Concerns about going into nursing!

I'm in first semester at Pima CC in AZ so we haven't gotten to needles yet, but I feel the same way you do. I just tell myself that it's just a bunch of cells squished together and I'm just pushing them apart to make way for the needle. I'm hoping it works when the time comes to put it into practice. Good luck and congrats!

Pet

I have been a nurse for 27 years. It is a great choice for a career. I have never been out of work except when I wanted to be. The current economy is a great example. While companies are laying off people everywhere I have not heard of a single nurse getting laid off in my circle of associates. If we go to universal health, advanced practice nurses will be valuable.

However, I once knew a student who went through 4 yrs of school and then discovered she didn't like needy people. She wasn't a caregiver and didn't last 2 years. so, look inside yourself. Nursing is hard work physically and it can be emotionally draining. For me, in 27 years, I can count the memorable patients on one hand. People who will stick with me for the rest of my life for one reason or another. That is a pearl of nursing.

As far as the skills, don't fret. You will learn how to stick a needle into someone or catheterize someone. And when you are done, you can choose a specialty that doesn't involve those things. Another nice thing about nursing is the variety of areas to work in. Myself, I started in the ER but have worked through 5 specialties in my career.

Petalicious, your first sentence stated that you've always wanted to be a nurse. Hold on to that! There are going to be things that you LOVE, things that you like, and things that you dislike about nursing. But if you keep that first statement and your purpose for going into the profession, you'll be a great nurse. You will find your niche! Also, very good advice from amuratet! By the way, Amuratet, just curious...what other specialties have you worked in other than the ER? Am still currently trying to find my niche!

RIA21

I started out as an ER tech, liked it and went to nursing school during the day while working 11-7 in the ER. That was easier then because I was 20.

Ten years in the ER. Not the same one. I moved around. Finally realized I was burned out when a 9 yr old death completely floored me.

Went into acute dialysis. Bedside, in-patient dialysis for two years. Recovered and did some travel nursing in ER and ICU. Loved that freedom.

Settled down with a girl and had to put down roots. By the way, I am one of the few men in Nursing. Three of us in my graduating class.

Went into Case Management. Really enjoyed that. discharge planning, coordination of services, learned about the "business" of hospitals and insurance. During this period, I had a weekend job as a nurse at the San Diego Zoo. That was a kick.

Got tired of working 5x8hrs shifts and went back to 3x12 in PACU. After two yrs in PACU, I had an opportunity to train for the OR and jumped on that. That was five years ago.

I made this point before in another blog. Nursing offers so much variety. If blood and guts isn't your thing, maybe kids are, or Home health, or public health or whatever. so many places. Best to start in the hospital and get good roots established. A strong clinical background will take you far no matter where you end up.

Needles were something that I was worried about when I first wanted to be a nurse. The number of injections and serum tests we had to go through to get clearance from the Health Department to be in the facilities and hospitals really desensitized me.

The other thing that helps is to focus on why you are giving that needle. You're not doing it for fun or to torture the patient. Think about what it is that you are giving them. Is it something to stop them feeling really nauseous after surgery? Is it a pain killer because the person is so uncomfortable and in a lot of pain? You can rationalize why giving that person the injection is better than them not having it. It really helps.

When I was 17 I wanted to be a nurse, but thought that I didn't have what it takes, so I didn't pursue.

I finally listened to my heart. I passed NCLEx and became a nurse in July 2008. I am 42 years old.

The moral of the story... always listen to you heart. Pursue your dreams. It's okay if your dreams change along the way and your heart leads you elsewhere. It's easier to accept than spending life wondering "what if I had..."

Congrats on getting accepted! A new journey is always a bit intimidating but exciting! Best Wishes to you!!

Thanks Amuratet! You have a wide range of experience which is great! Hoping that I find a specialty that I LOVE and not just like!Also, thanks to MinnieMomRN! Great advice is to always follow your heart. No amount of money in a well-demanded, well-paid specialty/career can bring about the same job satisfaction as with a specialty/career that you are really passionate about!

I am really relieved..thank you for helping me become more happy with my decision to pursue nursing! you all are wonderful=)

I am 17 and have always wanted to become a nurse, and i cant see myself not working in the medical field. I'm just nervous that I wont be strong enough or smart enough for this amazing profession.. i got accepted to ASU in the nursing program and im going there in August 2009. Blood and guts dont bother me.. just needles give me the creeps and i really want to get over it. i have donated blood, had a surgery and had my blood tested and i just cant watch them putting the needle in... just putting a needle in a vien is kind of strange to me now.. i really hope that this goes away with time???

Thats all well and good. But...how are you with POOP. On your clothes. On your arm. Shoes. Nostrils...

Good luck to you in your poopy-slop journey...I hope you stay excited.

Vomit in my bra almost did me in ;p From a 3-year-old.

The first shot I ever gave was to a four pound premature baby whose leg was not as big around as my thumb. I cried worse than he did. You get better at it :)