Do you like nursing?

Published

Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

How many time do you get asked this question?

Nobody every asked me if I liked waiting tables when I was a server, if I like being a sales associate when I worked at the mall. I don't hear anyone asking other relatives if they like their jobs...why me?

I know it's silly but I've been asked COUNTLESS times this question and it's like..uggh! What response do people expect?

When I say "yes", they go on about how they couldn't do it and only special people can be nurses and so on. Ya know, I'm not THAT special. I'm not an angel nor am I as pure as my white uniform. I'm just a regular person.

I'm in whiny mode today...sorry!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I read the title to your post, my first thought was "why do people love to ask nurses this?" :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

my favorite question... why nursing? I always say " I make a difference in peoples lives"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

it happens during small talk all the time with me.

they dont want to know the truth.....they cant handle the truth.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I think that people sometimes look at what we're doing, think about what we must be doing at times (code browns, etc.) and just think "bleeccch." Then they blurt out the question "do you like nursing?" or "how can you stand doing that?" etc., just because they can't quite imagine doing what we do, let alone enjoy doing it.

Let's face it, our job/profession can't quite be compared to any other, such as waiting tables or working in offices. Even other medical professions don't usually deal quite so intimately with strangers' bodies and bodily functions. I think that's why the questions are blurted out - because we do so much that is so verboten to discuss or think about. So that leads naturally to the question....why don't we make ginormous amounts of money since we're doing what so many others can't seem to imagine?!

But then...you're just having a little vent...who needs answers:lol2::lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I like nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I like it too. Like every job, there's always things about it I prefer not to do. Just got to man up and do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

Sometimes people just ask out of curiousity or genuine interest. Why should it bother us to be asked? So what if they say they couldn't handle being a nurse. That means you ARE someone special to them because you can!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care.

I'm a career changer, it doesn't bother me when people ask why. I have lots of reasons why I'm so much happier being a nurse than sitting behind a computer.

Off topic but applicable to the things we deal with.

Why is it I have no problem dealing with other people's code brown but can't go through my own to find a gold dental inlay that came out and I swallowed.

If I'd done that and found it, I would have saved myself about $1000. Now isn't saving a grand worth digging through your own poop?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Theatre and Occ. Health.

First person who ever asked me that was my father, famed for his passionate dislike of all things medical and anything whatsoever to do with blood or other bodily fluids!

I had just recently passed my finals and got my longed for job in the orthopaedic operating theatre. This day I was chatting with my step-mother and he kept interjecting with these odd questions, each a few minutes apart. It went thus:

Dad: So you're working in the operating theatre then, Titch?

Me: Yes dad, the orthopaedic theatre.

Dad: Tell, me do you - like - actually go - in there?

Me: Yes dad, I go in there.

Dad: And do you actually seem them - you know - doing it?

Me: Yes Dad. It's my job to scrub with the surgeon and help him while he's 'doing it'.

(look of horror on Dad's face)

Dad, in disbelief: I don't know where you get it from - you don't get it from me!

I had to wonder if he would have had the same reaction if I'd told him I was working the streets! heehee.gif

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Why is it I have no problem dealing with other people's code brown but can't go through my own to find a gold dental inlay that came out and I swallowed.

If I'd done that and found it, I would have saved myself about $1000. Now isn't saving a grand worth digging through your own poop?

Not if it means putting that gold inlay back in your mouth! :eek: :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.
Sometimes people just ask out of curiousity or genuine interest. Why should it bother us to be asked? So what if they say they couldn't handle being a nurse. That means you ARE someone special to them because you can!

Sometimes it's annoying which is why I'm venting about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion