Asking the Right Questions

Hello,

I was hoping to sollicit some help. I am starting the process of looking into beginning an accelerated BSN program and have so many questions. Right now I am trying to determine if nursing is something I really want to do. At this point in time I believe in my heart that it is but I still want to be positive. In this effort I am trying to meet some local RNs here in my area and ask them questions about the career, what they like, don't like etc. Because I have no idea really what to ask I was hoping people here could offer me advice on questions to ask. Knowing what you know now were there things you wished you knew earlier? I'm just trying to go from 95% sure to 100%. Also, if anyone does offer questions that I could ask it would also be awesome if you could offer a response to that question. The more input I have from as many different sources will do nothing but help.

Thanks for your time.

Nathan

Nathan, you need to tail a nurse for a day or more. What part of the country are you in?

I was thinking about that. I'm in Kentucky.

Thanks.

Subee made an excellent suggestion. I would suggest an externship of some sort or even working as a NA so that you can see what the nurses do. I think that hands-on learning is the best way to go. I have know too many people who based their decisions on the opinions of others and this prevented them from making "their" choice. One of the nice things about nursing is that it is like 20+ careers in one. You can work in a hospital, homecare, school, administration, research, legal, etc. The possibilities are endless and there is a niche for nearly everyone. Good luck!

Hi Nathan,

I agree that asking opinions of others is a poor way to figure out what you will like or dislike. And shadowing a nurse for a day would be an awesome way to get a look at what is really involved. But I wouldn't go the CNA route - offering tons of respect and thanks to those who do it - it is not the way to find out what nurses do. Different duties and responsibilities. I have no idea how one goes about arranging to shadow a nurse, but hope you can work something out. Best of luck to you!