I have a few questions for all of you; how did you choose nursing as a career? What was the thought process and time line behind your decision? What was your family and friend's reaction to your decision? Are they supportive?
I think I would make an excellent nurse and have toyed with the idea for quite some time. Only recently I decided to make it my main focus and pursue my RN, full steam ahead. The issue is that my loved ones have watched me pursue things and fail (like teaching) in the past and are a bit skeptical, but still supportive. I really feel like this is my last shot. I know nursing is a long path - I'm afraid I'm going to get discouraged and give up, just like in the past. I have never put 100% into anything, and this path definitely requires 110%. I feel like I can do it, but I am scared. I really want to do this. I think I want this more than I've ever wanted anything. Have any of you ever experienced anything similar? Thanks in advance.
Specializes in Med/Surge, Geriatrics(LTC), Pediatricts,.
Most of us in Nursing knew we wanted to be a nurse way back when we were tiny tots. For me, it's no different, I wanted to be a nurse as long as I could remember, when my firends and I played "house" there were enough of us to have "jobs." And I always chose to be the nurse. Then I grew up, and in HS Guidance councelor directed me to go into business, that was in the 70's, I did, went to Business college, and hated most every minute of it, loved the friends I made. Then promptly went into the work force to pay off college loans in the midts of a recession, with business' failing had to take whatever I could get to make a wage and pay off loans, and live. Then during a period of lay off time, I joined the Job Training Partnership Act, JTPA, a Fed Gov grant program to train adults for better jobs. Finaly someone who listened to what I wanted to do. While in HS, being financialy challenged, I had to do, at that time, pretty much what others told me to do, now I had the chance to go my own direction. And for the past 20+ years, have been in the Health care field, as a nurse (LPN) or an EMT, and have loved it. It's not the place to be if you think you can get by on your laurels of being an A student in HS, you have to put effort into it. And it's a serious vocation, no matter what level of nursing you go into, while in school, you have to put your priorities in order, and most times give up that party on Friday night so you can prepare for the exam on Monday morning. And when you get that job in the hospital or other setting, you are going to be relied upon to be alert, and ready for the shift, and then some. So, if you are a party girl, Nursing's not for you. If you want prestige Nursing's not for you. If you want to make a difference in someones life, and you are willing to put in the "blood, sweat, and tears" then Nursing is the greatest oportunity ever. As an LPN, one of the things I despise is having a charge RN who realy doesn't like being there, it shows in the work performance, and you will loose respect from your staff. So, make sure beyond a shadow of a doubt, this is what you want to do, then if it is, and you are willing to make the sacrifices, go for it.
It was never a question for me as to what I wanted to become. And, I remember as a child wanting to see everything medical. I played nurse, took care of minor illnesses, and scrapes/cuts. Fascination of caring for those in need from injuries or illnesses with the science of the reasons for the complications, as well as, seeing the change take place as one heals. This is what kept me interested. Nothing has ever changed my mind about my profession. I love my job. And, it is so rewarding. Oh, there are days when I think I've had all I can stand, but, then I see/hear/feel something that tugs at my heart. And,, I realize...this is what it is all about.
i am currently finishing my prereq's now and i will apply for nursing school in september. i am 40yrs old and have wanted to be a nurse since i was 18. i had all kind of jobs from a hairstylist to a police officer. i finally decided last year that i wasn't going to continue to work anymore dead-end, low paying jobs. i rented out my house in atlanta, got rid of a $600 a month car note...bought a cash car & moved back to chicago to live with my 70yr old parents in the basement with my dog. you can do it!!! i too have made several attempts to go back to school to finish my the prereq's...and i dropped out at least 10 times...because i thought it was too hard. but i know it's now or never...and i'm determined to give 100% even it kills me. i work at hospital so i have allot of nursing that encourage my efforts. believe in yourself...don't let anything stop...good luck!!!
True, nursing takes 110% of your time. You need to be focused,dedicated and ready to give up many things you currently do-well that's how it was for me. I to felt it was my last chance to do something,but afraid I was going to fail-so.. I did the LPN program first (took 1 year), then I enrolled in RN school at a college 50 miles from my home, of which I received 16 credit hours for my LPN license. In the back of my mind I felt if I didn't make it in RN school (which made me work harder), I at least had an LPN license. It took me 3 yrs. but it's worth it. Took my RN boards-passed, and my 1st job interview I was accepted-I couldn't be happier. So, I say go for it. If you don't try, you'll never know.
Once I got the idea that I wanted to become a nurse, I worked as a volunteer in a PACU unit for a while. Really liked it and really loved the nurses. Also, I had a month long stint as a patient before that, in critical care, and was really impressed with what nurses do in this country.
Essentially I made the decision and became willing to go to whatever lengths to do it. It meant a huuuuuuuge pay cut (seriously 6 figs) and a ot of pain in the bottom pre-reqs etc etc.
I would suggest, if you have not already, getting some kind of experience around the healthcare field.
This was a great thread and one I needed to read because I used to feel as though I wasn't going to make it as a nurse because I didn't always want to be a nurse. In fact, I was a corporate secretary for 15 years but a few illnesses and life setacks caused me to be out of work for a few years. When I was ready to enter the work force again, it was difficult to get a job in the financial industry again. I needed to find a career that would allow me to play "catchup" - one that had an abundance of jobs and allow me to get back on my feet financially and create a comfortable life for myself again. I'm single with no children so I need to ensure that I will be able to eventually provide a solid retirement for myself since it's just me (for now anyway - who knows what the future might bring:)). Both of my parents were RN's (my Dad was an ER Nurse for 30 years) so it's kind of in my blood anyway. And I've always enjoyed helping others even if it was in a different capacity. I'm now at a point where I'm pretty secure with my decision. I'll be 40 next month and in my 4th month of pre req's - starting my clinicals in January 2011 and looking forward to being the best nurse I can possibly be - just like I was the best secretary I could be.
Specializes in ICU, Trauma, ER, Peds, Family Practice.
Nursing is a great profession . You are always learning. There are so many niches.
However, it is also very stressful and if this is something that you have dreamed about then no one can talk you out of it. However, there are so many wonderful biochemical professions. The study of genetics is blossoming , molecular & cellular biology. A chance to help cure cancer, public health positions without becoming a nurse. I think it would be good to look into some of the other fields before jumping into the nursing profession.
About 2 years ago I volunteered in a pediatric cancer ward for a Christmas event. Those kids changed my life. They were an inspiration to me. Despite having cancer and not being able to have what we like to call a "normal" childhood, these children smiled, laughed, and played for quite a few hours. They were hooked up to IV's walking around with their parents and the look on their parents face when the child smiled was priceless. I knew in that moment I wanted to make a difference and wanted to become a nurse that worked with pediatric cancer patients. That's my ultimate goal. I want to help them recover physically, emotionally, and mentally. I know it isn't happy all of the time, but if I can give that child 1 more smile in their life then that is a success to me.
Wow - I could have written the first post because I have a BS in computer science and a masters in teaching, so now I'm on my third career. Having said that, though, I have considered becoming a nurse since high school, but somehow I always ended up in the business environment. For the last 10 years, while going to school, I earned money as a medical transcriptionist in hospitals and from home. About 2 years ago, I finally decided to go for it, and I will be starting the accelerated associates program in fall. While doing my pre-reqs, I found out I'm completely out of my comfort zone... talking about having never looked through a microscope before in microbiology (I was raised in another country) and being completely dumbfound in biochem, I'm falling on all fours and still having good grades. I'm scared out of my wits to start nursing school as everyone says it is sooo hard, but I continue to tell myself that I'm single, I have no kids, .... well, I don't even have a pet because I know school will require all my time, so I should be fine, but there is that thing about the starting something completely new. All other careers, I was starting on familiar ground, but this will be totally different, so I'm trying to control my fears and anxiety and push through. I have a supportive family, including a super supportive ex-hubby and now best friend, although some of my friends are getting tired of hearing that I'm back in school :)
Sorry for rambling, but it really feels go to know how many people have experienced similar situations!!
Good luck, all fellow students, and thanks for sharing your experience, all nurses!
nursedora
105 Posts
Most of us in Nursing knew we wanted to be a nurse way back when we were tiny tots. For me, it's no different, I wanted to be a nurse as long as I could remember, when my firends and I played "house" there were enough of us to have "jobs." And I always chose to be the nurse. Then I grew up, and in HS Guidance councelor directed me to go into business, that was in the 70's, I did, went to Business college, and hated most every minute of it, loved the friends I made. Then promptly went into the work force to pay off college loans in the midts of a recession, with business' failing had to take whatever I could get to make a wage and pay off loans, and live. Then during a period of lay off time, I joined the Job Training Partnership Act, JTPA, a Fed Gov grant program to train adults for better jobs. Finaly someone who listened to what I wanted to do. While in HS, being financialy challenged, I had to do, at that time, pretty much what others told me to do, now I had the chance to go my own direction. And for the past 20+ years, have been in the Health care field, as a nurse (LPN) or an EMT, and have loved it. It's not the place to be if you think you can get by on your laurels of being an A student in HS, you have to put effort into it. And it's a serious vocation, no matter what level of nursing you go into, while in school, you have to put your priorities in order, and most times give up that party on Friday night so you can prepare for the exam on Monday morning. And when you get that job in the hospital or other setting, you are going to be relied upon to be alert, and ready for the shift, and then some. So, if you are a party girl, Nursing's not for you. If you want prestige Nursing's not for you. If you want to make a difference in someones life, and you are willing to put in the "blood, sweat, and tears" then Nursing is the greatest oportunity ever. As an LPN, one of the things I despise is having a charge RN who realy doesn't like being there, it shows in the work performance, and you will loose respect from your staff. So, make sure beyond a shadow of a doubt, this is what you want to do, then if it is, and you are willing to make the sacrifices, go for it.