Has anyone grown to love nursing

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That didn't always dream of being a nurse. I'm considering going into nursing, but I have to admit I don't have a "passion" to be a nurse. I've always wanted to go into the healthcare field, but I know a lot of people say it's not worth it if you don't absolutely love being one. I do like helping people, and I definitely need the financial stability as a single parent. I'm just wondering if that's enough.

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Nope. 27 years in and Cupid can't get that aim right for crap!!!!:down:

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.
Nursing was never a childhood dream of mine. It was never some 'higher calling' for me. I got into the field for the income and flexible hours.

I'm still in nursing seven years later. I'll probably never grow to love it, but I'll remain in the profession as long as the working conditions, pay and hours remain somewhat tolerable.

Pretty much my take on things.

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You guys have given me a lot to think about. Thanks for the responses. What other medical jobs would be suitable for a single mom. My main problem is trying to find something that will pay enough for me and my daughter to live comfortably but I don't want to go into something that would make me lose my sanity.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
What other medical jobs would be suitable for a single mom. My main problem is trying to find something that will pay enough for me and my daughter to live comfortably but I don't want to go into something that would make me lose my sanity.

1. certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA)

2. licensed physical therapy assistant (LPTA)

3. speech language pathologist (SLP)

4. respiratory therapist (CRT or RRT)

5. health information technician (HIT)

One of my former coworkers was earning $35 hourly as an experienced COTA because she managed the rehab gym at the nursing home where I was once employed.

Another former coworker lived nicely as an experienced LPTA. She was a single mother of three who owned a house in a nice suburb and drove a newer Dodge Ram Quad Cab truck.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

There are definitely things I loathe about nursing. But, as I gain more experience, nursing is starting to become part of my identity. I'm not sure how or why that happened. It just is. There are parts that I love about it. It is certainly never boring! In addition, I'm PRN, so I get paid a LOT more than my benefitted coworkers. I'm well on my way to $100K this year. I'm also smart enough to know when I need a break, and I have a much-needed one coming up. I won't play down that the money probably has a role in my enjoyment of the job. It's too difficult and stressful to do for low pay.

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

I think having a desire to learn about healthcare and wanting to help people is enough. People who have a "passion" for nursing before they go to nursing school don't really know what its actually like to be a nurse, IMO. Im not there yet myself, but I see people who go to nursing school and get out and have a totally different idea of what they got themselves into. I think its better to not have an idea of what it will be like but just know that you are interested in the field and have compassion for people. Just my opinion. I also think the fact that your asking these kinds of questions is a good indicator that you will make a great nurse.

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Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.

I went to nursing school after a 15 yr career in the mental health field. I wanted to be a psych nurse. I worked on the psych unit at my local hospital while going to nursing school and planned to go out onto the floor as a psych nurse as soon as I got my license. Then the hospital closed the psych unit! I got a preceptorship on the orthopedic floor and HATED IT! I cried every time I worked. I called off. I finally left after a yr since I needed a minimum of a yr of med/surg to get the next job, which was in psych! I loved nursing again and have loved it ever since....even when I got brave enough and did a preceptorship in cardiac telemetry and ICU...just to see what else I could do with my education. I rationalized that I could always return to psych nursing when I got too old for bedside nursing. Well, I'm back now in psych and still love nursing!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Psych, Addictions..

If you enjoy, other peoples bodily fluids, mountains of paperwork, being blamed for EVERYTHING and being responsible for other people doing their jobs, then nursing is for you!

There are some good aspects, but most of the time I wish I were doing something else.

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Specializes in retired from healthcare.

I never thought I would like patient care until I actually met my first patients.

They were trusting and naive and that won me over.

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