And you are not alone. Everyone feels the pain; talk to those willing, and able to relieve the stress. Everyone has been where you are as a student. SOME of us DO remember that. There are mentors everywhere. Treat them well and you will get the same. Respect is a two way street for sure. Show some, get some.

[Daisy4RN]

I would say to talk to some working nurses of different specialties before even deciding to start nursing school. Nursing has changed for the worse over the years and unfortunately I would not recommend it to anyone, even dissuaded some younger relatives with the truths and reality of nursing. To each his own of course, so for those who have researched and still want to go for it I say good luck, you will need it!

[Davey Do]

1 hour ago, Daisy4RN said:

Nursing has changed for the worse over the years and unfortunately I would not recommend it to anyone

I had just this very thought today, Daisy.

It was 40 years ago today St. Pepper taught the band to play, and I decided to go into nursing, at the age of 24. I asked myself, if I was now 24, would I choose nursing as my livelihood? and I would not.

I can look back on what I consider  to be a very successful career of which I truly enjoyed, but times have changed. I believe the change started in the mid 80's with DRGs. Once insurance companies ruled the roost, things slowly went downhill for the next 20 years and now we have "this".

If I were 40 years younger, did not know what I know now, and without a plan to go into nursing, I probably would have gone the fireman/paramedic route.

[Neo Soldier, BSN, RN]

On 7/6/2021 at 10:19 AM, TriciaJ said:

I'd say become a CNA and experience health care from the inside.  It is actually a very good investment of time.  The "basic training" will come in very handy if you do go on to nursing school.  At worst, it will save you a huge time and money investment in something that you find ultimately not suitable.

Added bonus:  an alternative to entry-level jobs to support yourself during school.

I agree with this. If you haven't already gotten certified, do it. Find a short program that doesn't take more than 5 weeks. Get a job and see what the world of nursing is really like while also getting a paycheck. 

[Daisy4RN]

1 hour ago, Davey Do said:

I had just this very thought today, Daisy.

It was 40 years ago today St. Pepper taught the band to play, and I decided to go into nursing, at the age of 24. I asked myself, if I was now 24, would I choose nursing as my livelihood? and I would not.

I can look back on what I consider  to be a very successful career of which I truly enjoyed, but times have changed. I believe the change started in the mid 80's with DRGs. Once insurance companies ruled the roost, things slowly went downhill for the next 20 years and now we have "this".

If I were 40 years younger, did not know what I know now, and without a plan to go into nursing, I probably would have gone the fireman/paramedic route.

I used to watch "Emergency" in the early 70s when I was a kid. I wanted to be a paramedic but didn't think that girls went into the field. Soon after I started working (volunteer) at the hospital as a candy striper and thought I would be Nurse Dixie instead. I thought it would be neat (ya like my 70s lingo there) but I couldnt have been more wrong.  Well, many moons later I started working as an RN in the 90s, much different hospital environment than the 70s, and today that environment is much different than the 90s. If I had it to do all over again I always think I would have done something that made more money, had less job stress, and was more creative/artsy (like graphic design or photography).

For those who wish to pursue nursing, more power to ya, just do some real research and make an informed decision.