Don’t know if I have enough passion for nursing

[Shai1010]

Hi everyone, I'm just wondering if I really have the kind of passion for nursing it takes to get through this rigorous program. I haven't applied yet but I've been looking over the information I would need to know even before I get accepted into the program. I kind of want to pursue psychology but I don't know what I could do with that. I've kind of been focused on the money. I just want to be able to support myself. Any thoughts 💭?

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

My immediate reaction to this post was to tell you to NOT PURSUE NURSING if you're in it only for the money. You will be miserable. This is something you have to figure out on your own. I recommend shadowing a nurse for a day or ask some nurses what it's like before you start the program. Nursing is a difficult path and overtime you will hate your job if this isn't what you really want to do. Nursing can be really stressful (just like any other job). Everyone is anxious about getting into school or getting good grades. No one ever goes in or tries for anything without having some worry.

Tell that to all the nurses who did go into it for the paycheck and because it's a stable job.

[Alex_RN, BSN]

I have a passion for being employed. I changed careers because I got tired of being repeatedly laid off and doing tons of overtime without compensation because that was normal for my old career. I never had a calling to be an RN. It was a practical decision.

Before you jump on me for being a nurse for a job not a spiritual avocation or deep inner whatever...I am a really good nurse. I am hardworking and compassionate and my patients and co-workers like me. I enjoy providing bedside care not because I have a deep inner need to wipe butts but because I like being safe, clean, and comfortable and I want my patients to feel safe, clean, and comfortable. I also like being fairly compensated for my hard work and for the first time in my working life I do not feel exploited.

I already had an advanced degree in a non-nursing field and always considered myself a good student, but nursing school was literally the hardest thing I had ever done. The second hardest thing I had ever done was my first years as a new RN without any previous healthcare experience. I am so glad those days are behind me!

[Alex_RN, BSN]

Also, there are people I went to school with who discovered that they hated bedside care. They are now in case management, informatics, school nurses, etc., and all doing well.

[KiwiKatt]

Tell that to all the nurses who did go into it for the paycheck and because it's a stable job.

Never have I encountered a nurse who did it for the money say that they enjoyed it. Every single one I've met ended up finding something else to do or just stayed miserable. From this post I see many are successful and enjoy it so great for them!

[Emergent, RN]

There is a lot of evidence-based information pointing to the fact that those who go into nursing highly committed and idealistic are more prone to burn out.

I think it's important to stay detached and professional in nursing. Too much idealism and passion in the beginning can leave one to a bigger emotional free fall when realities of the profession set in down the road

[Extra Pickles]

Passion is something that my husband and I shared during our courtship and in the early years of our marriage. After a few decades we still have a great love, the love of my life, but the word "passion" is probably overrated. I can't imagine using the word "passion" to describe anyone's attachment to a job, no matter the job. I see people doing that all the time here on these forums and I still find it strange.

What makes a good nurse? The brains, dedication and discipline to get through the years of nursing school and clinicals successfully. What makes a good employee? Someone who is considerate of co-workers, employer's rules, facility regulations, and is willing to continually learn to keep the practice evidence-based. Notice the word "passion" was nowhere in there? If you have enough interest to see yourself getting through a rigorous academic and clinical program, if you see yourself interested enough in the field of nursing to be working long hard hours and a potentially unpleasant schedule for decades, then you should pursue it. If not, you should seek another career. And by all means, look for that special person with whom to share passion LOL!

[Applejack]

I don't have a passion for it. I don't really have a passion for anything though. I do have motivation and the desire to have a sucessful career , with stability, decent pay, and the ability to change specialties and work in different areas. I don't want to be bored , so a career with different options is a huge plus. I feel like I have qualities to be a nurse..seems like a good fit for me. Nursing is the only thing that peaks my interest. I hope I love it.

[imhorsemackerel, LPN]

You can't really do anything with a BA or BS in psych. You'd most likely have to go for your masters or PhD. I agree that shadowing a nurse or volunteering could help you.

[thatgirl2478]

You can't really do anything with a BA or BS in psych. You'd most likely have to go for your masters or PhD. I agree that shadowing a nurse or volunteering could help you.

This. I have 3 friends who have BS's in Psych. Do you know what they do? Two got their masters - one works in Ergonomics (not related to Psych) and the other works in Quality Analysis for an Academy of [insert Medical organization here]. The third? Works as a waitress at a casino in Vegas.

[Royalq]

I never had a passion for nursing. Passion is actually one of those fleeting emotions, like rocket fuel, that burns hot and fast. It blinds people into getting into bad relationships. It is not the foundation for wise choices leading to a solid future.

I had a vision of making a good living, providing my family and myself a secure and prosperous future while doing something interesting.

thank you so much. You've just soothed my heart. Some nurses and teachers put the fear of god in me as if i will NEVER be able to function as a nurse without being passionate about it. From day 1 they insisted people get up and leave the class if your "only in it for the money". Im not passionate about nursing and yes im in it for the money. It doesnt mean I'll give any less quality care than someone else.