Considering Nursing as a Career

[shootingstar11]

I have seriously been considering becoming a nurse for a long time and have slowly been working to achieve that goal. I have a Bachelors degree in a differnt field and have been using that degree for a few years. My attempts at getting into a nursing program have not gone over so well due to my gpa. As I sit and read all the posts of people's experiences as a nurse it has me questioning if this is truly what I should be doing , although I have been wanting this for at least 8 years or so. I know every persons expereinces are different and I should not base my decsion on other people, but the things people say make me second guess so many things.

I am nervous that I may be too sensative to deal with this type of job , but it is also my passion :redbeathe. It seems nurses seem to have a bit of a thick skin that I don't think I have. I sat and read a lot of discussions on this board and listened to a lot of professors and faculty in Nursing programs at schools and the way some people speak of nursing is starting to make me doubt what I have wanted for most of my life.

I have not had the opportunity to volunteer in a hospital or clinic, but I have had a bit of interaction with nurses in the work place (unique as it is). Is it a bad idea to keep striving for this dream?

I feel as though if I don't try and just give up then I will always wonder..."what if". My plan is to apply to schools and while I am waiting to hear back I can do some volunteer work to rid myself of some of the 'hype' i have been hearing and feeling about why this may be a bad idea.

I'm sure I could easily just go for a masters degree from my current BA, but that would feel like settling becase it would not be my passion, but could it become my passion once i started working inthe setting?

I feel so confused, and nervous about the future, any thoughts, advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

(Please excuse all the rambling, just feeling a little lost)

[drmorton2b]

If you want it bad enough you will get it.

Just do some homework on the nursing job market in your area before you go on this educational endeavor to become a Nurse.

In most areas the job market isn't what it used to be.

[shootingstar11]

Thanks for the response, I appreciate the advice. I'm just worried that I might not be "cut out for the job" sometimes stress really gets to me when I feel too overwhelemd and I am assuming that would noet be a good quality for a nurse, it also sounds as if Nurses don't have much time for a social life, which is ikportant for everyone to have that time off to enjoy friends and family. I am getting the impression that being a nurse is liek being a full time student all the time. Still feeling a little worried, but thanks for taking the time to read my post and respond to it.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Oh no no no no! Nurses have a social life! Although nursing is a full time "continuing education" sort of field, it is not "nose to the book" kind of learning after you graduate. Nursing continuing ed is mostly sponsored by the hospital itself involving new, up and coming technology, in-services that simply brush you up on the things you already know, but just need a reminder of how to do.

You are passionate about it. So DO IT! Yes, you must have thick skin, but this is something that you will learn to develop. Can you let things just roll off your back in your life now? Do you get along with difficult people? Can you LEARN to let difficult people just go about their way without letting it bother you? My assumption is that you didn't make it this far in your life without the basic skills to ignore the bulls**t that invades our lives sometimes. Nursing is no different.

If you really want this, then you would be remiss to let your dream fall by the wayside. I say go for it!

[Flying ICU RN]

I became a nurse after the debacle of Eastern and Pan Am in the late 80's sent me looking overseas to stay in aviation with no luck. My one and only reason, job security. Undertaker (Mortuary Sciences) was the runner up.

Most people I knew who also tried, are long gone from the scene. You have to be one tenacious individual to do it for these reasons.

The payoff? I met my wife, we have a child in private school, and two homes. So everything around me can be exploding, while I still have a smile on my face.

[hcox1975, BSN, RN]

I too am very sensitive, but that is the reason I became a nurse. Nurses have feelings but they also know that life is not all roses and sunshine. I am a very optamist person but I also know what is reality. You will have days you cry when you leave, and you will have days where you will be so mad you could spit nails. The sensitive part of you will also be the compassionate part of you.

I was once told you had to grow a set of ***** when you become a nurse. As harsh as that sounds, this will help you with your job and with your life in general.

[himilayaneyes]

If you have a passion for nursing, then go for it or you'll regret it for the rest of your life. And please don't base your view of the nursing field solely on the experiences of others. Most of us nurses whine and complain about our jobs, but most of us wouldn't switch fields at the end of the day. It has it pros. It has its cons, but it's a good living. At the end of the day, nursing is stressful, but it's well worth it for the satisfaction you get...that's if you like nursing. And not all of nursing is stressful, you can work in a MD's office or do home health...or go to the most stressful sections like ICU and the ER...nursing is so flexible and varied and you'll always be learning (in a good way). So my advice is to not settle and go for your dreams. The thick skin will develop with time if you don't already have it.

[j621d]

I'm not sure I would say you would "grow a set of *****," but you do learn to be assertive. I don't consider myself assertive, but when put in the position of standing up for the patient, I find myself able to do it. In my mind I keep saying, "I'm the patient advocate." That has helped me in the past to get things done and stand up for the needs of the patient.