I'm not asking for

[aeonaaron]

The thought of helping people has, since forever, dwelled in my mind. But the thought of becoming a nurse has just peaked. I like the idea of becoming familiar with the medical feild and I like the idea that I can carry out my teachings into the public, maybe in case of an emergency. That is also why I am CPR certified. I can understand that I can never justify my life through witch carreer I choose, so to get an idea of the medical world, since I am a more hands on person, I'd like to see what its like. Besides reading threads on this and other forum, what can I physical do to begin to get an idea if its something im interested in?

[baylor06]

My hospital has a "shadow" program available to employees looking to change fields as well as the general public where you can spend a few hours with a nurse, etc. Contact HR at some of your local hospitals to see if they have a similar program. Good luck!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Due to patient confidentiality issues we discontinued shadowing at our hospital. But you may be able to contact the educator at a hospital, leave your name & number, and ask nurses to contact you personally for interviews. You can visit a nursing school website to see what are the requirements for degree and licensure. You can go to a bookstore (even generic ones like Books a Million and Barnes & Nobles) to browse the textbooks or related material. Good luck!

[franciscangypsy]

When I was considering nursing in high school, I volunteered at a hospital and got my CNA certification. Being an aide helped me the most in deciding whether or not I wanted to go into nursing. It shows you 1) if you can handle the hours; 2) if you can do the "dirty work" -- not "just" passing meds, performing education, etc.; and 3) whether or not you like the "feel" of working in healthcare.

Being an aide before I went for my RN was probably the best thing I ever did. It kept nursing from being a complete surprise when I finally decided to make a "go" of it.

I wish you luck in choosing whether or not to pursue a career in healthcare. As frustrating and crazy as it can be at times, I couldn't imagine any other career.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

Volunteer at your local hospital.

Recommend a good book: Intesive Care: The story of a nurse by Echo Heron. I believe this book gives a novice a clear picture what nursing involves and what expectations are involved with nursing.

Agree with above poster: I became an aid too prior to becoming a nurse and can honestly say the work is thankless and sometimes others put you down, you're the lowest one on the totem pole. But, if you are willing to go to a community college for a semester to learn the skills and get certified it's worth it.