Does anybody else get this from family or friends.....

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"I cant picture you being a nurse"

I've heard it so many times im begining to question myself . Needless to say i have already finished my pre-req's and have been accepted to start summer term 2011 ...I'v heard this from my mother, a couple of friends, co-workers ..one even went as far as to tell me "dont sell yourself short, become a doctor". I dont see how nursing would be "selling myself short". .. it seemes the only suportive person seems to be my father ..It really makes me wanna cry everytime i hear someone say "i cant picture you being a nurse" becuase i have worked so hard to get this far :confused: at first i was just brushing it off, but how could so many people think the same thing . I find myself to be a very compassionate person . i love meeting new people. I love to keep busy; i could never work a desk job. i want to go into peds or geriatrics. .. but idk anymore, lately im REALLY starting to have some doubts...i mean, for all of you outthere in nursing school or in the acceptance process, how did you kno nursing was right for you?

lol do nurses even ever really "clean butts" ?

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If someone comments that they can't picture me being a nurse, I'd say "then prepare to be AMAZED".

Remember, the people who make these comments will probably be using you as an advice nurse once you're an RN.

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Narnian, I was the same way... couldn't even handle the thought of blood lol. I wanted to be a nurse... puke, poop, broken bones, etc didn't bother me, but show me some blood and I'd pass out. So, I took a phlebotomy course. I figured if it turns out I can't get past this fear of blood, then I'm not out as much time/money. I'm SO GLAD I did that because now I can handle needles and blood with ease lol. I think it all boils down to what you want. If you really really want something, you can do it... mind over matter!

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My situation is sort of the same.

When I was in my senior year of HS (25 yrs ago, mind you) I toyed with the idea of becoming a nurse. My Mom would say, oooh it's so hard. Ooh you have to take chemistry and it's so hard. So-n-so is a nurse and she says it's so hard. ~~ My mother with a 10th grade education mind you. ~~

So being 17, I listened. 17 year olds don't want to do anything hard....

So, when I told her a year ago that I was going to go to school to become a nurse, I got the SAME exact BS. But this time, being older and wiser, I didn't listen. And guess what....I just got an A in Chemistry!!! Straight A's 2 semesters in a row, as a matter of fact!

My advice to anyone with naysayers....DON'T LISTEN. Nobody knows you as well as you. And when you do succeed it will feel that much more rewarding!! that's my :twocents:

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My situation is sort of the same.

When I was in my senior year of HS (25 yrs ago, mind you) I toyed with the idea of becoming a nurse. My Mom would say, oooh it's so hard. Ooh you have to take chemistry and it's so hard. So-n-so is a nurse and she says it's so hard. ~~ My mother with a 10th grade education mind you. ~~

So being 17, I listened. 17 year olds don't want to do anything hard....

So, when I told her a year ago that I was going to go to school to become a nurse, I got the SAME exact BS. But this time, being older and wiser, I didn't listen. And guess what....I just got an A in Chemistry!!! Straight A's 2 semesters in a row, as a matter of fact!

My advice to anyone with naysayers....DON'T LISTEN. Nobody knows you as well as you. And when you do succeed it will feel that much more rewarding!! that's my :twocents:

That's kind of upsetting to hear that your own mother discouraged you from having that big dream at 17. :( Good for you for going for it now! :) Good luck!

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Narnian, I was the same way... couldn't even handle the thought of blood lol. I wanted to be a nurse... puke, poop, broken bones, etc didn't bother me, but show me some blood and I'd pass out. So, I took a phlebotomy course. I figured if it turns out I can't get past this fear of blood, then I'm not out as much time/money. I'm SO GLAD I did that because now I can handle needles and blood with ease lol. I think it all boils down to what you want. If you really really want something, you can do it... mind over matter!

I'm kind of the opposite of you. I can handle anything bloody but puke and poop is what I'm afraid of bothering me. The thought of it and the sight doesn't bother me at all, but I find smells trigger my (well, what I consider to be) quick gag-reflex, and I'm sooooo scared I won't make it through NS because of it. But your story gives me hope that I can get used to it at least...

Anyway, to relate to the original post, I never really get people who's opinions I value who put me down like that. I'm encouraged by pretty much anyone. But when things happen then they'll make a little comment that I take maybe too seriously. For example, I once had to give my dog intra-muscular shots for 5 days and I was afraid to it at first (mainly because I had never done it) and my family was like "well you're becoming a nurse, you're going to have to do it eventually" and I'm thinking "well yeah, but I'd like to learn how to properly first!". And just little things like that. But I don't have it too bad, I'm very much encouraged for the most part. Kudos to everyone who follows their dreams no matter what anyone says, especially family. I value what my parents say so much, I couldn't imagine if they put down my dreams...

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I've experienced being told similar comments by people after being accepted into the nursing program as I was on the wait list, such as, "I think nursing will be stressful for you, you might want to reconsider" from an Aunt or "I don't see you being a nurse" from a co-worker. I felt feelings of doubt in myself... Yet, I entered nursing school and I'm now graduating this Spring! It is a nice way of saying... Everyone has a opinion... what truly matters is your own. Do you think you are going to be a good nurse? If so, then what's stopping you?

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Specializes in Neuroscience.

A lot of people underestimate what a nurse does IMO.

My own father scoffs at the idea, asking me, "why would you want to wipe people's butts?" He has no idea other than what the media might portray or he heard by misinformation.

You just have to roll your eyes, and dust your shoulders off. You'll be doing a job you can be proud of and what's right for you.

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I get the same thing from my family, but more about getting through school in general. When I told them I decided to go to college at age 25 they were so discouraging. They acted like I would just give up half way through and I would be out all this money. My family is all very close and when I stood up for myself and did it anyways they acted like I was just a child who would need to learn her own lesson which hurt a lot. Now that Ive gotten through prereqs, on the honor roll I might add, and Ive gotten accepted into the nursing program my family says they are really proud of me and are a lot more supportive. My Mom tho still has back handed comments. I called her yesterday to tell her that I had gotten another scholarship which meant all of my school is paid for 2010-2011, she said great, now you just have to actually get through it. uh..yeah. Through all of it I've learned a lot about making a commitment to something and sticking to it. In the end this is my own life and my childrens life, it is up to me do what is best for us. You have to find your own balance between valuing your familys opinions and knowing yourself well enough to do what is best for you. Hope this helps!

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I get the same thing from my family, but more about getting through school in general. When I told them I decided to go to college at age 25 they were so discouraging. They acted like I would just give up half way through and I would be out all this money. My family is all very close and when I stood up for myself and did it anyways they acted like I was just a child who would need to learn her own lesson which hurt a lot. Now that Ive gotten through prereqs, on the honor roll I might add, and Ive gotten accepted into the nursing program my family says they are really proud of me and are a lot more supportive. My Mom tho still has back handed comments. I called her yesterday to tell her that I had gotten another scholarship which meant all of my school is paid for 2010-2011, she said great, now you just have to actually get through it. uh..yeah. Through all of it I've learned a lot about making a commitment to something and sticking to it. In the end this is my own life and my childrens life, it is up to me do what is best for us. You have to find your own balance between valuing your familys opinions and knowing yourself well enough to do what is best for you. Hope this helps!

Way to go that is so awesome. It always feels so much better too succeed when being doubted. I'm sorry that it has to be your family that doubts you. Keep on doing what your doing. Good Luck!!!!!!!!

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After changing diapers and cleaning up barf from/for my 8 children, I'm ready for anything. :) After you have children, that kind of stuff doesn't bother you nearly as much as you think it will. Don't worry about being squeamish -- you can conquer bodily fluids/smells if sufficiently motivated. Think of how grateful your patients and their families will be for your care and expertise.

And just think of the paycheck: $80+K/year, or $100+K a year if you work as a nurse (w/ management exp) in a prison. Eyes on the prize, comrades, eyes on the prize. ;-)

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Yup, yup, yup. I remember that one..."YOU?!! Nursing school?! But WHY?"

By means of encouragement, I heard that from friends and even family members while I was working on my pre-reqs for the nursing program. Now, I am halfway done with my degree, have a 4.0, and several awards under my belt. Needless to say, the feedback has changed quite a bit. :lol2:

All I can say is believe in yourself; you don't need to convince others of the merit of your dreams. I used to get all kinds of stuff from people: "Why don't you just become a doctor? Don't you know how HARD it is to be a nurse? You'll break your back! Why on earth would you want to do that?" After a while, I got tired of explaining and just winked and said, "Why not?"

Truth be told, if you're feeling froggy and want to have the whole "doctor vs. nurse" conversation with someone, you can explain that they are two TOTALLY different functions. This becomes evident from the day you step into the hospital for clinicals. I don't doubt that I could become a physician if I desired, however, I don't care to spend half my entire life (and budget) in school, and I like the patient contact that comes with being a nurse. I think nurses have more of an opportunity to have an impact on patients, in many cases, simply due to the amount of time they spend with them.

At any rate, when people question you, don't feel pressured to explain yourself. (Sometimes I try to educate people, and some days I just give a humorous remark and end it). Don't let 'em freak you out...be encouraged, nurses-to-be! :redpinkhe

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