How Bad Is It Really?

leslie :-D · Oct 10, 2007

If you truly want to be a nurse in your heart, you will have better reasons to want to be a nurse. And you will not have reservations about it. You will simply apply to school and do it.

flexible scheduling, decent pay and interesting work, aren't valid reasons to be attracted to nursing?

i don't know how many threads i've read, w/posters questioning if nsg was something they should pursue, or not.

it's not a calling for everyone.

rather, it is a carefully, deliberated decision.

i see nothing indicating that the op wouldn't be a competent nurse.

i do believe in telling the pros and cons, especially if asked.

but she asked about a weak stomach and sensitive emotions.

it sounds like you had a really bad day.

hope you're feeling well soon.

leslie

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Oct 11, 2007

I don't have a weak stomach, but I did start out with one.

I agree with Underpaid. When I lose the ability to cry with a family after they have lost a loved on, it's time to get out of nursing.

Heck, my DH was working on a house for a guy recently who had killed his young sons and himself. DH found out it was that guy he had just heard about on the news after he went to the guy's house to collect his fees. The man's brother had to tell him what happened. They both broke down, and DH broke down just telling me about it. He was just so sad over those kids mostly, because he had chatted with them, and thought they were such great kids. He felt if he had known, he would've brought them home with him.

Once we lose the ability to empathize and sympathize with those during tragedy, we lose our humanity.

I have never loved and respected my big ole Marine DH more than when he broke down over that.

DreamyEyes · Oct 11, 2007

The nurses that arn't bothered at all by a child passing while the father sings , "you are my sunshine" to her, or a little old man that holds his dying wifes hand talking to her the entire time about all of the good times they shared, worry me.

That made me get teary eyed just thinking about it.

To the OP--I feel your pain. While I actually have a pretty strong stomach, I'm wayyyy too sensitive when it comes to other people. I cry everytime I see the Jimmy Fund commercial with the little boy with cancer. I've always been that way, I feel others pain way too much. But I think that your sensitivity will make you a GREAT nurse! As others have said, you will eventually develop a tougher skin, but there's nothing wrong with feeling sad about a patient's death, etc. It shows you care. Good luck with your future nursing career!!

bluesnurse · Oct 11, 2007

Hi everyone! I am new to this, and just signed up. Here is my story. I am 24 and I want to be a registered nurse. I just started school as a Business major and just had a MAJOR change of heart and want to go into nursing. I like the salary, I like only working 3 days a week, and I like the fact that it is interesting and I wouldn't have to be stuck at a desk for 8 hours a day. I have 2 problems though:
1- Weak stomach
2- Very sensitive
My question...I am sure at times I am going to want to puke and I am going to want to cry but is it going to be one of those that evenutally I will get used to? If I try hard, should I be ok? Is it really that bad?

I understand where you're coming from -- I actually completed a BA in business and was bored silly after a year as an insurance underwriter. I'd always been interested in health care but never thought I could really do it because I'd been passing out at the sight of blood since childhood (and not just my own), and am also very sensitive.

Yes, you will want to puke sometimes. The first time I *watched* a trach being suctioned, I went down and woke up in the ER with IV fluids and a BP of 80/40. And yes, I have cried with patients, and I have held it back and cried all the way home some days.

BUT ... it does get better. As far as needles, it was an act of will. IV's and lab draws scared me to death, and it took me over a year after graduation to do them with any sort of confidence. Now, I start 20+ IV's a week and draw labs at least 2-3 times a day. I'm the person they call when no one else can get a stick. Even so, I have good and bad days; sometimes I still can't hit the side of a barn, and other days I'm really 100% on it.

To answer your question -- IMHO, it is not that bad. You can get used to it ... most of the time. Nursing is still not easy for me, but it is a daily challenge, no two days are the same, and every once in a while, you know you've helped someone -- and that's makes it all worth it

leslymill · Oct 11, 2007

I never had a weak stomach for 22 years in nursing, but now I do.

It is not a fear that I will be throwing up when I return to the field in a few months IT IS A FACT. I haven't figured out how I am gonna HIDE IT either. :coollook: ...:behindpc:.....:chair: :sofahider :barf01:

rita359 · Oct 11, 2007

Still remember my experience the summer after high school working as a nurses aide having to empty a bedpan and almost gagging. My fellow aides thought I'd never make it as a nurse but 39 years later that gagging feeling doesn't happen much anymore and I've survived. I guess adaptation is a wonderful thing. Good thing it happens too.

987! · Oct 11, 2007

Thanks! You all helped me so much. I was discouraging myself thinking I probably wouldn't be able to do it but you all have stories of how you almost threw up and how you cried for patients so I feel now that what I am feeling and what I will go through is normal and if I try I can do it. Thank you all so much.