Are you Smart enough to be a Nurse?

[ImKosher]

I wanted to share an experience with those interested.

I was working in clinicals passing out dinner trays, when a CNA pulled me to the side and asked me if I was going to school. I replied "Yes, I'm in the RN program". She looked and said "You need to be smart to go to RN school". I was bothered by what she had said. I could read on her face showing that she isn't smart enough for NS. So here's my opinion:

Smart in literal terms means that your are intelligently gifted...right? I don't believe that is right, people have made that word for those who have acheived something that they did not.

"Your smart, that's why you made it, I'm dumb".

There are no Dummies. There are no Smarties. There are those who were determined enough to become what they wanted to become. You and others are labeling people as smart, because they are getting things done for themselves. They're becoming Doctors, RN's, CRNA's, and NP's. Those are the smart ones? Just because your a CNA doesn't mean your dumb. If you want to become an RN what is stopping you?

Many argue that they can't study "smart" enough. If you can pick up a book and read, you can do it. You just need to find your "click". In time after trying many things you will learn what is your gifted way of learning. Some read, some watch, some draw,and some speak. Only trial and error will reveal to your gifts.

I want to change the definition of "smart". Are you Smart enough to be a Nurse? I'm going to write a couple of phrases replacing smart.

-Are you Passionate enough to become a Nurse?

-Are you Patient enough to become a Nurse?

-Are you Persistent enough to become a Nurse?

-Are you Driven enough to become a Nurse?

-Are you Disciplined enough to become a Nurse?

Many people have obstacles to become a Nurse. Finance, families, jobs, and many others. These obstacles tend to succeed in stopping us in our tracks. This is called "life". It's another topic for a forum.

If your reading this, I hope this inspires, strengthens, and renews your energy to continue pursuing your goals whatever stage in your career you are in. You don't need to be smart enough. You are Smart.

[ImKosher]

OP, your first med-surg class will change your stance or your career choice. But one will change. Judging from your posts...it's 50/50 either way.

You only judge by what you have read. You do not know what I do for living. You don't know my experience. You do not know what my goals are. You do not know my personality nor my character. Your foolish to think you have an idea based only by my post.

[grpman]

You only judge by what you have read. You do not know what I do for living. You don't know my experience. You do not know What my goals are. You do not know my personality nor my character. Your foolish to think you have an idea based only by my post.

Foolish would be to think I could judge someone on an online forum by anything other than their posts.

You were very frank with everyone else, so I was very frank with you. I did not say why I thought there was a 50/50 chance, but it certainly has nothing to do with being smart or dumb as you have explained these terms as being ethereal.

[RyzenRN, ASN, BSN, MSN]

I do want to make one more comment on this. I went through most of my life thinking I was not smart. I didn't get good grades in grade school or even great grades in college the first time. What it took was having someone drill in my head I wasn't stupid and encourage me and (tutor me). So while I stand by my earlier comment that a person has to have some level of intelligence to do this, most people just need to figure out HOW they learn. Everyone is different and many of us have to sit down and examine our life and how we do things. Also, if you're told you're not smart often enough, that's what you believe.

For example:

*Some people can study with their favorite music

*Some people can study with the TV on

*Some people have to have a certain type of music playing (me- non vocal new age)

*Some people have to have dead silence

Some people can read something and remember it, some people have to repeat repeat repeat (me) to remember it. Some people can stay up late and study, some people have to get up early (me- but odd I am so not a morning person) and study.

It's not always easy to figure these things out and so many never do (and then think they're stupid).

So while I can appreciate the comments on this thread about you can't be dumb and be a nurse, you're right about that- many people just need someone to give them the encouragement and guidance and a bit of self-esteem boost.

So ImKosher, I do appreciate what you said and maybe when or if you see this person, or if the rest of us come across someone like this, we can tell them, sometimes it just takes figuring out how you learn and combining that drive and hard work, you can make your life better.

Josh

[gcriado]

Well said Josh:)

[Nursing2102]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[NurseShaina]

I think she is jealous that you are going to school to become an RN and she is a nurses assistant... In any event, it was very inappropriate of her to discourage a student in that way. What could she possibly know about you anyway? I'm sorry you were spoken to in that manner.

[nguyency77, CNA]

Actually I used the word "idiot" as well.

I know it's a shocking opinion, but I don't think idiots should become nurses. I don't think dumb people should become nurses. I don't think stupid people should become nurses.

One mistake can kill a person. ONE SINGLE MISTAKE. I'd hope people that aren't smart enough to catch a mistake will merely mess up my Taco Bell order rather than mess up my insulin dosage. Or, if they're a caring sort with a strong back, work as a CNA. It's a very respectable field with a lot of responsibility, but doesn't require the detail oriented critical thinking that nursing requires.

This is exactly what I was thinking. It's like when my coworkers pull me aside and ask, "Oh my gosh I heard they do drug testing at this facility and I took my friend's Valium this morning! Do you think I'll be okay?" At which point I'm just wondering how they even got to work. So no, stupid people should not become nurses and anyone who thinks otherwise is off their rocker. It's like saying a convicted child molester should be allowed to run a day care.

[CarolineRN74]

Thank you for this!!!!! :w00t:

[cee cee g]

2 thumbs up

[lovemydogs91]

Well said. I got into a program of 40 students where almost 200 applied. Sometimes I found myself saying that it may have been a mistake and that everyone else was so much smarter than me. Just a reminder that, hello! you got into the program, helped. People learn differently and you need to find what works for you personally. And even if you are the literal version of the word "smart", I guarantee you will still find NS tough. NS can be done as long as you're willing to put in the work and are determined.

Great post; I need messages like this every once in a while :hug:

[brenay]

Thank you for this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonderful!!!!!

[Austincb]

I needed this thanks!