I'm trying nursing, but I'm hardheaded..will I last?

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I think I'm going to go into nursing, but I am hardheaded. On the job, I have to be told more than once to do things, my attention to detail is not that strong. I tend to make mistakes, though not fatal errors usually. Do you think this might be a problem in the nursing field? I like to cut corners and do things that are easiest for me instead of going by policy.

Specializes in Army Medic.

Why don't you put your questions into a concise set in your next post for people to reply to, since this has turned into a confrontational argument?

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

As a public forum we are limited in knowledge to only the text you post, plus our own personal experience and knowledge. We do not have the privilege of body language and other nuances that go along with proper communication.

I would suggest discussing this issue with people who know you on a personal, professional and advisory level in your area.

Best of luck,

Tait

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Be careful how you phrase things. The way you write makes it sound like you are careless in your actions or that you are not concerned enough with professionalism to do the right thing. Nurses take -and follow- orders. If you don't at least try to change your ways, you will face a lot of friction in your career.

Best of luck to you and I hope you find a way to make nursing compatible with your personality.

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Specializes in Operating Room Nursing.
I think I'm going to go into nursing, but I am hardheaded. On the job, I have to be told more than once to do things, my attention to detail is not that strong. I tend to make mistakes, though not fatal errors usually. Do you think this might be a problem in the nursing field? I like to cut corners and do things that are easiest for me instead of going by policy.

Given the information in this post I would say that if you truly want to do nursing you will need to work on some areas.

Being told more than once can be problematic. Now if someone is new to my clinical area then it's ok to be told something twice because there is so much for the brain to take in all at once that you can't expect someone to remember everything. But if I was working with a student/nurse and found myself constantly having to repeat things over and over then i would be having some serious doubts as to their abiliities.

As for cutting corners, I advise that when you start nursing you do things by the book. If you cut corners and there is a mistake and you haven't followed policy then you dont' have a leg to stand on.

You say you tend to make errors. Well we're all human. As a nurse your responsible for your practice. If you make a mistake then your held accountable. If you make the same mistake over and over then yes this is a problem.

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I read what "Pope Jane 3rd" writes and I think burnout.

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Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.

"Narcissistic Personality Disorder: an egotistical pattern. Beginning in childhood, these individuals believe that they are superior, special, or unique and that others should recognize them in this way......They overvalue their personal worth, direct their affections toward themselves, and expect others to hold them in high esteem. They define the world through their own SELF-CENTERED VIEW......They believe they are ENTITLED to be served and that it is their INALIENABLE right to receive SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS....."

Look at yourself in the mirror and read this...enough said....

Quote taken from: Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 2nd ed., by Mary Ann Boyd, PhD, DNS, RN, CS

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"Narcissistic Personality Disorder: an egotistical pattern. Beginning in childhood, these individuals believe that they are superior, special, or unique and that others should recognize them in this way......They overvalue their personal worth, direct their affections toward themselves, and expect others to hold them in high esteem. They define the world through their own SELF-CENTERED VIEW......They believe they are ENTITLED to be served and that it is their INALIENABLE right to receive SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS....."

Look at yourself in the mirror and read this...enough said....

Quote taken from: Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 2nd ed., by Mary Ann Boyd, PhD, DNS, RN, CS

Are you trying to help or just reinforcing bad behavior?

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Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.

The point of this quote is to introduce this personality disorder to PopeJane3rd. He fits it to a tee, IMO. Narcissists alienate people because of the traits associated with this personality disorder. PopeJane3rd is the epitome of one who feels entitled; YUCK!!!!

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"When people show you who they are, believe them the first time." -Maya Angelou

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Specializes in Operating Room Nursing.

I don't understand why your investing so much energy into attacking the OP. I think any psychiatric diagnosis should be left to the experts.

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I think I'm going to go into nursing, but I am hardheaded.

no, this wouldnt be a problem in the nursing field. provided that you would be able to work as a team member. in the field (just as on this forum) when you ask for advice/opinions from a seasoned nurse, then become upset because you dont like their advice, it will blow up in your face. it shows a lack of willingness to learn, as well as a lack of respect.

On the job, I have to be told more than once to do things, my attention to detail is not that strong. I tend to make mistakes, though not fatal errors usually. Do you think this might be a problem in the nursing field? I like to cut corners and do things that are easiest for me instead of going by policy.

yes, all of these attributes would be a (huge & dangerous) problem in the nursing field, as well as in nursing school. instructors dont "pick on" weak or "different" individuals. they get paid to educate individuals & prepare them to become nurses... they will not ignore the fact that someone is resistant to education & guidance, unwilling to put forth the effort to pay attention to detail, cut corners & therefore makes mistakes (which in nursing could quite easily equate to fatal errors)

nurses are responsible for paying attention to detail and doing the right thing the right way. if thats not something youre capable of, or willing to change about yourself, then no... nursing is not a good career choice for you.

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Specializes in A and E, Medicine, Surgery.

No you won't last, not so much because you are hardheaded but more so because you will clash with experienced nurses when they express an opinion that differs to yours - just look at the posts - enough said.

I see from your previous posts that you want to work in the ED. As a senior nurse who has worked in this field for many years I need to know that every single one of my nurses knows that if the occasion warrants if i say "jump" they say "how high". They is no place for a nurse who does not pay attention to detail in a trauma or arrest situation. Competition to work in this field is high, our last position for a newly qualified nurse had over 100 applicants so we can afford to be choosy and quite frankly if I can have the pick of the best I wouldn't even glance twice at a corner cutter's application.

I also noted from previous posts asking for nursing advice you are posting advice. To be fair you preface it with "I am not a nurse" but the advice you have posted is on occasion incorrect and your confidence surprises me. It would be like me posting a response on a mechanics post - yes I might be able to locate the engine but I don't have any substance behind the workings of that.

I know you won't like or value the content of my post and expect it to be copied and slated but you posed the question. There are to many keen, committed, hardworking student nurses to make space for one like you.

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