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.

[nguyency77, CNA]

Some nice words you've got there. Then again, like someone said on the first page... At some point in our lives we must look our talents in the eye and find out whether or not they lie in nursing.

I mean, I'd be lying if I said I'd make a great IT specialist, or math teacher if I just worked hard enough or wanted it that badly! Pfft, I can't even fix my internet when it goes out. Sometimes I think my laptop is broken but actually the battery was just out. And the last time I saw my math teacher in my junior year of high school, he told me he hoped I wasn't planning on becoming an engineer... Because I really failed Calculus I that badly.

My point is that there's a fine line between being encouraging and giving people false hope. Maybe some of us weren't meant to do this. We won't know until we get there.

[nursel56]

I'm not angry, you just read it that way. Is your meaning of "handle disagreement" is to play nice and say " oh your right, I have been wrong to think that way.". I'm playing the cards as well. Again, because I stand by my original article why does that make me angry?

I responded to a very specific statement you made, as follows:

I still believe and stand for the nclex. There needs to be a standard test. My point is that any student has the capability to be able to pass the nclex.

I did not attack you, but you returned by calling me a Pedestal and something about Area 51 which probably would've been funny if only I understood it.

If I mistook the tone of your replies as anger, I'm sorry. I think it's really nice of you to go out of your way to get the info for the CNA at your clinical site. As for the rest, you can put all the people who's replies bother you on "ignore". Then it will seem like you only got the type of replies you wanted.

[ImKosher]

I responded to a very specific statement you made, as follows:

I did not attack you, but you returned by calling me a Pedestal and something about Area 51 which probably would've been funny if only I understood it.

If I mistook the tone of your replies as anger, I'm sorry. I think it's really nice of you to go out of your way to get the info for the CNA at your clinical site. As for the rest, you can put all the people who's replies bother you on "ignore". Then it will seem like you only got the type of replies you wanted.

Thank you for recognizing that I was just stating that in humor to bring a little fun.

Though, I will not ignore other posters. If they question me, I will give them my reasoning. I also refuse to let anyone belittle me to get their points across.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

conversating

This is not a word.

You know my main point but you chose to say that "smart" is needed

Have you forgotten the title to your thread?

"Are you smart enough to be a nurse?"

You answered this question: "you don't have to be smart." I disagreed.

you've completely missed my opinion that I believe we have used is wrong wording.

Your choices of words and word-like collections of letters are a major problem in this thread.

You chose to attack that assumption stating that you need a smart person to stick people with needles, which you have missed the whole point and purpose.

I never said that. You need to work on your examples and implied statements too. What I've quoted above appears to demonstrate that you have yet to understand what nursing actually involves. One doesn't need to be intelligent to give an injection. Nurses need to be smart to know whether or not an injection is needed, etc etc etc.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

You are the only person to have used the word "idiot" in this entire thread. Are you saying that only an idiot couldn't get in to nursing school? Nobody else is saying that.

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.

[ImKosher]

This is not a word.

**I'm sorry, converse.

Have you forgotten the title to your thread?

"Are you smart enough to be a nurse?"

You answered this question: "you don't have to be smart." I disagreed.

**Wait, how about you read the article again. My phrase was, "You don't need to be smart enough." Saying that we have no need to measure your IQ to become a Nurse. You do need to study and become proficient in the science of Nursing. The point was to say that as students, we are capable of learning and being proficient in Nursing School.

Your choices of words and word-like collections of letters are a major problem in this thread.

**Please go into detail.

I never said that. You need to work on your examples and implied statements too. What I've quoted above appears to demonstrate that you have yet to understand what nursing actually involves. One doesn't need to be intelligent to give an injection. Nurses need to be smart to know whether or not an injection is needed, etc etc etc.

**As I've said, I'm in Nursing School. This post was originally for Pre-Nursing students. You can try your best to embarrass but this is intended for Pre-Nursing students.

[willowita, ADN, RN]

ImKosher, I still agree with the original spirit of your post. However, the inspiration and encouragement that this thread started with has deteriorated into cattiness. I don't know how useful this back and forth arguing is going to be to a pre-nursing student.

[ImKosher]

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.

Reread the original post. You've taken my post literally by the title rather then the content.

[ImKosher]

ImKosher, I still agree with the original spirit of your post. However, the inspiration and encouragement that this thread started with has deteriorated into cattiness. I don't know how useful this back and forth arguing is going to be to a pre-nursing student.

Yeah I know. I'm sorry. Thank you for giving me closure to stop this petty debate. Next time, when I want to share something, I will post as an article. I'm sorry to those who found benefit from this, to only find this.

[morgank90]

My friend had a clinical instructor who made her students feel the same way that you described. It was really hard for her. AND it wasn't true. You just have to keep believing in yourself.

[leenak]

Some nice words you've got there. Then again, like someone said on the first page... At some point in our lives we must look our talents in the eye and find out whether or not they lie in nursing.

I mean, I'd be lying if I said I'd make a great IT specialist, or math teacher if I just worked hard enough or wanted it that badly! Pfft, I can't even fix my internet when it goes out. Sometimes I think my laptop is broken but actually the battery was just out. And the last time I saw my math teacher in my junior year of high school, he told me he hoped I wasn't planning on becoming an engineer... Because I really failed Calculus I that badly.

My point is that there's a fine line between being encouraging and giving people false hope. Maybe some of us weren't meant to do this. We won't know until we get there.

Actually, I don't think you know until you try. Math, for instance, is something that some people get frustrated at easily. So many people don't think they are smart at math. There are different techniques to learn and understand it. For many people, it comes naturally, for others it takes a lot of effort. If you wanted something bad enough, you could invest the time to attempt to learn it. If you didn't enjoy it, then that is one thing but there are people who have overcome obstacles to learn things they never thought possible.

For those that face challenges, they may need to establish a different skill set in order to learn the same material. I have a cousin who thought she was dumb and horrid at math. She had tutors but never 'got it'. She hated it. She is now doing accounting. How? Determination and finally finding the right techniques for learning. She struggled for many years but no longer struggles.

And yes, at some point, you do have to analyze your skill set, your interests and your techniques at learning. If you don't get it and you struggle and you keep trying other techniques but nothing works, then I'd look for other options. It doesn't necessarily mean give up entirely but it means putting it aside for the moment, looking into your career options and possibly try to continue learning on the side. Improving your skills, etc.

[grpman]

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.