Difficult decision?

U.S.A. Oregon

Published

Did anyone have a difficult time deciding to become a nurse? I used to be terrified of needles - not horribly fond of them now, and I just wonder... I know that nursing is one of the best professions to help people. I guess I just don't know enough to make that decision. I have three young children and need to go to school and want to make a difference, you know? Did anyone else have a hard time deciding??

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

Puk are you terrified to be on the receiving end or the giving end? Cause when your on the giving end they don't hurt at all ;) . If you are nervous about giving them don't worry because just about everyone is, but you get used to it with time and practice.

Swtooth

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That's funny. :lol2: It's good to know that I'm not the only one who is nervous about it. Will you tell me why you decided to become a nurse?

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Well you started at the right place, asking here... The question being are you to endure the length of time it will take you get into a nursing program... All nursing programs are flooded with applicants... On average going full time it will take you any where from a year to 2 years to finish all the prerequestes while trying to maintain a very high gpa. After that you then have to apply, most people do not get accepted with their first application... Overall I say it average about 3 years later, until you actuall start a program and then that is an additional 2 years of nursing school full time, so in total 5 years later you are graduating with your RN.

The question being are you willing to wait that long to receive your first RN paycheck?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I had a tough time deciding what I wanted to do- I knew I wanted to be in healthcare in some way. Do you have any time to volunteer in a clinic or hospital so that you can become more familiar with the role of a nurse? I am not fond of being on the receiving end of needles- I have to look away or have my eyes closed during the process, but this just doesn't seem to transfer to my giving injections or starting IV's. Good luck.

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

The needle is a means to the end. You want to give a medication, obtain a blood sample, provide a means to deliver fluids, nutrition, blood, etc. Your job is to insert the needle in the correct spot to do what you want. You'll have plenty to think about while you're doing that to keep you from thinking about the needle itself.

And it DOES hurt them more than you!

At this point in your progress, I'd think about whether you can handle the academics and the waiting before seeing results in terms of a real job. And don't forget the more gross aspects of the job (urine, feces, sputum, blood, vomit, I could go on, but I won't!).

Lots to think about besides needles!

Whatever your decision, I wish you good luck! If it's nursing, great! We have plenty of encouraging words over here!

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