Im doubgting myself..can I really become a Nurse?

JulieRN07 · Oct 23, 2007

Nursing is definitely not for everyone- that is a given. But just because an IV insertion made you uncomfortable- doesn't mean you weren't cut out to be a nurse. Yes, you do have to have a fairly strong stomach, but you also are required to have a love for people and making them feel better on all levels.

Don't be discouraged by feeling uncomfortable, there are still a lot of things in nursing that make me uncomforable. But it can't hurt to step back and examine how you feel in your heart and make your decision based on that.

txpixiedust · Oct 23, 2007

Don't let rejection letters keep you from doing something you really want to do. Unfortunately more people want to get into nursing school than there are avaialble slots. Apply to several schools, and keep taking whatever courses you can.

As far as not Nursing not being a good fit for you - that's really for you to say. However, you will have to know how to start IV's, give shots, put NG tubes (tubes that go through the nose, down the throat and to the stomach) in, clean traches, put in urinary catheters, etc. Everyone seems to have one skill they dislike more than others - but if you really want to be a Nurse you'll find a way to "get over it".

And perhaps, what you want is not as defined as you think - maybe you want to work in the medical field, but not as a Nurse. You could look into Radiology, Sonography, or Respiratory Therapy, etc. All of these fields require the same pre-req's so you wouldn't fall behind.

Whatever you do, it should be something you really enjoy doing. Not all Nurses have to start IV's on a regular basis - it depends on where you want to work and what specialty you're interested in...but you'll definitely need to know how.

Good Luck & God Bless!:balloons:

txpixiedust

lpncollegestudent · Oct 23, 2007

I can relate to you! i want to be a nurse, i just don't feel confident. i mean what if i just can't catch on? it's pretty scary! i know i want to be in the medical field, im soooooooooooo confused! the expectations are so high!

Cartman1532 · Oct 24, 2007

You can do it--just keep trying! I am graduating in April 08--BSN. You can learn all the skills--they are not that difficult! As far as IV's go--The difficulty depends on the patient--Some have good access and other dont have any! Nursing school is a pain--that is for sure--especially if you are going to do an 12 month BSN program--but it is worth it. Dont give up--:smilecoffeecup:

Athenas83 · Oct 24, 2007

I wouldn't worry about feeling uneasy at starting IVs. I was worried to death about giving flu shots this semester which is my first, and I had NOTHING to worry about. It was so easy and a lot of fun, and we had to do them on medical professionals.

I've realized the things I was worried about (skills) aren't the hard part of nursing. It's the critical thinking, what to do in a particular situation.

KJB_65 · Oct 28, 2007

Honestly, I've been a nurse for 12 years and still say a prayer when I start an IV. There are things that I do not like to do. Trach care makes me gag but it didn't stop me from being a nurse. If this is what you want to do don't let fear of the unknown stop you. If you decide against it, be sure it's because you just don't want to be a nurse and don't base your decision on stories you have heard or a few unprofessional, uncaring individuals. There are fabulous nurses that love what they do and treat their patients with compassion and care. We don't hear enough stories about them. Nursing is not easy and it never will be. You will still be questioning some things long after you have your license in your hand and it's ok to do that. I understand your frustration with the rejection letters but if it's what you want then it's worth it to keep trying. Don't compare yourself to your classmates. Things happen for a reason sometimes. I hate to hear the doubt in your "voice" and I'm sorry you are feeling this way. Just dont give up if this is what you think you want to do. There are so many options. I wish you the best!

SarasotaRN2b · Oct 28, 2007

Don't worry about it until you get to that point. A lot of whether you will do IVs rest with the schools and the facilities...some schools will require it, some might not. Some facilities may require that nurses start their own IVs, some don't. I work in a hospital that has an IV team. Take one day at a time, you'll never know what you can do until you are at that point...making yourself worry now is doing yourself no good whatsoever.

I do hope that you hear something for this spring, if not maybe fall '08 will be your time...don't give up, if this is what you want.

Kris

Section1 · Oct 28, 2007

I agree with the above posters and don't give up until you have a full grasp of what nursing is, and is not all just starting IV's. I will also add that allot of things look scary and gross until you understand why and how they are done and then it's not such big a deal.

I would keep applying and maybe volunteer at a hospital or nursing home and see first hand if the job is right for you. It may not be and you will know pretty quick and if it is you will see yourself doing that job and loving it.

Nursing school is hard but you can do it if you work hard at it. As for the mean nurses, they are out there but by far the majority are kind and professional in their practice.

Good luck in your decision.

RN1989 · Oct 28, 2007

Write down all your goals, personal and career wise. Write down all the pros and cons of being a nurse. Look at all this stuff on paper, review it, pray about it. If in the end you REALLY want to be a nurse and believe that is where God is leading your life, the doubt will disappear and you will not let anything stop you on your quest. Achieving your nursing license is just like achieving any thing else in life. It takes hard work and perseverance and when it is "right", you'll know it.