How do I know that I have what it takes

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I have recently been contimplating to become a nurse. I get queezy at the sight of horrific things, I was recently online and saw a live picture of a cat being disected and it grossed me out. I am not use to needles. I do not like seeing people in pain, but I like seeing them get better. How can I possibly know before going to school that I can do this?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I don't like seeing people in pain either.

Are you empathetic? Compassionate? Can you handle stress. Do you have good common sense? Smart - you gotta make good grades to get into nursing school and pass the boards when through.

I think with time most people get over their queasiness. Fortunately in my program I never had to dissect anything because I had biology already in high school.

Lots to think about, please ask any questions. We're glad to help.

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I would maybe suggest becoming an Nurse Assistant, first. That's what I did, helped me learn where I want to work, and what speciallity to study. And, it's much less expensive to be certified as a CNA, and then learn what you like, than to go to years of school before learning. :) Plus, it kind of desensitises you to some things. Helps you get used to the settings and situations. :)

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I think the idea of becoming a CNA or similar job would be great for you to find out if nursing interests you. There are lots of nurses that are queasy about certain things, I'm sure you could find an area that was right for you. Good luck to you :)

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Specializes in Gerontological Nursing, Acute Rehab.

I don't think the fact that certain things make you queasy automatically disqualifies you from nursing. There are things that gross me out....that's why I could never work ER or OR. (esp. ortho or plastic surgery...nose jobs make me want to run screaming from the room) Don't even show me someone with broken, twisted limbs. There's a place for almost everybody in nursing, and you don't necessarily have to have a stomach of steel in order to be a good nurse. For instance, I'm not crazy about working with acutely ill patients.....that's why I like rehab nursing. Still get to see and do some cool things, and you are actively involved with people "getting better." If you have the will, there's something out there for you. Good luck with your decision.

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I don't think the fact that certain things make you queasy automatically disqualifies you from nursing. There are things that gross me out....that's why I could never work ER or OR. (esp. ortho or plastic surgery...nose jobs make me want to run screaming from the room) Don't even show me someone with broken, twisted limbs. There's a place for almost everybody in nursing, and you don't necessarily have to have a stomach of steel in order to be a good nurse. For instance, I'm not crazy about working with acutely ill patients.....that's why I like rehab nursing. Still get to see and do some cool things, and you are actively involved with people "getting better." If you have the will, there's something out there for you. Good luck with your decision.

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There are so many different personalities and skill sets in nursing. I used to be horrified too at the thought of dissecting animals, but I had to do it too, but I learned a lot, and found it valuable. It doesn't mean I like it or do it for a living.

There are lots of days that I still ask myself "do I really have the stuff for this?", but my patients give me renewed inspiration every day. So do the coworkers I'm so lucky to have who are such good caring examples. I always have to improve myself to be a good nurse. I'm really not a naturally organized person for example, but I try my best so I can do my best. If you think nursing is a good career path for you for whatever personal reasons you have, then you are right no matter what those reasons are. I hope you post often - we can give you help with school, becoming a CNA - which I also reccommend - good luck.

L.

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Thank you so much, I guess I have just grown up thinking that nurses are some type of robot born with special abilities to handle the "gross stuff":) It is encouraging to hear that you "could never work ER or OR", because I do not think I could either. I am learning slowly by talking with nurses etc... that there is NOT a specific mold for them. Rehab nursing, I never thought of that, thank you.

Less Confused:)

I don't think the fact that certain things make you queasy automatically disqualifies you from nursing. There are things that gross me out....that's why I could never work ER or OR. (esp. ortho or plastic surgery...nose jobs make me want to run screaming from the room) Don't even show me someone with broken, twisted limbs. There's a place for almost everybody in nursing, and you don't necessarily have to have a stomach of steel in order to be a good nurse. For instance, I'm not crazy about working with acutely ill patients.....that's why I like rehab nursing. Still get to see and do some cool things, and you are actively involved with people "getting better." If you have the will, there's something out there for you. Good luck with your decision.
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Thank you so much for the encouragement, I feel like I am taking this big leap of faith by going to school to be a nurse and it is kinda scary. I currenty am attending a paralegal program at Rockhurst and will be finished after completing one more class. I am somewhat young (23), no kids, and if I am going to go leaping I figure now is the best time to do it:) I hope.

There are so many different personalities and skill sets in nursing. I used to be horrified too at the thought of dissecting animals, but I had to do it too, but I learned a lot, and found it valuable. It doesn't mean I like it or do it for a living.

There are lots of days that I still ask myself "do I really have the stuff for this?", but my patients give me renewed inspiration every day. So do the coworkers I'm so lucky to have who are such good caring examples. I always have to improve myself to be a good nurse. I'm really not a naturally organized person for example, but I try my best so I can do my best. If you think nursing is a good career path for you for whatever personal reasons you have, then you are right no matter what those reasons are. I hope you post often - we can give you help with school, becoming a CNA - which I also reccommend - good luck.

L.

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I am going to look into some schools re: CNA, I have heard that it is only like a six week course????? I think this would be great for me also. I love what you said about desensitises you and getting me use to the setting, I never thought of it that way.

I would maybe suggest becoming an Nurse Assistant, first. That's what I did, helped me learn where I want to work, and what speciallity to study. And, it's much less expensive to be certified as a CNA, and then learn what you like, than to go to years of school before learning. :) Plus, it kind of desensitises you to some things. Helps you get used to the settings and situations. :)
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Nurses get queezy, I am starting to hear about this and I am loving it:) Maybe I can do this, thank you

I think the idea of becoming a CNA or similar job would be great for you to find out if nursing interests you. There are lots of nurses that are queasy about certain things, I'm sure you could find an area that was right for you. Good luck to you :)
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Specializes in OR, Hospice.
Nurses get queezy, I am starting to hear about this and I am loving it:) Maybe I can do this, thank you

Check out the thread "What squicks you out?" You'll see that every nurse has something that gets to them....and sometimes its something you'd never think twice about! :wink2:

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