Help! Confused about what to do with my life. Nurses, please answer these q's!

al7139, ASN, RN · Jul 26, 2007

Hello,

If you graduated HS at 16, you must be pretty smart!

You are definitely smart to ask these questions before deciding. I will try to help you out.

I will tell you first that I am in my 30's and nursing is a second career for me, but I was in the veterinary field before that for 16 years. This does not mean that you have to wait until you are older to pursue nursing if that is what you really want to do. I am a new graduate (May '07), and am working in a hospital on a cardiac unit. I have an Associates Degree.

Now, I will try to answer your questions:

1. Regarding squeamishness (is that a word?). I am not fond of things like vomit, feces, and strong odors. Strangely enough, I have no problem with blood, open wounds, gore, etc. It did take me a little while to get used to the odors, and I will probably never be able to be in the same room with a patient who is vomiting (I am a reflex puker!),I don't like that part of my job, BUT it is a part of it, so I do it, and try not to show the patient how I really feel. After a while you develop a resistance to it in most cases.

2. Do you need more training for specialty fields? Well, I am not really sure about Digestive, but you do not need a BSN or Masters to be a nurse. If you want to specialize, I would recommend that you research the requirements for the specialty you are interested in.

3. Is it hard on your feet? Yes it is. You are constantly on the go. I personally do not notice it until I am done with my shift. Good shoes help. Also it is important to keep in mind that "nursing shoes" do not mean that they are comfortable. I was lucky to have a friend who own a shoe store that specializes in orthopedic shoes and devices. They will custom fit and make orthotic inserts that are individualized to your feet. It is expensive, but well worth the cost.

4. Nursing School and working full time. Yes it is possible, but it is hard. There were people in my graduating class who worked full time, had children, and passed. I'm not really sure when they slept . If you have to work, find a job where they will work around your often unpredictable school schedule.

5. Is nursing emotionally draining, and does it affect your personal life and mental health? Yes it is emotionally draining. Nursing is very hard work. You also bond with your patients and their families. It can be very difficult, especially if you work with patients who are dying. It used to be that nurses were supposed to keep their distance and show a professional detatchment. This is not really the case anymore. The current thought is that if you are working with a patient who is dying and their family it is OK to show your emotions. I have frequently hugged patients and family, and cried with them. As a nurse you cannot help but develop a relationship. At the same time you have to try not to let it affect you to the point where your personal life and mental health are compromised. I do frequently go home after a death and talk to my fiancee and cry about it, but he is a support for me, and understands when I am sad about a death. Most of the time though, the outcomes are positive, and I can be happy when I send someone home, etc.

6. Is it hard to give shots, etc.? Yes it can be, but I remember that I am doing it to help the patient, even if it hurts. I always explain that it is a painful or uncomfortable procedure so they are prepared. I also let them know that I do not enjoy causing pain to them, and I make sure they understand why it is necessary.

7. Am I satisfied with nursing? This is a definite yes! No matter how difficult my job can be, I love every minute of it! I cannot imagine doing anything else.

Hope this helps.

Amy

al7139, ASN, RN · Jul 26, 2007

Oops! I missed a question!

Is it possible to get a job right out of college? Yes it is. Nurses are in great demand. There is a huge shortage of nurses worldwide. Any healthcare facility is willing to hire new graduates. I work on a cardiac unit (very complicated stuff!) and I am 2 months out of school. I see lots of young nurses, age is never an issue with hiring. Most facilities will hire new grads, and they go through a period of "preceptorship" where they are trained in the facilities policies, and are supervised by an experienced nurse until they show they are ready to be "on their own".

LuvWounds · Jul 26, 2007

Thank you in advance for taking the time to look at my question :-)
I'm 16, have graduated high school, and have no idea what to do with my life. I've often thought about nursing because I'd love to spend my life helping others, and the medical field has always appealed to me. In just 2-3 years, I could be doing something rewarding with my life. Plus, I grew up without much of anything, so a salary of $50,000 per year just makes it all the more appealing. I have a lot of questions though, that I need answered. Please, help!
Nurses:
Were you, or are you squemish? Blood, guts, bodily odors and such are just nasty and scary to me. Do you get used to it after a while? Or if you don't like it to begin with, will you never get over it? Would I be able to get over it?
Do you need more training to help in specific fields, or would an
Associates Degree cover you working in a digestive center or somewhere else?
Is it hard being on your feet all those hours? Or is it something you don't notice, because you're constantly "on the go"?
Is it hard to go to nursing school AND work a full time job? Is it possible? It's what I'd have to do.
Is it emotionally draining? Does it take a toll on your personal life and mental health?
Is it hard to give people needles and such?
Are you completely satisfied with your career?
Is it possible to get a job right out of college, with only a RN degree? Do hospitals and private facilities tend to go for those with more experience, or is fresh meat welcome? I never see any really young nurses, so I wonder...
I am at a point in my life where I am so confused, and am starting to feel lost. I don't want to waste my life, and I don't want to be unhappy:crying2:, so please try to help me out, if you can. Thank you!

! I personal am not afraid of seeing blood, guts, brain, or anything of that sort. However I can't stand to see any thing that comes from the mouth. I hate suctioning, vomit, spit, etc, it all turns my stomach bad

2.With an Associates degree you could work in variuos feilds . With a BSN you become more into to the administrative work if you like. MSN you can begin to specialize in things like Nurese Practioneer, Nurse Anethesia, Forensic Nurse, etc

3.It can become hard on your feet, but I prefer to work in some Reebok princess. The most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I have done double shifts in these shoe and my feet were fine.

4.I went to school and worked part time. i worked part time because I had a husband and children to tend too.

5.I wouldn't say its emotionally drainig but you have to be careful not to take the patients problems home with you.

6.I find it hard to give kids needles

7.I love nursing and it I had to change careers I would remain in the healthcare feild

8.No its not hard to get a job right out of nursing school. Alot of hospitals have internship positions.

And by all means PLEASE for me and everyone who wishes that they pursed their dreams while they were young. Go for it with everything you have in you. Remeber study hard and stay in prayer.

GOOD LUCK young lady

Joe NightingMale, MSN, RN · Jul 26, 2007

:welcome:Nursing students aren't supposed to prescribe, but I'm going to break the rules and give you a prescription:

See a career counselor, STAT!

Whether it's someone associated with a school or someone in private practice, I think they could help you clear up some of that confusion.

yellow finch, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2007

Nurses:

Were you, or are you squemish? Blood, guts, bodily odors and such are just nasty and scary to me. Do you get used to it after a while? Or if you don't like it to begin with, will you never get over it? Would I be able to get over it?

I'm not squeamish by nature, but didn't like oral secretions or poop as a tech. Eventually, it all went away. The only thing I can't handle are dentures. Go figure. I literally become lightheaded looking at dentures. One of these days someone is going to surprise me and I'm going to pass out in a patient's room. :uhoh21:

Do you need more training to help in specific fields, or would an

Associates Degree cover you working in a digestive center or somewhere else?

I personally recommend a BSN simply because it's only a little more time afforded to your education with better options for the future. If you want to charge, manage, or go onto a master's program you'll have an easier/shorter path to each. At least in my area of the country.

Is it hard being on your feet all those hours? Or is it something you don't notice, because you're constantly "on the go"?

I've never had a problem working on my feet for 12 hours. It took some time finding the right shoes, though.

Is it hard to go to nursing school AND work a full time job? Is it possible? It's what I'd have to do.

If it's money you're concerned about, look into scholarships, financial aid, and hospitals willing to pay your tuition in return for a contract post-graduation. Honestly, it's not worth stressing over work while in school. I'm glad I worked as a tech to become comfortable in the hospital, but it really isn't necessary. Alternatively, you could work weekend option as a unit secretary or similar.

Is it emotionally draining? Does it take a toll on your personal life and mental health?

Nope. I don't take my personal life to work and I leave work behind when I leave. Learn to separate. They are not one and the same.

Is it hard to give people needles and such?

Are you talking about giving shots? Nah. It's rare to inject patients (at least in my hospital), but it's fun to keep the skills up and allow students and new grads to learn with you.

Are you completely satisfied with your career?

I have never, ever been completely satisfied with any of my careers because I have high standards and bore easily. That's just life. You make the best of it. Give everything you've got to treat the patient because that is the only reason you are at work. Everything else comes second. I'm in grad school to become a FNP, and thoroughly enjoy it! Until then, I continue to work as a RN despite whatever biases I have. It's not perfect, but I'm gaining so much from it that nobody who works outside of healthcare can possibly understand.

Is it possible to get a job right out of college, with only a RN degree? Do hospitals and private facilities tend to go for those with more experience, or is fresh meat welcome? I never see any really young nurses, so I wonder...

With the nursing shortage I'd be amazed that any RN would have difficulty finding a job right off the bat. If you present yourself in a professional and mature manner the world is at your feet. Spend time in your school's career center asking advice on how to interview, preparing resumes, follow-ups, etc... that was probably the hardest part of job seeking that I ever had. You can be a brilliant individual with tons of potential, but you won't get any notice if your approach is less than professional. After all, as a staff RN you'll be representing the facility at which you work.

Best of luck to you!

MIA-RN · Aug 4, 2007

Nurses:

Were you, or are you squemish? Blood, guts, bodily odors and such are just nasty and scary to me. Do you get used to it after a while? Or if you don't like it to begin with, will you never get over it? Would I be able to get over it?

You get used to it, to a degree. Mucous makes me gag still but I no longer feel the need to vomit when my patients do.

Do you need more training to help in specific fields, or would an

Associates Degree cover you working in a digestive center or somewhere else?

It depends on what exactly you want to do. You can specialize as a new nurse but you are often more employable if you have spent some time working as a staff nurse in a hospital. You can speicialize within a hospital if you want.

Is it hard being on your feet all those hours? Or is it something you don't notice, because you're constantly "on the go"?

Like anything, its hard at first. Comfy shoes (I vote for Nursemates!) go a long way but any job that requires you to be physically present for 8 - 12 hours is going to be a bit difficult. And many times you are on the go but there are quieter times too.

Is it hard to go to nursing school AND work a full time job? Is it possible? It's what I'd have to do.

I worked part-time but several people I went to school with worked full time. The key was to find a job with the flexibility to accomodate your school schedule. I have heard of people working from home (transcription or something like that) and setting their own hours. It also would be easier (I think) woking full time if you have no dependents.

You can look into student loans to offset your living expenses and that way maybe you won't have to work full time. If you do work, try to do something related to the medical field. Every little bit helps.

Is it emotionally draining? Does it take a toll on your personal life and mental health?

Any job will be draining at some point. As a nurse, you are helping people deal with major issues and illnesses and major life changes. You need to be able to set boundaries that will allow you to be caring and compassionate but to not take your patient's problems home with you every day. I believe that is a skill like any other skill.

Is it hard to give people needles and such?

No. Its not fun but it's a skill. I never stuck a child though. That would probably be difficult.

Are you completely satisfied with your career?

Completely? That's hard. Mostly, and usually I am satisfied. Its a second career for me, so its something that I had thought about for a long time before actually doing it. But completely...that's tough. If I am ever completely satisfied with something, I usually then drop it and move to something else. I don't like being bored. I have no plans to drop nursing any time in this lifetime.

Is it possible to get a job right out of college, with only a RN degree? Do hospitals and private facilities tend to go for those with more experience, or is fresh meat welcome? I never see any really young nurses, so I wonder...

There are young nurses out there, but I am pretty sure you will have to be at least 17 to enter LPN school, and 18 to enter RN school, although I am not 100% sure of that. New grads are usually welcomed just about anywhere.

*

You have a very mature attitude and the fact that you graduated from high school at 16 shows what a high achiever you are. I would suggest getting a job as an aide in a hospital somewhere, and get a feel for what you like and don't like. Talk to real life nurses and see what its like on the floors. You have PLENTY OF TIME to decide this. Most kids your age aren't thinking past their next math test or football game. Good for you to be so proactive in regards to your future and good luck! :)