Am I cut out to be a nurse?

[mvmommy]

Hi everyone! I'd like to start by saying that I am a 36 year old mother of two, ages 10 and 12. I applied for the ADN program in 2009 and wasn't accepted. I completed my pre-reqs that year, applied again in 2010 and fell short by just a few points of getting into the program. I was discouraged, going through a divorce, and suffered a death in my family...so I decided to wait because the universe was telling me the timing wasn't right!

Now here I am, older than most, giving it another go! I've always had a huge appreciation for nurses and never doubted that I have what it takes to do it, in fact, it's been about the only degree and career I have every really wanted to strive for. With that said, I am nervous about a couple of things...

I'm a little squeamish. Not terribly, I mean I do have kids so I've had about every bodily fluid all over me more times that I can count! I think I am more nervous about hurting other people while trying to help them (i.e. - drawing blood, IV's, catheters, etc.) Not because I'm afraid of messing up, but just because...well, that stuff isn't pleasant to anyone!

I care...a lot! I worry if that will affect my ability to do what needs to be done. Will I be able to separate my feelings/emotions in order to help someone in need? I think I can. I have a hard time seeing babies or kids in pain. Not that I enjoy seeing anyone hurt, but when kids are in pain, it gets to my core!

Are these normal feelings for many people entering into nursing? I can't imagine I'm the only one feeling nervous about handling certain situations. Does it just get easier (for lack of a better word) to get the job done without letting feelings/emotions present themselves? How do you nurses do it? Did you have reservations about becoming a nurse when you were first beginning?

Thanks in advance!

[brownbook]

I think you are mostly normal :). There are only about 100 areas of nursing you can work in even with "just" an ADN degree. Most of them do not involve infants or children.