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.

[sealford]

Words of wisdom here. In this stressful profession, we take encouragement wherever it can be found.:)

[ImKosher]

Sadly, this is not true. In fact, I've seen people damaged more by that attitude because they feel like they are failing the cheering squad if they at some point stop going around and around, taking expensive review courses and flipping out over how their family and friends might react if they at some point decide to stop the madness. Some people actually need permission to change direction and find that thing they have aptitude and a genuine feeling of fulfillment from.

If one of these people manages to squeak by the stress doesn't end there, and a difficulty grasping nursing concepts while trying to learn all the other stress-inducing things that come with a new job makes people feel like they're going down for the third time. And they still need to explain that to their Aunt Vivian - only it's much worse by that point - because they bought into the idea that any student has the capability to pass the nclex.

So your problem is that I've crossed the line by starting a cheering squad. I'd rather call it a rally call, but who cares. At this point, every "guide" is trying to shut this down because apparently I entered Area 51. A result of overanalyzing the original post.

My premise was there is no such thing as dumb or stupid student. @grpman.

It's ok though, cause it's not like any of you Pedestals have any self-help books or diet plans that you've bought into filled with so much "empty promises" and "false hope" to help you at a certain point in your life. Your are perfect. You've never had a pep talk when things got overwhelming on the floor. You've never had to buy a review book or study for a new certification. You've never doubted yourself in Nursing school. You have never failed.

[MedChica]

Honestly, I've encountered the same with my CNA coworkers...and they always get this sort of far-away 'no light at the end of the tunnel' type expression.

Gosh, cut yourself some slack. I say, 'Go to nursing school if you want to be a nurse. what's stopping you?"

They wish me luck but they don't want to go for their dreams either. I don't know what to say about it.

The girl is just as 'smart' as I am. The only thing stopping her...is her. 'I can't.'

Something about that bothers and I don't really know why. LOL

I don't say that everyone is capable of everything. We all have different strengths but at least those who know their strengths...tried. The worst thing imaginable for me is to reach the twilight of my years with shulda, coulda wouldas. I guess that's why I feel as I do about it. It takes a heck of lot more than intelligence to make it in this life. I know plenty of successful sorts and all paid their dues. That's why success feels so good.

If you want something, you have to fight for it. Guess I just can't wrap my head around those who don't or won't.

Did I want to be an MD.

No. I want an MD salary. Big difference. LOL

All joking aside, the idea of being a doc is nice. I just don't have the discipline. I lack the stamina for the sheer amt of schooling and I'm simply not passionate enough about medicine to be a professional student for another decade.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

How is this insulting?

Some people find it more hurtful to their self-esteem to be told "you failed because you really didn't want it enough," or "you were too lazy," or "you didn't believe" instead of "your abilities are better suited to another field." Depends on the person...

I'm sorry you don't agree, but I'll inlude you on the pedestal.

Here's your line "Thou not any idiot with any dream can be worthy of thy title nurse. Thou shall not pass!"

I'll get some que cards ready for you!

I think that this was an attempt to be insulting or contemptuous, but it failed because it is incoherent.

[nursel56]

So your problem is that I've crossed the line by starting a cheering squad. I'd rather call it a rally call, but who cares. At this point, every "guide" is trying to shut this down because apparently I entered Area 51. A result of overanalyzing the original post.

Nobody is trying to shut this down. I don't have a problem with you. If you want to post whatever you want and expect that people with more experience are not going to offer their opinions in the interest of balance you might not want to post in a discussion forum. It's nothing personal at all.

It's ok though, cause it's not like any of you Pedestals have any self-help books or diet plans that you've bought into filled with so much "empty promises" and "false hope" to help you at a certain point in your life. Your are perfect. You've never had a pep talk when things got overwhelming on the floor. You've never had to buy a review book or study for a new certification. You've never doubted yourself in Nursing school. You have never failed.

Are you writing this on an iphone?

[Stephalump]

So your problem is that I've crossed the line by starting a cheering squad.

No. Your posts are becoming far too condescending to qualify you as a cheerleader.

I don't believe anyone has attacked you personally. Your sentiments just aren't entirely agreed with. I suppose you're welcome to take disagreements personally, but I don't recommend it.

It's ok though, cause it's not like any of you Pedestals have any self-help books or diet plans that you've bought into filled with so much "empty promises" and "false hope" to help you at a certain point in your life. Your are perfect. You've never had a pep talk when things got overwhelming on the floor. You've never had to buy a review book or study for a new certification. You've never doubted yourself in Nursing school. You have never failed.

All of this is just a distraction from the root of the disagreement. Not one person claimed to be the bar by which every other potential nurse is measured. YOU created that idea and are continuing to argue against it. That's called a straw man. Not good debate etiquette.

[TokeRn]

Well said.

[Assess&Safety1st, BSN, RN]

LaceElaine, I agree with you. I love to read everyone's thoughts and views on this.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

Of course intelligence is required, but I believe that it is the "result and product" of your trials and obstacles while knocking out the pre-reqs for school and getting admitted into Nursing School.

You have described competency and knowledge, not intelligence or "being smart." You demonstrate a miscomprehension of intelligence or have decided to create your own definition that flies in the face of common sense, scientific evidence, and the dictionary.

[quote name=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence#Definitions

]INTELLIGENCE: A very general mental capability that, among other things, involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly and learn from experience. It is not merely book learning, a narrow academic skill, or test-taking smarts. Rather, it reflects a broader and deeper capability for comprehending our surroundings—"catching on," "making sense" of things, or "figuring out" what to do.”

You believe there is almost no stratification in innate ability and existing disparity is correctable. That is a warm and fuzzy belief that has zero basis in reality.

Of course, because it's competitive, you need to take tests to make the cut. It's going to be difficult, but we can't scare off those who may have the talent to become a nurse.

“Those who may have the talent?” I thought you said everyone had the talent, just not the drive?

On point, your statement allows me to demonstrate why your idealism has crossed the border from admirable to illogical.

If there was a nursing shortage and a nursing student shortage, then your statement would be reasonable. However, we live in a competitive world where some people will not perform as competitively as others. You seem to acknowledge this point, just not the obvious ethical implication. Nursing, as a profession, should attempt to attract those best suited for the job. That is best for the patient and the profession. To lead on those who are not competitive encourages false hope.

[jagged777]

Good Article.

[hurty25]

im agree with you Imkosher...:)

[tigerlogic]

As a patient or as a coworker, I want a nurse who believes they are smart enough to solve problems, notice when somethings is wrong, and create solutions. I want a nurse who believes they are smart enough to save somebody's life. I have doubts that nursing school can create that type of smart rather than grow that type of smart. Of course it's not just about being smart either.