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

[PopeJane3rd]

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.

[nursel56]

PopeJane3rd I tend to make mistakes, though not fatal errors usually.

Good to know! Sucks to be in that other group, though. You know, the mistakes that were not "not fatal".

If we are going to continue on this conversation, you need to keep the context correct, or I will become uninterested in carrying this on any further as it becomes too heated, and I'm not looking for that.

I think this is the part where the lack of insight and narcissism comes in.

I'm not the only one on here, if you by chance didn't happen to notice. You know, just for your info.

This must be the part where you are, you know, not sarcastic.

************

OK, I'm sorry. . . I'm a bad nurse for doing that. I'm going to repent. Anyway, seriously. You seem to be using the phrase "cutting corners" interchangeably with "mistake". Not the same thing at all. In the nursing world a "mistake" is the bad thing. The one that can get your license revoked or you could be fired, or kill a person. So when you say "I make mistakes, can I still be a nurse?" No nurse is going to say that it's OK.

Cutting corners, that's going to depend entirely on what you are cutting corners to accomplish. If this is in the nature of "tips" and shortcuts to do more in less time, than yes, nurses cut corners. You have to have a lot of experience when you do that, though. Graduate nurses don't know enough to make such a decision.

And in conclusion finally, huh? Your style of communication is odd. Not sure if you are poking the anthill for your own amusement, or very sincere with a detached sounding attitude. Best of luck whatever you do, though.

[Katie5]

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.

(Playing advocate here)> Expatiate on above pls...

[snoopy29]

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.

This post started as a request for opinion's on the OP's suitability in nursing as they themselves have identified some characteristics that might clash with the role.

People responded with a variety of views but with the main theme being no stay well clear of the field. The OP then comes back and personally attacks the people who's advice they had sought. For me if you pose a genuine question then you listen to the advice given. It might mean you hearing things that you don't particularly want to hear but many of the posters advise with many many years of nursing experience under there belt. My concern would be that if I had to address an issue with this nurse they would still believe that their way was right and continue. There is also a core of arrogance which conflicts with the student nurses role.

[kchic08]

First of all, before starting I'd like to say that I do not consider myself to be a mental health expert by any means, but would like to offer my thoughts. Your "ways" sound like they might come from a deep-seated low self esteem. Perhaps you've been told quite a bit that you can never do anything "quite right" despite how hard you tried, which would understandably make somebody anxious after enough exposure. The world can indeed be a cruel, judgmental place and I understand the feeling of just wanting to get your "ticket punched" and move on to a better place....perhaps having to be told to do things again and feeling the need to "cut corners" whenever possible reflects the lack of confidence you have in yourself. In nursing, there are different ways to do things, but always a "safe" way....safety ALWAYS has to be the thought guiding your actions, otherwise it's then you'd be looking at trouble. It seems like the nurses who earn respect are the ones who are the most organized, efficient, credible sources of information and have a demeanor that patients appreciate.....now being able to have all of these things is a talent! Some people are innately blessed with these traits and don't have to work too much at developing them, but chances are that most of us need to spend some time working to improve in 1 or 2 of these areas. Anyway, point being is that perhaps you're seeking to earn respect right away because you're tired of the times you've tried earning it, but to no avail. If you have some of these feelings in Nursing school or as a new nurse, I can bet that your instructors/supervisors will pick up on this and particularly find ways to challenge you to prove that you are suited for the job, which really might not be too much fun as it happens! I know this has been the case with me at least. I did have a tough time with a couple of instructors during school and my first job as a RN didn't work out. I've been out of employment for about a year now and have been able to find some aide work during this time....this time has allowed me to better realize the immature ways of thinking I had and what I need to do to be a better nurse in the future. Of course I know I care about others and enjoyed learning in Nursing school, which still makes me think that I'm going in the right direction, but can see how I had difficulties being a quality provider (always worried about being judged/reprimanded/"not enough"). I was not caring for myself and did not know how to, which made it hard for me to project a calm, caring demeanor to my patients. Throughout the years, I've had my feelings hurt quite a bit....however, I finally *get* now that there is no room for carrying those feelings around when trying to care for patients, unless you're able to use them in an effective way.

Probably the most helpful thing I can tell you is to be prepared to have to work to earn your respect in nursing school and as a new nurse. Even if you believe that you are doing an "okay enough", or even great, job with things and continue to be criticized, allow yourself to be humbled and work to see where the other person is coming from-- this will prove to be much better for you in the long run. Keeping a positive attitude and a strict focus on your patients and their safety is something that is helpful, esp. during those times. Again, I am not a mental health expert, but I would encourage you to take some time to think about why you continue to do the things you do that impair your work habits. I'd have to agree that those traits would not prove to be too helpful to you in any profession, which is why it is so important to learn to how to truly love and value yourself, so that you are able to do what you need to succeed. I have found counseling to be helpful, but also think being able to find caring, confident friends, or a mentor is particularly helpful and that time is also a great healer (once you begin to realize some things...). The beauty of Nursing is that it is a profession that demands your best self--I believe that if you have faith and determination, you can succeed. Work on finding out what your goals are and work to reach them. It sounds like you have a fairly solid knowledge base from your years of working in the lab. Learning about how the body works is pretty fun. :) I wish you my best as you work towards your professional goals!!! It sounds like you have a good awareness as to how you're percieved, so now it's just about learning what you'll have to do to succeed...