Is nursing what you make out of it?

[rnmomtobe2010]

For instance, some say they hate it and some say that they love nursing. Others say that nursing school was/is not that bad and others say OMG I have no life, etc... I really and truly need to know. I know everyone's feelings are different but I am asking is it really that bad and has some of the stress became or becoming overwhelming? Or is it that all of the reading and memorizing is just toooo much?

Thank you

Candice

[jessiern, BSN, RN]

Or is it that all of the reading and memorizing is just toooo much?

It will be too much if you try to memorize everything. You can't memorize everything. You have to learn to prioritize and take a nursing test. Nursing test are like nothing else. You have to learn to take a small amount and read into it to find what you need. ABC's and Maslows is your best friend.

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

IMHO I think nursing is what you make out of it. Some people may find once they get into clinicals that it's not the profession for them.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Here's my opinion. The customer service demands have gotten so out of control that they interfere with accomplishing my real tasks at hand.

I'm expected to be the bellhop, secretary, waitress, housekeeper, concierge, pillow fluffer, maintenance woman, customer service agent, and so much more. Family members will become vulgar when I refuse to run to the soda machine for them. Visitors will become abusive to nursing staff upon learning that the facility is not a hotel with courtesy phones, sirloin steaks, and world class chefs. Patients demand instant gratification and will bark orders at staff for coffee, sodas, and things we do not even offer.

I simply have too much to do with too little staff, supplies, or support. My facility markets itself as the "Healthcare Hilton," but they do nothing to back it up.

I enjoy nursing. I hate the added "customer service" duties.

[Soonstudent]

I think it is. I think it is a challenging profession when compared to others, but I think it all comes back to your perspective. Sure there are easier things to get through than nursing school, but it's just because we arn't used to being in the situations nursing school puts us in. You have to be able to adapt and embrace change. Take it one step at at time. The payoff is great when you're done with school. I love my job, I'm making the most money I ever have, and I only work three days a week. Remember, it's all about perspective. Try looking at your situation from someone elses point of view that may be in a worst situation.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

A lot of has to do with the character traits of the student/nurse.

I've seen students blow things out of proportion, exaggerate and get bent out of shape over the littlest thing. I've seen new grads cry at the drop of a hat and stress until they burst a gastric ulcer. Others like myself are of sturdier stock and it takes a lot to break us. For the most part we are somewhere in between the two extremes. Most of us cope real well, but have our "moments" Often those are the moments you read about here and here people complain about.

It's a tough, demanding field that only the strong survive for the long-term.

Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Find some good stress-coping mechanisms. Summon ever single ounce of willpower and determination to succeed and you will be o.k.

[incublissRN, BSN, RN]

I agree with Tweety. After I graduated and started working I was having a hard time coping and I blew everything out of proportion. After a year and a half I now am more easy going but I still do a good job. I do get tired that I am a secretary, housekeeper, nurse, waitress, etc. but I just do the best job I can. It's not possible to get everything done or make everyone happy.

[sharona97, BSN, RN]

Is nursing what you make of it?

absolutley!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

nursing is what you make of it. heck, life is what you make of it!

[CHATSDALE]

there are some for nursing school is horrible and there are others who find that it is a breeze

most find it difficult esp if this is their first taste of nursing, but i think that the best nurses are the inbetween people

if you know how to take test and slide thru with good grades you will find a a wake up jolt when you are on your own on a floor with sick patients

if you try and learn every minor thin you can get bogged down in so many details that you can can not function

[zaggar]

Life is what you make of it. Happiness is a choice.

[Soonstudent]

Life is what you make of it. Happiness is a choice.

So true!