I Empathize Too Much. Will I overcome it???

JentheRN05, RN · Nov 6, 2005

LOL - All I can say is if you do choose to become a nurse, just hope you NEVER overcome it. It means alot more to your patients if they see you do care.

And as far as feeling the need to say you have a 'high & tight' haircut. :chuckle It doesn't matter what you look like, it matters that you care.

sddlnscp · Nov 7, 2005

Wow! I sincerely hope that all these qualities are necessary in nursing (after all, I exhibit most of them myself ). I could not imagine being cared for by a stone-faced nurse who acted as though whatever situation I might be in did not phase him in the least. I would hate to go through a life-altering event without compassion. This is the type of field you go in because you care - good for you, keep that attitude!

BTW - thank you for being open about and with your emotions - more people could take a lesson from you!!!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2005

I'm a male nurse. Why are you buying into the stereotype that an empathy in a male is a bad thing? Or empathy is the domain of femine guys and females only? It's the backbone of nursing. It's what sets us apart from the "normal" jobs out there.

You gotta have empathy dude. Don't lose it.

Obviously, you can't get overly emotionally involved, that's unhealthy. But empathy in it's purest definition "to put yourself in someone else's shoes" is a good thing, because you care.

I'm not understanding your need to tell us what your hair looks like. Don't worry, you can be a manly man and be a caring compassionate nurse.

NicInNC, CNA · Nov 7, 2005

Let me say hello to all,

I am not a nurse but after my ARMY Enlistment expires, in 6 months, I will be pursuing a Nursing Career. My mother and grandmother are/was nurses. I have a "Nack" for sciences. Always have. I excelled in Physiology, Chemistry, Biology, and whatever else happened to catch my attention ATT. I even had a $1200 microscope which I was able to get when our local hospital did some moving around. That was at the age of 12. I dont count myself as unusually smart or gifted. I say this b/c when I enlisted my GT Score(ASVAB test) was 113 and in my MOS I have seen as high as 130's and up.

All in all, here is my problem. I empathize with any situation around me. Not every single situation, but all I would have to do is focus on the situation long enough to get personal with it(Doesnt take long at all.) and BAM, I am on the verge of choking up! This problem is that this happens only with sad stuff or extremely touching stuff. Ive even had tears well up.

I am a 24 year old male with no mental distress then and none now. All is great, I have just gotten married to my wonderful wife, and I have great plans for the future. I tend to be extremely analytical in the way I think and I have had to dampen that at times since I look at some things and break them down too much.

I am "For The Record" a well adjusted person, and my drinking buddies would never know how "sensitive-Female like" I can get if the movie or whatever strikes me in this way. Nothing against females at all. I Love you guys. Your just as capable as men. Maybe more emotional about things:chuckle

My big question is: Is this something you have ever heard of from a guy? In my case would I be a good nurse? Can I overcome it??? Numb it maybe??

P.S.- I even get teary eyes from reading some of the all nurses posts. Mainly sad stuff like hospice care and the like. Oh and I feel the need to add that I am a regular everyday guy with a "High & Tight" haircut.

I'm currently a CNA pursuing a nursing career. Why would you WANT to overcome it? Empathy is a WONDERFUL trait. I have gotten to the point that I don't care if I cry. I also spend a LOT more time with my residents and run around like a chicken with my head cut off at times trying to get things done because I want to spend TIME with my residents. I may not be finished with all my work by 8pm like most of my co-workers. I may be doing trash, charting or other things at 10pm. That's ok with me though because I can go home knowing that I made my residents happy. I have had so many families and co-workers compliment me and how I work. Some will admit that they don't want to do the extra things. I treat others how I would want to be treated. If I cry, I would feel better having a nurse, cna, WHOEVER cry with me because that shows me that they care and understand how I feel.

RENAISSANCE RN · Nov 8, 2005

why loose it... it will keep you sane.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Nov 8, 2005

You would be a most excellent nurse!

Would be honored to have you in our ranks.

nialloh, RN · Nov 8, 2005

I'm a male nurse. Why are you buying into the stereotype that an empathy in a male is a bad thing? Or empathy is the domain of femine guys and females only? It's the backbone of nursing. It's what sets us apart from the "normal" jobs out there.
You gotta have empathy dude. Don't lose it.
Obviously, you can't get overly emotionally involved, that's unhealthy. But empathy in it's purest definition "to put yourself in someone else's shoes" is a good thing, because you care.
I'm not understanding your need to tell us what your hair looks like. Don't worry, you can be a manly man and be a caring compassionate nurse.

Great post. But I'd like to add, a nurse without empathy will either burn out quickly or be very cold to the pts. We have all seen them.

Empathy is what makes a good nurse.