Five years ago, I never dreamed of becoming a nurse. I wanted nothing to do with the medical world. Partly because my dad wanted me to be a Doctor and I didn't want to. Well, I did attend LPN school somewhat grudgingly because of the job prospects. A few months working in the nursing home and I totally hated the politics, impossible expectations and just plain victimization and lack of support.
Five years ago, I never dreamed of becoming a nurse. I wanted nothing to do with the medical world. Partly because my dad wanted me to be a Doctor and I didn't want to. Well, I did attend LPN school somewhat grudgingly because of the job prospects.
A few months working in the nursing home and I totally hated the politics, impossible expectations and just plain victimization and lack of support. I thought, "this was such a huge mistake". When people asked, "when are you going back for your RN?", my answer was an emphatic "Never!".
I did have some bright moments in LPN school though, like when we had OB rotation. I watched a baby being born and thought, "this is it for me!".
I wanted to be a OB nurse but my excited balloon was deflated when I was told the hospital was only hiring RNs in that department. I thought, "Forget about it, I don't plan to be an RN". Then a year later, I watched my nephew being born, but I was bent on not becoming an RN.
After the brief, bad experience working at the nursing home, I got another job working for a different company. The difference was night and day. Yes, I did take a pay cut but I get to keep my sanity and the staff are very supportive. Though some days are really tiring and take a lot out of me physically and emotionally, making a difference in someone's life hasn't been a bad choice after all.
I still have days when I think the job is too demanding and not well compensated, but then I also have days like today when a patient's appreciation is all I need.
Today, a patient came in because her ears had been clogged, her hearing muffled for a couple of weeks. All I did was irrigate her ears and she was the most excited patient I ever saw. You would think she was deaf from birth and all of a sudden, she could hear. She was so excited, she hugged me!
I was surprised but I could see the appreciation in her eyes. She left the clinic humming a song. It was funny but I felt like she just deposited money in my account.
In the last few weeks, the strangest thing happened. I started seeing a future for myself in nursing. I would sleep and wake up, dreaming about being a labor and delivery nurse. Welcoming babies into the world, standing as a pillar of support for a mom-to-be. Believe it or not but I have registered for pre-requisites and well on my way to starting a LPN to RN program!!!
I can think of a number of reasons why having a career in Nursing is not worth it, but then I have found a few reasons why I love been a nurse and that is enough for me. So thankful that I found my place.
Thanks for that story. Despite the negatives parts that makes one leery of nursing. The positive parts such as that heartfelt thank you from patients keeps one going.
Good for you, I always encourage people that have the gift of serving to be nurses. I'm an RN, and like many I love it at times and hated it some days. Some people get in the field for the money, and are terrible nurses. Great signing everything and task oriented while others I believe have a broader mind, nurses that can see beyond what's just been asked for and will go out their way to help anyone.
By the way.....I used to do many things like that for patients, but make sure you get a TO. You never know what could happen. Always cover yourself. Just FYI.
By the way.....I used to do many things like that for patients, but make sure you get a TO. You never know what could happen. Always cover yourself. Just FYI.
I felt the same way today when I found out one of my residents I gave a suppository to yesterday had a bm! She was so uncomfortable yesterday but today she was so happy and relieved! It's the little things, even helping someone goto the bathroom :)
Thanks for telling your story! I am a new grad RN. Graduated in May and am on my 4th week of hospital orientation for a large med-surg unit. My first clinical in nursing school was in a nursing home, and as I left clinical that day....in the back of my mind I was thinking "do i really want to do this?" But as time progressed and i went through my other rotations i knew i had a calling to be a nurse. Congrats on starting your transition from lpn to rn. It will be well worth it. Good luck in all you do!! :)
eternalbride
89 Posts
Thanks for that story. Despite the negatives parts that makes one leery of nursing. The positive parts such as that heartfelt thank you from patients keeps one going.