Everyone wants to be a nurse

GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 5, 2012

certainly, this hits the nail right on the head, just the other day i was speaking to a high school students in my area which were interested in pursuing nursing. having said that, i wish i had this cartoon with me at the time of my speech

Music in My Heart · Apr 5, 2012

I think nursing *can* be a rewarding career. Whether it is, or not, has much to do with the specific employer that one works for. Many employers are very good - for one reason or another - while others pretty much suck.

Certainly all those folks unable to obtain full-time employment after graduation - or after layoff - or after 50, probably don't think it's all that rewarding.

MauraRN · Apr 5, 2012

I have had fleeting moments of reward as a nurse, when I was able to help a patient or family in some small way. Unfortunately, nursing as a profession has allowed itself to become glorified insurance clerks or data entry clerks. Real life nursing in no way resembles what is still being taught in nursing schools. In fact, don't get caught advocating for your patient or you will be told that your "time management skills are lacking". My advice to all potential nursing students is to find a nurse who will give the straight story. Find a nurse to talk to that is not a burnout waiting to retire, but also not one that still has stars in her eyes regarding nursing.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Apr 6, 2012

I have an idea....she can take my place and I'll go back to fourth grade!!

BostonTerrierLover, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2012

When I was in fourth grade I wanted to be a pilot, a firefighter, or an archeologist like Indiana Jones. 20 years later I'm waiting on an Enema to take effect so I can rush in with the bedpan- so I guess in some ways I'm a superhero.

I wouldn't go back an pop that fourth grader's bubble though, but I think it would make waiting easier, eh?

Wild Irish LPN, LPN · Apr 6, 2012

yeah, I get it....I too am close to fulfilling part one of my nursing dream, I am an LPN student ready to graduate and take the NCLEX in June....very excited to get nursing in the real world....Part two starts in September to pursue my LPN to BSN degree, while trying to balance my first full-time gig as a working nurse....all in all I am thrilled with my decision to become a nurse, and did so at the young age of 42 (second career)....plenty of years ahead of me in the profession, lets hope I never lose my positive Mojo lol.....

Pinkmegan · Apr 6, 2012

Good for you!! I qualified when I was 37. I'm 60 now, & wish I could retire, but still have fulfilling moments, now & then!! Keep going, it could be worse! You will be frustrated, you will go home wondering what you let yourself in for but you will also, probably in tears, go home & know you made a difference to someone.

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2012

I hate how nursing is automatically supposed to be an emotionally rewarding career. While medicine is supposed to be an intellectually and financially rewarding career. Because, ya'all, what a profession that is dominated by wimmins really needs is that emotional satisfaction. That's what makes all the day-to-day crap that we put up with okay.

Hagabel · Apr 6, 2012

I still enjoy nursing after 21 years and hope to for many more. I enjoy the variety and drama and craziness of the ED. I started thinking about changing professions and then moved to NZ and refound that sparkle I had lost in the US

Borntobenurse? · Apr 6, 2012

I definitely share this sentiment (i.e. emotional reward of nursing). Pt's ask me all the time about how 'rewarding' it si to be a nurse. I have decided that the pefect answer is "its tough, but rewarding.' That tends to make them smile and be more patient with me when I can't do things fast as they like. Everyone wins! They get to romantize bedside nursing, and I buy a little more time for my stressed self.

Guess they don't want to hear how I am on burnout street every other day with crazy system abusing pt's (i.e. Frequent Flyers with LONG hangovers'). But I can't blame em, there is plently of negativity around, won't make them happy to have me coming and bursting their bubble about nursing.

♑ Capricorn ♑ · May 26, 2012

Cute one. :)