Aptitude or Attitude?

[heartbeep]

Up to the age of 18 I was told that I could do anything I wanted if I wanted to badly enough and I wanted to be a famous musician and writer (very right brained person). When I got older, people started talking about aptitudes. Because I didn't like math and science in high school and I'm in my forties now, I would have to work extra hard but I'm willing. Is that enough?

[dslpninla]

I started out as a theater major, however that is not what life had in mind for me. I became a nurse because My grandmother had a rare glioblastoma. Over the course of six years she declined and lived loonger than originally given (6 mos). Her horrible care throughout that time showed me what I was truly meant to be. Not an actress, but a nurse to take care of others the appropriate way. My heart is in it and with certain careers such as nursing, I believe you are either in it for the right reasons or not. Whether you are willing to put in the hard work is only up to you. You have to decide what you are willing to give and go through. I won't say it was easy at all, but worth it is an understatement when you can make a difference in a child or adults life by truly and genuinely caring. Good luck in your decision.

[heartbeep]

dslpninla, I re-read your reply a couple of times and I loved everything you had to say, thank you. I'm so sorry your grandmother was treated that way. My mom was a nurse years ago and said she treated patients with the utmost respect because she could walk out of there at the end of her shift and they couldn't.

I can relate to your story. When I got pregnant by accident at nineteen I had to go to an awful general hospital. I was four weeks late and had a very difficult labor. Once when my family was out of the room the pain was excruciating and I reached for my nurse's hand by reflex. She made a face and handed me a pillow. Her catheter nicked my bladder, she talked down to me, and I wasn't given much privacy. That's just a small example of the poor care I got in my fifteen hours of labor. I told myself that if I ever became a nurse I would not be like her or any of the other nurses I had. I ended up with an emergency C-section and somehow got them to let me out after the second day. I thought I'd be better off taking my chances at home.

I volunteered for a while in a no-trauma E.R. a few years ago and loved it. I was wearing a Volunteer Services smock but got mistaken for a nurse at times and when that happened I felt like a worthwhile person. I used to go home to my husband beaming about the creative ways I came up with to help people and solve problems. Right now because of the recession and where I live, I'm a receptionist and I'm miserable. Besides needing a stable career I guess I have some pretty good reasons to choose the path of nursing, and I guess I just need to stop doubting myself.

Thanks again.:heartbeat

[dslpninla]

I think it sounds like you know what you want to decide. I can understand with the economy and all. Our raises where i work are nonexistant and the jobs just arent there like they used to be. However nurses will always have jobs,especially rns.

Dont doubt yourself, just follow the path you are given. I believe there is a reason for everything and please know that the smock was not what made you worthwhile. Its the person wearing the smock. YOU made the difference while in that ER.

[heartbeep]

Thank you so much! Yep, I have been known to second-guess God...but I need to remember that the little voice inside is always right, and it's His voice. He has me right where he wants me, but I think He's saying I need to work on the future too.

I thought about that part about me making a difference in the E.R., and I guess I did. Off the top of my head I remember a couple of patients I was able to calm; an asthmatic and a big bruiser who I figured out was afraid of needles.

The nurses started to depend on me too; I was someone they trusted enough to give responsibility to and teach me things, and for a volunteer I stayed pretty busy....found myself frustrated that I couldn't do more. I really looked up to them and felt I paled in comparison, but yeah I did make a difference, extending past my smock. Thanks for reminding me and thank you for the encouragement.

I hope things improve where you work and so glad for you that you have stability in something that gives you satisfaction!