Having Second Thoughts

AND... why is it that you want to be a nurse?

I can relate to what you are saying. I'm much more technically inclined than psychosocial. While I know I need to develop that weakness, I also know I'll still prefer the techincal & skills more. There is absolutely someplace for you to fit in nursing! At least you recognise this in yourself and are looking to find an area where you and your interests fit together. For me, I know psych nursing isn't going to be my cup of tea. At the moment ER is attractive (lots of skills there) and the ultimate goal is CRNA.

Have you ever looked into what personality type you are? Jungian typology, Myers-Briggs? Knowing that helped me find my way as well. I dig that sort of stuff though.

Good luck with you!

Remember that NICU infants have parents that have HUGE psychosocial needs, that you as the RN will have an opportunity to meet.

I thnk the only place where the concious patient contact is really minimal is the OR. And even there, I imagine with all the surgeries with blocks these days that is changing.

Are you uncomfortable with patients? Because, after all they are just people.

i can relate to you in one way or another. i want to become a nurse badly but i am very unsure if it will be the right move for me. something tragic happened to someone close to me, so after that i didnt try to let anyone close to me. then people started to say that i wasnt a people person because i try not to show any emotion. i know i love helping people and being there for them but the comments have affected me. now i am just trying to see if nursing fits me or not. I dont mind coming in contact with people, but i dont want to become attached. i am known for speaking up for what i believe. i know that if i see someone not doing a patient right it will effect me alot.

I am not someone that is touchy-feely either. However, I have empathy and compassion for people and that is (IMHO) the most important part of nursing. I'm a little concerned that people are concerned and enjoy the "procedures" of nursing. Assessment is actually always, always, always the most important. For instance, being able to place IV's in everyone is a wonderful skill. But...if you don't understand that the "why" of the IV, then its not important.

I have done fine in nursing as far as not being a touchy-feely person. I work in a level one trauma center and enjoy the intense, short contact that I have with people. I do realize that I make a difference (sometimes) too by being able to provide patients and their families with information in order to make care decisions. For me, providing the information in a non-judgemental but friendly way is gratifying.

Good luck.

OR sounds perfect for you. And good for you for realizing your feelings before you get stuck in a job you hate. Too many nurses burn out before they find the right specialty. Nursing is not just "nuturing the sick" anymore. All personality types can find their niche if they just keep looking.

How about being a Physician's Assistant instead of a nurse? That would put you more on track with what you originally wanted to do (MD).