Do you have to be "super smart" to be a nurse?

sjoe · Jan 31, 2003

You might check out the "student nursing" forum on this BB.

Kayzee · Jan 31, 2003

I have always been interested in anything medical. I feel you should have a passion for what you are doing. No, I don't feel you have to be super smart. You do need to work hard in school. I put my studies first and everything else second. You have to really want it.

PS. Your cat looks just like mine!

delirium · Jan 31, 2003

Um, based on some of the nurses I have known and worked with, no you certainly do not need to be 'super smart' to become one.

Mkue · Jan 31, 2003

Super-smart? No. Good in math and science helps. Some other qualities that would contribute to being a good nurse: Empathy, Caring, Compassion, and a professional attitude. Critical thinking skills very helpful.

Good Luck ! and Welcome to the BB

marie

leeca · Jan 31, 2003

You don't have to be super smart, just have common sense. Also you need to care about other people and be compassionate.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 31, 2003

What do you mean by "super smart"? all the nurses I know worth their salt ARE "supersmart" in the context I take from you ----

However if I am wrong, and you mean to ask are they competent, caring, knowledgable, compassionate, and do they have integrity and ethics---- yeppers, you need to possess all these qualities to be worth anything as a nurse. But plain ole intelligence is only potential, and it's what we do with it that takes us where we wanna go. If you want to be a nurse best worry more about all the other characteristics I mentioned, cause brains alone will not carry anyone in this career. Good luck.

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2003

SUPER SMART??? ------- gosh I Hope not. I'd be in the wrong profession.

susanmary · Jan 31, 2003

Intelligence, common sense, dedication, flexibility, ability to prioritize/reprioritize, compassion, sense of humor, team player, patient advocate, organization & the ability to apply your knowledge/theory to your practice through solid critical-thinking skills are some of what it takes to be a great nurse. Being "super smart" doesn't hurt ... You do need to be smart to be a nurse ... and to be able to think on your feet. Some of the best nurses I know did not graduate at the top of their classes ... and then, again, some did. If you want it bad enough, you will absolutely be successful -- it just takes hard work.

zhar26 · Jan 31, 2003

What do you mean by "do i have to be a nurse"? I'm sorry to say but it's kind of non sense! Yes part of going to a nursing program is being smart but that's not it. You have to be dedicated, willing, appreciative, patient and love/respect for the profession (I CAN GO ON AND ON AND ON BUT IT MAY TAKE HOURS). If don't like your profession and your just in it for the money, sooner or later you'll give up and feel lost. Maybe you should think more about that decision that you'll be making. Don't forget to ask yourself if you want a profession that could make a difference! Ask yourself if your willing to sacrifice most of your hobbies/parties/nightouts for a rewarding results. And ask yourself if yourself if you're willing to take care of others and be patient with them.

BY THE WAY, YOU'RE RIGHT! SOME NURSING PROGRAM DOESN'T REQUIRE CALCULUS OR SOMETHING BUT. THERE'S MATH IN NURSING! IT'S VERY IMPORTANT IN THIS PROFESSION BECAUSE IT KIND OF SERVE AS A THIN LINE BETWEEN DOING HARM AND DOING GOOD (IN MY OPINION AT LEAST!)

delirium · Jan 31, 2003

Ah. But here we are describing the difference between a nurse and a good nurse, which I don't think was the question.

Do you need to be super smart to be a nurse? No, in fact, some of the nurses I've worked with are definite candidates for Darwin awards.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 31, 2003

ROFL reb STOPPPPPIT. I cant take you making me laugh anymore.