No I wouldn't recommend nursing

is nursing that bad? i am so discouraged i just dont know what to do. what about resp thearpist?

One of the reasons I was warned away from Resp. Tech (from someone in the field) was that there was a very low ceiling or opportunities for advancement and very few options to do anything else....and many of the nurses I spoke to said they felt it was simply a gross job!! But then the resp. tech I shadowed said he could never be a nurse....he couldn't imagine dealing with "poo poo"!! His words, not mine!

RNMania-

Listen to your own heart and thoughts despite what others may say. The more you hear what others say and try to align yourself with them, you will undoubtly lose who you are and who you were meant to be. You get lost in the midst of someone else's opinion. Your opinion of what you are doing is more important than what anyone else could tell you about nursing.

The people who thrive in nursing are those who are supposed to be there. Yes there are some that are disenchanted with their own ideals of nursing and perhaps they haven't gone deep enough within themselves to see that nursing is a professional vocation not just a "yeh that looks like something that might be good and it pays ok" Those that take the time to determine their own motives, desires, capabilities and knowledge about themselves undoubtly are the ones who make a difference to many around them.

I say if you are cannot stand nursing there are so many fields available that use other talents that you may see that you have. One thing about this world is that there is room for everyone to discover what they are good at.
Please don't come on this thread and give a negative view of nursing without giving a diplomatic view of both the negatives and positives. Not everything is negative about nursing or you would not have entered it in the first place. Every vocation has its drawbacks - it's how you deal with those and anything else that is difficult in your life that shows who you are.
If you don't like it - Get Out - but don't take any other innocent lives with you. Anything that is worthwhile is difficult. If difficult overwhelms you like caring for those who cannot care for themselves, then perhaps choosing a less taxing career is more up your alley. Nursing is not for the faint of heart, it is for those who consider meeting challenges as a way to improve themselves and those around them and ultimately change the world they live in. Facing illness and death repeatedly has a direct impact on how you might view yourself in the same situation. If you cannot place yourself in your patient's shoes, then you have no business being among the nurses who can. Not everyone can do that or really wants to. Nurses are a special breed of their own not to be confused with the ones who just couldn't hack it for whatever reason like cleaning up poop. I would certainly want a nurse like myself taking care of me who overlooks the not so pleasant situations that we all find ourselves in at one point or another and treats me like a dignified upright human being. Bless those Nurses who can see beyond themselves and make a good name for the profession they love.
HB

It's nice to see some pro-nursing posts. It really encourages me as a student when I get down and feel overwhelmed. I know everyone needs their time to vent, but it is great to see that despite the bad times many of you can see through to the reasons you still love nursing.

hbncns35:

Bravo!! Your words are true for any profession!

I hope to be able to live up to the standards and beliefs that you set forth!!

From those of us just beginning this journey -- Thank you!

for thoughs of you that discourage nursing ...what profession would you suggest that doesn't kick you in the ass here and there? really, i'm being serious? what career do you suggest that you can earn $20 an hour as a new grad ?

hb: I couldn't have said it better myself. I applaud you.

I am a mature nursing student. I have worked for 20 years in the same field and am ready for a change. Over the years, I have started and dropped my pre-requisites repeatedly and I am now finally on track. I have not chosen this field for money or glory. I have made my choice based on what my heart tells me.

I work full time then go to class. After a horrible day at my current job, just the thought of getting to class brightens my mood.

I look forward to the day when I can spend my day/night/holiday making someone’s life a little more comfortable, rather than chasing the whims of those that cannot be satisfied.

I do not need a pt or dr to tell me I have performed well; I know when I do.

I have met nurses who have touched my heart and inspired me to pursue my goals. Perhaps someday, I will do that for someone else.

I keep hearing about low pay, but is there really another career where you can get a 2 year degree and make the amount of money a nurse does? Even a four year degree? I have looked at so many, but nursing offered the highest pay. Am I wrong? Is there a degree that I haven't heard about that pays better than nursing (in 2-4 yrs)?

There certainly aren't many fields that you can go into making 20.00 an hour with a two year degree, like nursing. However, consider this.....I have a master's degree in nursing and 20 years experience I make 24.50 an hour. Not many fields except nursing where so much is expected with so little recognition or compensation.

BTW my degree is in nursing education however I can not afford to teach because of the pay CUT!