Can I REALLY be a nurse?

[zoprack]

Hello all,

Well first, I am so glad to have found this forum, it's such a great source of information and it's great have inputs from people who have or going through same experience.

So, here is my deal, I am currently working in the IT business, and am finding, that is a cool hobbie but really not something I enjoy doing 40+hrs/week.

I have been a couple of friends already nurses, and have done some IT consulting at a Medical Center a while back, all the people there were so nice, I really liked the environment, and I was amazed to see nurses working in other positions than clinical ones.

Anyway, so to get to the point, I know I have the heart to become a good nurse, but one thing I am *afraid* is too not be able to get over the icky stuff the profession requires, dealing with nasty stuff and the sight of blood, that I can deal with, but what I am not sure about is the syringe handling when giving a shot, doing stiches, inserting "things" into people, dealing with "messed up" wounds... has anyone here have the same feelings before going into nursing?

Is it "just" more icky and scary than it really is?

Were you guys able to get over those challenges yourself?

I know some friends of mine who are nurses, and knowing them, I am telling myself, if they can deal with that stuff, then so do I. Am I right?

I would really appreciate comments regarding this subject, because I am about to do a career switch, and as much as I want to do it, I would like to make sure I am being realistic, tell me it is so!

[zoprack]

kukukaju and app, thanks for your comments, additional signs that I should also pursue what's been brewing in my mind recently~~~ :)

and btw, how lond did it take you to make the switch? i've been bouncing jobs in the IT industry, and it's been 2 years, i'll be 25 this years, but well, when i read messages from people who've gone back to school much older than me, i think that shows it's never too late~~~

[Purdue725]

I am also in the IT field and have been out of school for almost 4 years. I was a pharmacy major and switched to business in my undergrad. I always thought about nursing but wasnt sure about it. I volunteered at a hospital for 4 yrs of my life and I totally loved it. Anyways, I have been wanting to be a nurse for the past 5 yrs, and started to take my pre-reqs a year and a half ago. I didnt have a job for sometime either after graduating.

Anyways, my point is that, you should volunteer at the hospital, talk to nurses and doctors and see what they think. There are people who will be positive about it and some people will hate it. I personally have no issues with blood, death, and icky stuff. Volunteering has helped me get over that. I am hoping to start nursing school hopefully next spring full time.

But remember, its a good job. You will be helping people out and putting a smile on their faces which I want to live for! Good luck!!

[lisabeth]

I dont really fear blood, and I dont think I would have a bit of problems giving shots, but the thought of going right for the vein, well, :chair: I dont look forward to that. Drawing blood or inserting an i.v. just is not my idea of a good time, but I KNOW I can overcome it. I want to be a nurse that bad, and it really just depends on if it is your dream to be a nurse. I have already had about 4 people tell me they would rather someone who was cautious practice on them anyday, so I am not hopeless.

I have also read lots of posts from nurses who were afraid to do those things, but do a very good job now. Maybe that will help you decide. Good luck.

[zoprack]

I am also in the IT field and have been out of school for almost 4 years.

hehehe, looks like the IT field is where they should be recruiting nurses eh,