Anyone else have this happen to you when talking to a RN?

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Sep 24, 2007

Because it's true that nursing is hard.

Whether or not it's worth it, only you can say.

Look at it this way. If nurses told you everything was sunshine and roses in our profession, they'd be lying. You'd come out of school and into a job and be shocked to discover that you'd just wasted a lot of time, effort, energy, and money.

Would that be fair?

So a lot of us will simply try to weed out those who expect nursing school to be a breeze and a nursing job to be a cakewalk. It's not.

caliotter3 · Sep 24, 2007

They are only trying to be honest with you without scaring you away. You need to really think this decision over thoroughly and talk to many people who are in the profession, as well as try to get some first hand observation by working as a CNA or volunteer. You will become disillusioned soon enough once you get to nursing school and get your first nursing job. It's not all romance and pie in the sky. You must be realistic without becoming overwhelmed with doubts and negativity. You will find out at the appropriate time whether or not you are suited for nursing and nursing is suited for you. Good luck with making your decision about your future. If you decide to pursue nursing, you will find many people to interact with on this site.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2007

It is immensely prudent to refrain from going into nursing while wearing a rose-colored pair of glasses. There are positive and negative aspects of nursing, and a wise student would want to research all about the benefits and drawbacks of the profession. It's in your best interests to closely listen the occasional vents, rather than believe in the delusional myth that everything is rosy about this field.

Nurses often receive abuse from doctors, family members, patients, and others in the disciplinary chain. At times, the money does not seem to be fair compensation for the blood, sweat and tears that we must shed to get the job done. Nursing is physically, mentally, socially, and politically hard on the soul.

Nurses also receive thanks, gratitude, appreciation, fulfillment, and fortification from the people who never take for granted the things that we do. Always be cognizant of the fact that the healthcare facility cannot operate without the sacrifice of the nurse, for nurses are the backbone of healthcare.

SUZYQ1981 · Sep 24, 2007

I'm not saying that I think it is easy, just that I would like to hear that people enjoy helping people. Because isn't that why people become nurses? Or is it just for the money?

catzy5 · Sep 24, 2007

It seems like any time I talk to a nurse and tell them I am going back to school to be a nurse, they always knock nursing saying how hard it is and how it's not worth it, how is that??? :angryfire

I have heard that from time to time as well, in fact my mom was a nurse and hated it! I never even considered nursing when I was younger because of how much she used to complain. That said, I worked at a hospital for a while in the ICU, I loved the nurses I worked with they all loved their jobs! There were a few from time to time who would complain but heck you get that in any job. So when someone says something bad now I try and firgure out why typically I find, its someone who would complain no matter what job they were doing

deleern · Sep 24, 2007

It is the hardest job i have ever had BUT it the most rewarding. I did not go into it for the money as i have no intention of working anywhere but LTC.

I am a new graduate as well. good luck to you!! Every thing in life it what YOU make it.

deeDawntee, RN · Sep 24, 2007

I look at nursing as comparable to life itself:

You are immersed in the human condition. Every aspect of your humanity will be tested. You see people at their absolute worst and their best. You interact with patients and families at their most desperate and grief-filled times. You deal with every bodily fluid. When you do get that nursing degree, you interact with others in your profession who can be brutal, disrespectful and rude and the responsibility and fear you need to deal with about making a mistake that could hurt or kill someone is in the background as well.

Of course there are those times when you know that you have saved someone's life. When people are unbelievably wonderful and grateful and you have a connection with an occasional patient and a few coworkers that you wouldn't trade for anything.

There is this honeymoon period when you become a nurse, where you are on top of the world, you have achieved your goal...and then the reality of the job sets in. (this definitely happened to me) But then, slowly over time, a new appreciation develops for what you are able to do and for the impact you can make in people's lives. This takes a lot longer to develop and I suspect many of the nurses you are speaking to are in this middle stage.

So be informed, young nurse-to-be...you will love it AND hate it. You will be tested beyond what you thought you could endure and you will be profoundly appreciated by a few who will see you as an angel.

You will become a better person because of it. It IS life itself, in a microcosm, smack-dab in your face day in and day out... is it hard? YES!! Is it worth it?? ABSOLUTELY!! Go forth, informed in reality and have some compassion for those nurses who are working it out for themselves.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2007

I'm not saying that I think it is easy, just that I would like to hear that people enjoy helping people. Because isn't that why people become nurses? Or is it just for the money?

People go into nursing for reasons that are very differing and unique.

Many people enter this field to earn more money, and there's no shame in that. For example, many paramedics and emergency medical technicians become nurses because the nursing licensure carries more earning power than the paramedic/EMT license. Many CNAs, medical assistants, and other lower-paid allied healthcare workers pursue nursing to earn more money.

While it is idealistic to believe that people become nurses to help and heal people, it is realistic to know that people cannot support themselves and their families on $10 hourly.

By the way, I wouldn't fo this for free. I expect to be paid for all of the services that I render.