Has anyone ever put down your career choice?

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Have people ever put you down for your choice in Nursing? I was having a conversation with an old friend and we talked about school and such. When I stated I will be graduating soon this individual made a comment on how I can soon start my career in wiping peoples butt's. This person stated they were joking but it clearly was an attempt to put me down (which isnt unusual for this person).

Does anyone else get angry when people are ignorant to what nurses do?

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I'm at a stage and age in life where I don't really care anymore about what other people think of my career choice. I'm going to do what I find fulfilling and makes me happy.

I can handle ignorant people...some are just uninformed or misinformed, and that's ok. Just set them straight. If someone acts condescendingly toward me (as your friend was to you), then that would be a different story.

Right now, I can't take the time, make the time, nor do I desire to spend the time entertaining other people's negative thoughts and energies.

:clown:

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Some folks don't know what nurses do..but how can you really describe what a nurse does? My friends all think it's cool what I do. They also think my schedule is awesome since I'm off 3-5 days at a time. And I never work more than 2 days in a row usually. Plus I make more than a lot of folks make, and work less days. Be happy with what you do

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ICU, ED.

I also have friend who is condescendingly about my decision to become a nurse when I decided to become an LVN. I've heard it all from her....

- Your going to be dealing with sick and dying people. Do you really want that kind of job?

- Your a CNA or something like that right?

- Nursing is a dirty job.

I recently got accepted to RN program. I am not going to let her know that I'm back in school and bridging. She's just going to say more negative things and I don't need that in my life right now. My thinking as to why she puts down me down is because she is probably jealous and wishes she went into nursing too. She was pre-nursing in college and couldn't pass any of her science pre-requisites.

Stay away from negative people like this and stay focused. Follow what you want to be and be a nurse!

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My BIL has stated that Im taking the easy way out with nursing nad that it wasn't an "important" job. I quickly pointed out that both his mom asd step mom are RNs and he needs to check himself real quick. and I also pointed out that when he had surgery, who actually took care of him. it wasnt the guy with MD behind his name, thats for sure.

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Thanks everyone for the replies! I guess I care soo much because me and her are really close. I also feel she may be jealous because she wanted to nursing at one point ( for the $) and realized she couldn't make it.

It's soo hard to explain all nurses do! But this is the path for me and I'm glad I chose it.

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Unfortunately I have found myself in a similar situation, negative ninnies. Happier to be surrounded by positive and like minded people- not the those that suck the life and energy out of me. Time to re-evaluate your friendship and move on...

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I have heard the same.... and more.

But I just remind myself that I am doing this for me, to better my life, my families life, and the life of those I get to care for.

I also try to remember that most people do not know the difference between CNA, LPN, RN, CRNA, etc. A lot of people do not understand the scope of dedication required to getting accepted to nursing school and trying to complete it. It is sad, as are most stereotypes.

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Specializes in ER, Med-Surg.

When I was first accepted into nursing school I was so excited and told EVERYBODY! After getting negative comments and not the appraisal I was expecting I learned not to do that.

It's hard for anyone else to understand what it is like.

I was at work yesterday and a nurse came in so I casually asked where she worked at in the hospital and I told her where we were doing our clinicals at. She....A STRANGER....quickly became so supportive of me. She told me that I would make it and nothing is as it seems in nursing school. That I can do it and good luck to me! There was a sense of understanding that only comes from someone who knows what it was like....it was nice. Now if I could only find someone remind me of that half-way through the semester when it feels like your world is crashing down around you!

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The people--really, the patients whom I care for as a hospital CNA--are overwhelmingly supportive when they inquire if I'm in school. That being said, there are a few older ones who have asked, "So, you don't want to be a doctor?" (I'm a guy, so I brush that off as antique views of gender roles.)

That being said, there are a few negative comments, mostly from patients and strangers, not friends. I have a few prepared responses which would be fun to use, but I never have actually used them.

1. While you're pushing paper work, I'm sprinting down the hallway with a crash cart. One of these jobs is boring.

2. Nurses are the most trusted professionals in the US, as survey after survey has demonstrated. Is your career that esteemed?

3. This "sissy male nurse" will be saving your a** when you have that impending massive coronary, buddy.

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A person who puts down any career choice is saying far more about themselves than they are about the career choice.

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The people--really, the patients whom I care for as a hospital CNA--are overwhelmingly supportive when they inquire if I'm in school. That being said, there are a few older ones who have asked, "So, you don't want to be a doctor?" (I'm a guy, so I brush that off as antique views of gender roles.)

That being said, there are a few negative comments, mostly from patients and strangers, not friends. I have a few prepared responses which would be fun to use, but I never have actually used them.

1. While you're pushing paper work, I'm sprinting down the hallway with a crash cart. One of these jobs is boring.

2. Nurses are the most trusted professionals in the US, as survey after survey has demonstrated. Is your career that esteemed?

3. This "sissy male nurse" will be saving your a** when you have that impending massive coronary, buddy.

Nursing is a wonderful career because of what it IS. Not because it's not boring or more highly regarded than another career :clown:

Jobs and/or carers do not define who we are.

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