I want to be a nurse BUT

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi!

I guess I'm in need of a self-esteem booster. This is my first semester of nursing school, and until recently, I've been really excited about my decision to join the health care field. However, as soon as my father discovered my chosen vocation, he flipped! He told me that I'd make a terrible nurse! He told me that I was far too brainless, awkward, shy and impersonal to make a good nurse. I am NOT at all upset that my father was so malicious. His skepticism of my abilities is serial in nature. As it is, he's talked me out of going to college twice, moving out once, and tried his da**est to keep me from getting a high school diploma. However, I wondered if there was SOME truth to his words. I AM soft-spoken and my feelings CAN get hurt quite easily. Does this put me as a disadvantage entering the nursing field? What are your opinions?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sarah

:p

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Everything except surgery.

(((((((((((((Sarah))))))))))))) It saddens me greatly to read the words your father said to you! But I also see strength in you...as you have succeded without the usual support most receive! I think you will make a wonderul nurse, and you have already proved you can deal with distractions, and difficult situations, and still succeed!:cool: You have done well in my opinion, and I see no reason why you shouldn't continue to do the same! Congrats on getting into nursing school, and can't wait to read of your graudation...:cool:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

(((( SARAH))))

Now girl, you`ve made it to nursing school without him, keep going........Your dad sounds like he`s scared that by following YOUR dreams, somehow you will change...........GOOD !!!!! You WILL.... And for the better......

And you WILL grow, and learn how to be the BEST nurse. Nurses need to have a soft caring heart, it`s called compassion.

And if someone will HOLD MY PURSE, I`ll be glad to do some convincin on your dad....:(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I AM soft-spoken and my feelings CAN get hurt quite easily. Does this put me as a disadvantage entering the nursing field?

I think that in many situations this can be an asset in nursing. Work hard and keep striving for your goal. Follow your heart and try not to let what others say get to you.

Best of Luck,

Linda

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sarah

Sounds to me like your father is the one with the problem. Why is he so hard on his daughter? Is he a failure himself and doesn't want you to succeed?

Being soft spoken and sensitive (your own assessment) are not terrible qualities, many nurses have them, in fact they are good qualities for a nurse to have in dealing with patients. As for what your father says about you, has anyone else said the same?? I think you should get another person's viewpoint on your abilities and character, and you will probably find that your father is alone in his appraisal. How are you doing so far in your studies? Can you talk to one of your tutors about your feelings? Sounds to me like you may need to work on your self esteem and assertiveness skills, but that will come with time. I don't think you should give up. I'm sure as you go through your nursing education you will develop confidence in your abilities. How are you getting on so far? I'm sure that if what your father says is true (and I doubt it is) that you will be weeded out of the profession by failing your exams, or being told by your tutors that you are not suitable. If I were you, I would try really hard to do well in your studies, become a great nurse, and then tell you father where he can stick it!!

Good luck, and keep your chin up, and don't let people walk over you !!

Jan

Up Vote Up Vote ×

:) Sarah,

It's sad to hear your story. I feel for you because I have a mother who is similar to your dad. You are stronger than you know! You can do this if you really want it! No wonder you have doubts considering what your father constantly says to you. Nothing is as cruel as a parent rejecting a child's hopes and dreams. We look to our family for love, support and security. I'ts ok to be sensitive. Some of that may come from poor self-esteem. I always tell myself that God is preparing me to help others by having me experience some of the rough spots in life. Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Humph.

My family used to be like that.

Then someone got sick and they saw me in action -- :D --and i finally got some respect.

I was 49 years old when it happened. So==== give 'im some time to adjust to the "new you." ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Everything except surgery.

Running over to grab cactus wren purse..ughhhhh dang thing is heavy...:chuckle

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Originally posted by finness

Hi!

I guess I'm in need of a self-esteem booster. This is my first semester of nursing school, and until recently, I've been really excited about my decision to join the health care field. However, as soon as my father discovered my chosen vocation, he flipped! He told me that I'd make a terrible nurse! He told me that I was far too brainless, awkward, shy and impersonal to make a good nurse. I am NOT at all upset that my father was so malicious. His skepticism of my abilities is serial in nature. As it is, he's talked me out of going to college twice, moving out once, and tried his da**est to keep me from getting a high school diploma. However, I wondered if there was SOME truth to his words. I AM soft-spoken and my feelings CAN get hurt quite easily. Does this put me as a disadvantage entering the nursing field? What are your opinions?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sarah, if being a nurse is in your heart, please do not let anyone tell you you can't do it (including yourself!). You've made it this far, so surely you are not "too brainless". I'm not sure why your father isn't supportive, but believe in yourself, and with hard work and determination you will succeed!

Sarah

:p

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Sarah....having been raised by the BIGGEST NAYSAYERS in the WORLD who said I could never amount to anything, I say go for it. I not only finished nursing school w/a 4.0GPA but am now what I consider a darn good nurse....sure I have days when I think I am not good enough...we all do. But never, ever let any naysayer distract or discourage you from a calling or desire. you only live once...make it count and forget what dear old dad says!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My fist hubby was just like that!...my son was only 2YO at the time too...so l went to spite him...he did everything to discourage me...problems w/ child care...oh l can't tell you!....well, that's been 22 years ago...even went back to get my RN....don't listen to them...go for it.....LR

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes Sarah--your father is the one with the problem!! I don't know your situation-but my father told me essentially the same thing 30 years ago- that I didn't have the brains, etc to be a nurse, and I have been a nurse 20+ years, after being very sucessful academically in nursing school.

Your father has some issues, whether he has low self-esteem and doesn't want you to succeed when he feels that he has not been sucessful in life, or he is fearful of losing you--the problem is his, it is no reflection on you or your abilities!

Sarah, you express yourself very well in your writing, so you are clearly not brainless! As far as being soft-spoken, many patients find this much more soothing than dealing with a "loudmouth". As for being sensitive-if you are a sensitive person you will be more sensitive to your patients needs. It sounds like you have a lot to bring to the nursing profession, so pursue your goal, and don't let your father or anyone else keep you from trying. I know that it is hard to deal with such a negative family member, but focus on school and try not to pay as much attention to your detractor. Stick it out, and you will make it!

:kiss

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment