I want to be a nurse, BUT..

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So here is the deal:

I have been watching a few medical-related TV shows such like House,Body of Proof, Trauma, and the likes this week. Whenever I see some gruesome stuff like cutting someone's neck, or doing a major surgery, I easily get uneasy and lose my appetite for a couple of days.

Since high school, I always dream to be a nurse, but I just can't take to see gory stuff; what am I supposed to do? Will I ever be successful to fulfill my dream?

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That's how it is in the health field. There are times when you'll even have to deal with dead bodies. I used to be grossed out when I see crap on the floor or gag when I see nasty spit, but after working in the hospital for a long time I've grown accustomed to it.

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@ RNstudent4now: thank you very much for your response! :) I am thinking of the same thing, that I will be used to it when I am already working in the hospital.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

A number of thoughts but the first is, "Why is it your dream to become a nurse?"

I'm also wondering if you're exaggerating... You really lose your appetite for days based on faked gore from the TV?

Regardless, I think most people get over their squeamishness about certain things, or at least develop the ability to cope with it.

Finally, recognize that what you see on those dramatic television shows is just that: Drama. Everything about it is designed to evoke an emotional, visceral response. I've seen nothing in a hospital with much resemblance to the (admittedly very limited) things that I've seen on TV.

I you really "dream" to become a nurse, go for it and deal with the squeamishness by exposing yourself to it.

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@ ♪♫ in my ♥: Thanks for your response. I want to be a nurse because I want to heal people, simple as that. I don't know why I am disgusted whenever I see bloody stuff, but I like watching scary movies such like the Saw series.

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If you really want to help people, then eventually you will learn to deal with these things. You might surprise yourself! This is my first semester in nursing school and I've had 2 situations that I had to deal with some things that if you had asked me about a couple of years ago, I would have said heck no!! But the only thing going through my mind at the time was I need to help my patient. One of my instructors, who is a practicing NP and has been in nursing for over 25 years told us a story recently about a patient that she had to excuse herself from because she was not prepared to see what she saw and she had to take a moment to gather herself but she went right back in and did her job. Hey it happens. If you really have a passion to help people then go for it. Like I said, you just might surprise yourself.

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@mangopeach: Thank you so much for your response! :) From now on, I will not be scared of what I see on the television, and I am still going to pursue nursing!

Thank you all for your kind responses, I really appreciate it!

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Specializes in Infusion.

I don't imagine that I could ever be a paramedic or EMT and see the very raw injuries and some very horrible sights. However, I don't mind a little vomit or blood. It's rare that you will see absolute gore as a floor nurse.

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@ JROregon: Thanks for your response! I also wanted to be an EMT. hihi

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Specializes in Private Practice- wellness center.

I was kind of like you, only I would flip out about the thought of having to see or handle someone else's sputum or feces. I just finished my fist semester of clinicals, and I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that neither one grossed me out like I thought it would. I still wouldn't say it was GREAT having to clean up after a patient w/ C-diff, or someone who is seemingly coughing up half of his lung, but I was perfectly able to maintain my composure and put them at ease. You will more than likely surprise yourself when it comes to that. :D

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@ KristeyK: Thank you!

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Oh I know how you feel. I use to think I was all fine with all the yucky stuff. Untill my husband came home after hitting his head on a piece of tubing.

It was just a small gash. As I was cleaning it out I was asking questions like "Are you OK?" "Do you FEEL alright" "Do you feel like your going to puke?" He laughs " No, do you?" And just like that a wave came over me!! haha I fell weak and sick. I had to sit down on the floor and take a glass of water!!!

I sure hope it was a one time thing.

I can just see me asking a paitent... "Can you move over on the bed ma'am...I need to sit down!!!!" LMAO! Just kidding of course!

I am sure after seeing things on a daily basis you kinda grow hard to them!!

Best of luck,

Jennifer

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