Does Everyone Actually Hate Nurses?

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I am about to begin nursing school in a few weeks, and everywhere I turn I feel like I hear a bunch of negativity towards nurses. It seems like nurses are the bottom of the food chain, but is that really true? People keep saying to me, "why would you only want to be a nurse?" - like it's a bad thing. I realize that you have to earn your own respect, and that it isn't easy. Maybe it's just a mix of media and too many fears swimming through my head. Are nurses really as disrespected and disliked as everyone makes it sound?

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Actually, nursing has been at the top of the "Most Trusted Professions" list for many years

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Specializes in Critical Care/Vascular Access.

It's very, very rare that I've ever heard anything negative about nurses as a whole. Occasionally I think people even overrate what nursing really is.

Either way, I've never heard anyone say they've heard more bad than good about nursing........

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Thank you for your responses! As having nursing as your career, do you personally feel that you are held in high regard?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I am about to begin nursing school in a few weeks, and everywhere I turn I feel like I hear a bunch of negativity towards nurses. It seems like nurses are the bottom of the food chain, but is that really true? People keep saying to me, "why would you only want to be a nurse?" - like it's a bad thing. I realize that you have to earn your own respect, and that it isn't easy. Maybe it's just a mix of media and too many fears swimming through my head. Are nurses really as disrespected and disliked as everyone makes it sound?

Who is actually saying to you "why do you only want to be a nurse?"

Is it people you know, or acquaintances, or random people?

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People that I know, and some family members

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
People that I know, and some family members

Well, then, are you sure those are related to you vs. their own thoughts of nursing???

Most people, despite how they can sometimes trey nurses less than ideal, still have a high regard for nurses.

You have to run your own race, regardless. :yes:

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Who is actually saying to you "why do you only want to be a nurse?"

Is it people you know, or acquaintances, or random people?

You took the words out of my mouth (or out of my keyboard, I suppose). I was going to ask this and say, some people make negative comments but don't realize what goes into being a nurse.

Don't let the negativity turn you away if it's something you really want to do, OP. You will gain insight and develop your own opinion on your future career path once you start school.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I am about to begin nursing school in a few weeks, and everywhere I turn I feel like I hear a bunch of negativity towards nurses.
It might be the crowd you're hanging around. People in different circles regard nursing highly, whereas others would never encourage their children to become nurses.

Personally, my family and social circle views nursing as somewhat of a prestigious jackpot. Then again, I come from a family where many people have dropped out of high school and the majority have relatively unskilled entry-level jobs. To someone who earns $11/hour at a call center, nursing is held in awe.

On the other hand, if most of the people in your circle have a lot of sophistry, education, and high-powered positions (read: physicians, attorneys, executives, tenured college professors, etc), they may or may not hold negative notions about the nursing profession.

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Wow I'd say I don't hear that much. As a CNA I hear why don't you WANT TO BE a nurse all the time. MAybe your family and friends see you in even a higher educated feild like Dr. or Dentist. (sigh) No matter what we decide to do in life it seems there is always a step higher that everyone thinks we have to strive for. If your heart is into nursing just do it. This is your career perhaps you are going to be in for the next 30-50 years not your family and friends.

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I used to be in that group when I was a kid. I had no idea the hard work nurses did (I never had been to a hospital until age 15, just pediatrician a offices and I was young and couldn't tell nurses and doctors apart). I thought anyone could become a nurse. When my cousin went to get her BSN I was surprised that it was a 4 year degree at *gasp* a real umass college! It wasn't until I started doing research about it (I always wanted a career helping people) that I realized the amazing work nurses do. Now whenever I'm at the hospital I couldn't care less about the drs, I'm chatting up all the nurses about school! I'm hoping to enter an LPN program next fall and continue up to crnm, and I could not be anymore excited. I think it's ignorance that breeds these comments. Most people love and trust nurses. Do what you love!

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Specializes in NICU.

I was actually shopping the yesterday and the store I was in gives a student discount so I went to cash register and said "I saw you give a discount for students! Unfortunately I'm a nursing student an my ID is on my badge for the hospitals" and she immediately cut me off and said "Oh we love nurses don't you worry about it!"

I've never been given a negative attitude towards my future profession :)

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