Anyone ever tell you, you would never be able to become a nurse? Proved them wrong?!

somedaypeds · Apr 23, 2012

I am 43. I have wanted to be a nurse for about 15 years. I became a nursing assistant and actually didn't like it much. It was physically and emotionally exhausted. I quit after my third patient died. I that time, I just didn't have the maturity to deal with death.

I had watched the nurses that I worked with and thought all they did was hand out meds and do paperwork. If that was nursing, I was turned off.

While there was no real light bulb moment, a time came about 7 years later when I decided again to pursue nursing. I looked into and planned to enroll in an LPN program at the local college. Just before I was about to fill out the paperwork, it became apparent that I would be needed at home. My daughter was going through some major issues at the time.

A few years went by, my daughters graduated high school and the child that I set my plans aside for came to me and said - I am going to apply to this LPN program at the local college. She said, it is nights and weekends. Of course, this was the same program I had looked at years before, but she didn't know that. So, I told her I was going to do it too.

We went to LPN school together and we became good friends during the program.

stargazer88 · Apr 23, 2012

I had a traumatic brain injury. I was told by doctors that I would never be sharp enough again to be a nurse. They told me to find something else, work at Burger King, or go to tech school. I took some classes. I struggled at first. I studied. I read. I cried.

But..I proved them wrong! I graduated from nursing school at the top of my class. There is no sign of the injury except a scar on the back of my head.

Don't listen to the negatives. If you have a dream, pursue it. Even if you decide nursing isn't for you, at least you'll know. You won't be 50 years old and wonder "what could have been."

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2012

Why do you care what other people say? It is your life and your dream, not their's. Go for it! If the nursing thing doesn't work out, you can always go back to selling cars!

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · Apr 23, 2012

It won't stop there, there will be instructors who will also question you. I remember I had one in second year and she said " you know I'm not sure if nursing is really for you". She really didn't give me a great reason but I sure felt crappy. i think it was my quiet demeanour, which over time I have gotten over. Boy if I could see her now...how I would love to say, "hmm I don't think instructing is for you"... So my point is, don't listen to what people say and go for it

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2012

Nursing is hard. Nursing is challenging. Nursing is emotional. Nursing is death. Nursing is life.

Nursing will be the hardest thing you will ever do.

Nursing right now you will find that new grads are having a really hard time finding jobs. From a contributor to AN RubyVee

Do you want to be a nurse? There's more to it than a calling. Here are some questions to consider.

https://allnurses.com/nursing-career-advice/those-considering-career-653061.html

One of my nursing Instructors told me numerous times I would never make a good nurse because I was a loner and I didn't delegate very well..........that was some 34 years ago. If you really, really want to be a nurse. Then be one. I wish you the best.

Being a NURSE means......

You will never be bored.

You will always be frustrated.

You will be surrounded by challenges.

So much to do and so little time.

You will carry immense responsibility and very little authority.

You will step into people's lives and you will make a difference.

Some will bless you. Some will curse you.

You will see people at their worst-and at their best

You will never cease to be amazed at people's capacity for love, courage, and endurance.

You will see life begin-and end.

You will experience resounding triumphs and devastating failures.

You will cry a lot.

You will laugh a lot.

You will know what it is to be human and to be humane.

Melodie Chenevert, RN

everyday6/12 · Apr 23, 2012

Hi There.....Sometimes people project their own fears onto you when it is really that they cannot get through Nursing school. Do not listen to them. Avoid negative people......Steer clear of any Teachers, classmates, realtives, or friends that say that you CANNOT do this. If you put the time in and really want this.....YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

Most of All, Trust your gut instinct and do not second guess your self.

Best of Luck !!

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Apr 23, 2012

Ive had a teacher or two tell me I wouldnt become a nurse. Proved her wrong.

orthonurse55 · Apr 23, 2012

Oh, I have had several people tell me that! My high school guidance counselor told me I would not like being a nurse! I went on to LPN school and worked at that for 8 years and, as I knew I would, loved it! During that time, I got pregnant. My Aunt called and told me I was ruining my life and now I would never get that RN I wanted so badly! Geez - a sipmple congratulations would have been enough. So, when my daughter was three I decided to go back for that RN and my own husband told me I would never get it. Those negative people are the ones that helped me get through the tough times. When I felt too tired to study any more, I studied longer. I was NOT about to prove them right! I have been an RN now for 31 years and also got my BSN 5 years ago. Follow YOUR dreams, not someone elses expectations and limitations! Good luck.

PRNketamine7, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2012

My nursing program told us that it was much too challenging to work while in the program. This was not an option for me, I had one per diem job, and one 24 hour a week job in two different hospitals. When I went into my junior year I had one instructor tell me that there was no way I would be able to work that many hours and pass my classes.

Well, I passed! And I will be graduating next month.

If you want it, you can do it!

amazon84 · Apr 23, 2012

All of these ladies are a beautiful inspiration. Just goes to show that never giving up will help you reach your dreams.

Pixiesmom, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2012

Yes, several people. Some of them were family members. I would like to say I succeeded to prove them wrong, but really I did it for me.