Frightened to Become a Nurse

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 7, 2011

I'm about to begin my 3rd year of nursing school to recieve my BSN. I've browsed through the forums here every so often and it's making me extremely anxious about going into nursing as a career. I initially wanted to become a nurse because I was interested in working in the health field and as of now I like the job security. However, it seems like a lot of the users on these forums are very unhappy with being nurses, and now I'm worried that I will be miserable as a nurse as well. Why all the negativity? Is the nursing field really that terrible? I'm hoping that maybe the unhappy nurses are just more outspoken than the happy ones.

You decide your attitude, and what is important to you. I think there's validity in your above comment. :) For every cruddy story on the news, there are tons of people you never hear about who have good things in their lives. :up: :twocents:

anotherone, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2011

I was just like you and had doubts even before i started nursing school. Maybe you will end up miserable, maybe not. even under the same conditions people react differently. I rarley come here to discuss a tolerable shift but have posted many times about the terrible ones.

Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2011

Most of us come here to vent. You can't vent to your pts and you shouldn't vent to your family. Ultimately, you will decide if you are happy or miserable. I love being a nurse!

Callisonanne · Sep 7, 2011

I feel like it is the same as bad reviews on restaurants. Rarely do you go online to review a restaurant you loved...but you definitely go online to bad mouth one you hate.

werkinit · Sep 7, 2011

Hey, I totally felt the same way as you in nursing school. Some of the threads on these boards can be terrifying reads!

I just graduated and haven't found a job yet so who knows what my attitude will be like once I start floor nursing....but one of the things I really held onto while I was doing clincials was the number of stories I heard from RNs who loved their jobs. My clinical instructor said it was "the best decision I ever made in my life" despite the high-stress times, she still finds other moments deeply rewarding. Some RNs don't like their jobs outright, some have a crummy shift and need to vent, but I've also spoken to many who seriously LOVE their work and their career. These are the nurses I tried to really engage with during nursing school 'cause I felt their enthusiasm was a positive influence to be around, and they were often eager to share with us nursing students.

I'm sure your personality, the quality of the floor your on, the dynamics of your co-workers, and a whole host of other factors go into whether you like your job or not...but it's like that in every field. I worked an office job that I hated for years. My friend then took that same job over the LOVES it. It takes all kinds. You were drawn to nursing for a reason -- don't avoid the bad stuff, but maybe seek out some RNs who enjoy their jobs and find out: why?

Good luck!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2011

i initially wanted to become a nurse because i was interested in working in the health field and as of now i like the job security.

if you have heard that there's job security in nursing, please do not believe it. just ask the masses of unemployed nurses if there's any job security in nursing.

Tarastrickland · Sep 7, 2011

The first time you save a life or assist in saving a life.. OR the first time you assist in delivering a little bundle of joy.. OR the first time you have a patient that tells you, U have made their day easier by being such a great nurse.. U should have a feeling that tells you.. U made the right choice.. Nursing isnt for everyone! It is definately 4 me.. I can tell you that with 100% honesty. Besides being a parent, NURSING is the hardest job I have ever loved. Nursing is stressful ..some days more than others.. Hopefully, U find a job with great administration and great co-workers... that doesnt always happen either.. or should I say it rarely does happen;) BUT.. It is what U make it... :) Good Luck!

ChunkyMonkey21 · Sep 7, 2011

I'm about to begin my 3rd year of nursing school to recieve my BSN. I've browsed through the forums here every so often and it's making me extremely anxious about going into nursing as a career. I initially wanted to become a nurse because I was interested in working in the health field and as of now I like the job security. However, it seems like a lot of the users on these forums are very unhappy with being nurses, and now I'm worried that I will be miserable as a nurse as well. Why all the negativity? Is the nursing field really that terrible? I'm hoping that maybe the unhappy nurses are just more outspoken than the happy ones.

I understand the way you feel, sweetheart. I'm sure everyone has had their doubts no matter what career they are pursuing. I am not a nurse yet but I am in nursing school and my mother was a nurse so she's my "go-to gal" whenever I get unsure of myself. Nursing has a ton of great benefits but I've always like to think that you will do fine and love your job if you consider the greatest benefit to be the satisfaction you get when you help out a patient. Ever since I was a little girl I was around hospitals and loved it! Growing up I used to visit my mother at work and talk everyone, hold their hands, read with them... basically just be their for them. If you feel like this too I am sure you will do great! Don't doubt yourself or your abilities. As far as the nursing field being terrible, according to my mother, it's not. But of course you always have patients that will work your last nerve and families that expect preference for their loved one. But that's normal in ANY career to have customers that feel entitled to things. In a hospital setting, of course, it's completely understandable because of the serious nature and the emotions people have. Families and patients just don't know how to direct their frustrations sometimes. My advice: grow thicker skin if you don't have it because eventually you will encounter someone who will treat you like trash! It's happened to me a bunch and I'm only a volunteer! People who hate their job are most definitely more vocal about it! What you read on the internet is not necessarily a fair representation of how most nurses feel about their jobs. Overall, you gotta take the good with the bad. There will be days when you'll be wiping asses and cleaning vomit (which I've done) and days when you will have the extra time to really connect with you patients. Nursing is not a glamourous job by any means but it does has its rewards. Your personal satisfaction is the most important thing to consider when wondering if you will like it. Sounds like maybe you just need a stronger support system, in which case, we here at AN are here for you!! I'm rooting for you, honey! Wishing you all the best in whatever you decide is best for you.

Jenni811, RN · Sep 7, 2011

let me put it this way:

I love nursing, but there are things about nursing that pi$$ me off.

I love my fiance, but there are things about my fiance that pi$$ me off.

Get it?? :yeah:

TEXAS ICU RN · Sep 7, 2011

Its the toughest job you'll ever love.

goodneighbor · Sep 7, 2011

Remember, most nurses LOVE their work, but HATE their JOB. This means we love to take care of people, love to learn our craft, are excited when our patients improve and take real satisfaction in the part we take to help someone regain their health, or even, to die in comfort and peace. But mostly we like to be there for the patient, and we don't mind-and even agree with- much of the documentation and policies we must comply with. But sometimes we get kind of grouchy about the amount of paperwork that is required. Also we are usually very compassionate with our patients but sometimes nurses get edgy with each other. I don't know why. That's why we talk to each other on these posts.