to be or not to be

Mili: What was it about anatomy that you hated? Personally, I found it fascinating. However, disliking it doesn't necessarily mean you're not nurse material. As Becky says, you will still have the basic information. The acid test is when you get into clinicals. When you are dealing with actual patients, how do you feel? Do you dread it or look forward to it? I have seen nursing students drop out because they really don't like to touch other people, which is just one of the reasons I recommend starting with a two year program. You find out right away instead of a couple of years down the road. Don't let a class discourage you. See how you feel about patients. Best wishes.

Why not apply for a job in the setting you'd like to work in after graduation as a CNA? The license is easy to obtain, jobs are plentiful, you'll get your feet wet and make the decision about nursing as a career based on your own experiences rather than what others tell you.

I am a second semester BSN nursing student and I went through (and still going thru what you have been thinking). The best way to find out if you think u will like nursing is to get in the hospital-volunteering if u can't find a decent job. Seeing what the nurses do exactly helps. I made the decision to become a nurse pretty hastily and sometimes I'm thrilled, sometimes I hate it. School is hard, flat out. I think I'd love to work in the nursery or NICU, so I'll do what I have to do to get there. It all moves so fast-which is good. If you like talking too people, establishing therapeutic relationships, and medicine, you might really like nursing. There were times when I hated Anatomy too, and you only really need to know little bits of it every so often in nursing (the nursing books have review sections on anatomy, too). I would say talk to some nurses and get in the hospital to see what it is like before enrolling in school!

Ok MO I will give you some advise. I have been a nurse for 5 yrs and love every minute of the time I get to spend with my patients I would not trade it for anything in the world. I think a good nurse is someone who cares about their pts enough to see through the blah blah blah of paper work and everything else nurses complain about on this job, and want to make a difference in the pts life even if it is only for this few minutes of care given in big city hospitals. There are alot of people out there who bad mouth nurses and talk about all the problems of this field but the number one thing is do you genuinely care for people and want to help. That will make all the difference in the world. As with every other ocupation there are ups and downs. If you really want this you can get past the downs and make a difference in someone's life. That is what nursing is all about. Even if that person is the 2001 pt in your career. Good caring nurses are always needed.

PS I hated Anatomy too, but it does all come back to you when you need it.

beckymcrn

QUOTE]Originally posted by mililani:

Right now I am at the point where I am ready to start the nursing program. Atleast I ~think~ I am ready. Still, I wonder what nursing is really like. My mom is a RN, so I kind of know what to expect. Then again, I haven't a clue. Am I really meant to be a nurse? I guess I am just looking for a mentor. Someone who can tell me what it's really like out there. What kind of person makes a damn good nurse and what kind of person doesn't? Also, I took Anatomy as a prerequisite and HATED it! Is this a sign? Does it get better/more interesting? Overall, I think nursing is the best career for me, but I'm still looking for advice. A personal message from God wouldn't hurt either.

thanks,

MO