Do I have what it takes to succeed in Nursing?

[Hurricane]

Hi - strongly considering a career change into nursing. I am in my early 30’s. Looking around on here it sounds like the 1st year after graduation can really destroy people. Even those who did well in school and interviewed well. When I put my mind to something, I can excel in school and do well in interviews. That’s not to say I’ve been a rockstar at every job I’ve had!

Is there something about certain new nurses that made them destined to be a dud on the job, despite being one of your most promising new hires? If there are things like that I would like to know, so I can look at myself honestly and either work to improve myself, or realize that it’s just not compatible with me - before embarking on this long and challenging commitment of becoming a nurse!

Are there any aptitude tests (or personality tests) that I could take prior to deciding to start my nursing education?

I’ve been doing research on this and most places are very clear on the “what it takes” part - and I feel like I’ve got most of that. But what are some “fatal flaws” that once promising new grads have, that caused them to fall on their face in their first year of work, and have to give up the career? (Or is it seriously just a matter of Hospital X is poorly managed/ICU a poor fit but Med Surge was great). (FWIW, my intention would be to pursue schooling and career locally, and I live in a midsize city dominated by two major hospital systems that hire probably 90% of nurses).

I am really excited to be exploring this opportunity at this time, but I also shudder at the thought that I could undertake this huge commitment to be a square peg in a round hole and have to start over all over again.

[TriciaJ, RN]

What traits will help you? 1. Willingness to keep learning after graduation 2. Sense of humour, particularly the ability to laugh at yourself 3. Ability to take criticism even when it is not delivered very diplomatically.

What will sink you? 1. Being self absorbed and unwilling to put your own feelings aside. 2. Being flaky and unreliable 3. Being unable to handle feedback 4. Thinking you already know everything and refusing to ask appropriate questions.

The fact that you're already pondering this is a positive sign. Good luck.

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

On 3/3/2020 at 11:42 PM, nznurse93 said:

I think this site is not an accurate source of information. This is typically where nurses come to complain and offload, or talk about there issues. Ofcourse looking at this site would make you worry.

THIS one hundred percent. Nursing is one of the most populous professions in the country. Really stop and think about all the nurses you've met in real life. Some are smart, some you wonder about.... Some are kind, some are lazy and mean. Honestly, you don't have to have anything in particular to survive as a nurse.

My first year has been really great (I don't work in a hospital). I am successful at it for the same reasons I've been successful in all my jobs. I'm a hard worker, willing to learn, nice to people, not overly sensitive or dramatic. If you have those skills, and you've done well in other jobs, you'll definitely be fine.