How does one "think like a nurse"?

[olympia]

I was just recently told by my theory instructor, "In order to be a nurse, you must think like a nurse...and you just do not think like a nurse." She said that I think too logically, in terms of either right or wrong. Then she went on to say that I should stay in my previous field in the financial industry where I can apply my skills (I was a quality analyst prior to entering nursing school).

I have always had a passion for nursing and returned to school 2 years ago to pursue a BSN. The only health care experience I have had previously was working for a health insurance company years ago. My only clinical experience was through my first round of clinicals this semester. I really enjoyed working with the clients at the various clinical sites, and feel that nursing does give me a sense of fulfillment. I am in my third year of schooling and now have that lingering doubt, do I have what it takes to be a nurse? Will I ever be able to "think like a nurse"? And how do I go about changing my thought process? Should I bail out now and finish my degree in another field?

Ugh...I am thinking about all of this when I should be studying for finals:o

[CuriousMe]

I was just recently told by my theory instructor, "In order to be a nurse, you must think like a nurse...and you just do not think like a nurse." She said that I think too logically, in terms of either right or wrong. Then she went on to say that I should stay in my previous field in the financial industry where I can apply my skills (I was a quality analyst prior to entering nursing school).

I have always had a passion for nursing and returned to school 2 years ago to pursue a BSN. The only health care experience I have had previously was working for a health insurance company years ago. My only clinical experience was through my first round of clinicals this semester. I really enjoyed working with the clients at the various clinical sites, and feel that nursing does give me a sense of fulfillment. I am in my third year of schooling and now have that lingering doubt, do I have what it takes to be a nurse? Will I ever be able to "think like a nurse"? And how do I go about changing my thought process? Should I bail out now and finish my degree in another field?

Ugh...I am thinking about all of this when I should be studying for finals:o

Isn't that what we're supposed to learn in nursing school...how to think like a nurse? I guess I figure that you learned to think like a quality analyst for your former career....now you just need to learn to think like a nurse.

Best of luck!

Peace,

CuriousMe

[CrystalClear75, BSN, RN]

Don't let that one thing someone says deter you from fufilling your desire to become a nurse. I have heard plenty of stories where an instructor said "your not cut out to be a nurse" straight out to a student, did she back down?(friend of mine). NO, it only made her stronger. Take your final and try your best to be the best nurse that YOU KNOW deep down that you are able to be...maybe on the surface "she thinks" that you don't think like one, but you CAN if you want to! You made it this far!

Good luck!

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

How can you think like a nurse if you've never been one before??

Seriously, some instructors ought to be booted right out of their tenured positions and forced to go back into clinical practice, AKA "the real world". This one also could use some lessons in diplomacy. Don't let her run you off if nursing what you really want.......the critical-thinking, instinctive aspect of it comes much later, usually after at least a couple of years in practice (and a good many mistakes).

I have a rule of thumb regarding "advice" like this: if two or more people are telling me the same thing, I will at least consider the idea that they may be correct. It doesn't sound like anyone else is discouraging you from going through with your program, however, so do what YOU want to do.....and when you graduate, you can tell this instructor to go chase a cat!

[Rianna1]

Don't let what your instructor said question your desire to be a nurse. You said you enjoyed working at the clinical sites, so keep at it.

[Zana2]

Oh, give me a break! You don't think like a nurse!!!!!!!!!!!!!You haven't got enough experience to be able to think like a nurse.

I'd say your analytical skills will keep you in good stead, you'll set a solid knowledge foundation, one to build upon in years to come. Until you get the full picture, you will rely on 'black ad white' facts.

Keep at it and ignore your instructor.

I'm a bit cunning when it comes to difficult people like this. I'd go and throw a remark along the lines: thank you for pointing that out, I am aware now, luckily i've got an experienced nurse like you to show me the ropes, I'll keep my ears and eyes open and learn from you.

Yeah right. It's only for a limited period of time you have to put up with it, and you want to get signed off, keep your eyes on that and ignore the rest.