It is what you make it

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This has been bothering me for awhile now, so I have to vent. I am so sick and tired of hearing from others that nursing "sucks" Lately whenever I tell people I am entering nursing school, I get the rolling eyes and the sorrowful look. You know what? SAVE IT. They say the money isn't good. Guess what, I am making a piddly 25 grand now for busting my behind. I am quite looking forward to doubling my salary. Maybe the people who hate it should not have gone into the field. It does take a special person. I can honestly think of thousands of instances in everyday life where people are opposed to things. It is called personal preference and this is what my preference is. I just wish I would get some respect in my decision to do this and other nurses would encourage, rather than criticize. Thank you

If nursing is what you want to do, then GO FOR IT!! How can one not feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that what they do helps onother? (Or many?) I have worked other jobs, plant work, waitressing, janitor, bartending... Nothing compares to nursing. It is more than a "job". Of course things are not always rosey, but nothing is. There are always room for improvement. There is nothing better than knowing that you have made a difference in someone's life. Even if it does not seem like much to you, patients often appreciate you more than you know ;) .

Well said! Thank you very much. Nothing is perfect

I agree with you. Just ignore the negative comments and focus on what you want to do. I am very happy with my career choice and my salary. I make more money now than I ever did and I'm grateful. And the chance to be there for someone in their time of need is very fulfilling for me. Not that it isn't stressful, but like you said, what job doesn't have stress?

I like your attitude . . you will be a great nurse.

steph

Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

I love being a nurse, but I also understand where the negativity comes from. Maybe you will, too, after you've been a nurse for a while and have experienced true burnout. Those who gripe have legitimate complaints- just be glad you weren't told it was all roses, just to go through all that schooling, and find out how ugly it can be at times. I was fortunate enough to have a nursing instructor tell us the ugly truth on the first day of school, so that anybody who thought they couldn't stomach it wouldn't waste their time and money. If you hear all of these bad things, and still think you can handle it, then you probably can. But that doesn't mean that those who are burned out are just whining. In addition, if it really bothers you to hear nurses griping all the time, then I suggest you don't get into the field, because that is something you will hear every day on the job.

Yes! Why is it that some of the strongest discouragement comes from nurses? I think we just need to know what we are capable of and know that we will be succesful. And lgflamini has a point, too. It won't all be a bed of roses. And maybe the gripers are at different points in their careers.

AS for the money argument...When a nurse whoworks a few days a week and earns twice what I do in my full time job tells me in a officious tone that I shouldn't "go into nursing for the money" I have to bite my tongue.

It isn't ALL bad but most of the complaints are legitimate. I truly hope conditions have improved significantly for you and other graduates when you complete school so you don't burn out.

It is INCREDIBLY stressful to be stretched beyond your limits and you can't properly care for your pts....add the fact that regardless how much effort you put into it, sweat, blood and guts....you aren't appreciated and to top it off you receive the brunt of complaints from pts, families, MD's, administration, a single mistake can kill...throw a dash of HIPPA and JACHO and you're headed for the looney bin.

I'm sorry if the truth is hard to digest....but it IS the truth.

Again, I hope your experiences are much more positive than mine.

The ONLY reasons I've stayed in it this long is that I enjoy helping people, I'm always learning and I get paid enough so I can return to school and learn another profession before my body wears out. ;)

I've worked in many other jobs as well and the stress level is much worse in nursing....but that is just my opinion.

Good luck! Hope you find your niche in nursing.

Like every job I have ever had everyone always has complaints.Nobody wants to work for a living,so your already bummed out that you have to be at work,when you rather be somewhere else.I do not like my job I'm at right now,but it is a good job,good pay and good benefits.The only part of nursing so far that scares me is being able to handle the nursing courses and working at the same time.My bosses and everyone around me feels its a great thing I'm doing and I believe my job will work with me when I need to cut back on my hours.My parents are even paying my tuition.I've only heard positive things.I've had to bust my behind for many jobs and believe I can do this.I'm doing this for myself though this time,insted of for everyone else.:rolleyes:

Originally posted by Lasoniamacaroni

Guess what, I am making a piddly 25 grand now for busting my behind. I am quite looking forward to doubling my salary.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE????? I have been an RN for 15 years and I don't get double of $25K without overtime (and a lot of it)

I live in Michigan, and that is the going rate here!!!!

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