Interested in Nursing --Your Experiences & Advice

acceleratedorbust · Jun 12, 2011

Valintin, the only real contact I had with nurses was as friends and neighbors and my personal experiences when I went into the doc myself or took a family member. But, when my mother reached her 80s, became increasingly dependent and I had a young son at home to care for whose father had just died, i decided to get closer to home by becoming a caregiver for older folks living independently in their own homes. As their needs grew, I turned to a local agency to ensure they were getting the medical care they needed through visits from skilled staff. Working alongside nurses totally changed my life. I felt like I'd finally found my way home. These women were knowledgeable, communicative, open, responsive and responsible. I was so impressed with what I saw that when I became frustrated because I didn't quite understand all the physiological & psychological changes my clients/mom were going through, I decided that maybe it was time for ME to head to nursing school myself.

People can TELL you anything, but, until you experience it yourself, you just won't know for sure. My suggestion is, that, apart from hearing the great stories others have to sure, the best way to know whether or not nursing is for you is to immerse yourself in the field, one way or another: job shadow/CNA, etc.

Good luck to you. Hope this helps. :)

Valintin · Jun 12, 2011

Thanks, I plan to. (: I'm already filling out a volunteer form to help out at the local hospital. I'm hoping that it will give me some more insight.

I'm just so unsure at times. I've seen and heard so much bitterness from people who work in the medical/health care field. I just want someone to tell me what I already know: That making a difference and helping others feel better outweighs all the negatives.

Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2011

I went to LPN school in my 30's. I've worked in LTC, psych, and hospice. My favorite place is hospice. I was in a BSN program, but had to drop out due to my husbands illness and death. I spoke w/ the dean when I dropped out in March and they are saving me a place in the fall class. I love nursing! Sometimes it's stressful dealing with pain issues, greiving caregivers and pts, occasional long days. BUT it is so rewarding. Having someone hug your neck after their spouse of 50+ years dies and telling you they couldn't have done it without you touches you in a special way.

I honestly believe I would do this job for free, but the bills do have to be paid. I've always heard that if you find something you love and can get paid for it you'll never have to work a day in your life.

I hear it's hard out there right now, especially for new grads. You say you are volunteering. Great! Check into CNA training or personal care attendant and get your foot in the door. A young woman I know did private duty sitting in an LTC facility while in RN school. She was offered a job as soon as she passed the NCLEX. Good luck to you!

loriangel14, RN · Jun 13, 2011

You have to remember that when you read posts on forum ( such as allnurses) that you are hearing people vent. Nurses come here to talk to others that know where we are coming from.If we have had a bad day or are aggravated by a situation it's not true reflection of how we really feel about our jobs.Most of us love nursing and couldn't imagine being anything else.

As for your questions..

What you have to deal with depends on where you work of course. Generally besides patient care nurses have to deal with communication, education and solving problems.

How much stress depends again on where you work .There are some jobs less stressful than others. I think that you are more stressed as a new grad when you are just trying to get the hang of things.

The best thing is when you get a heartfelt thank you from a grateful patient or a family. Knowing you made a difference in someone's day/life can really lift your spirits.

The worst is dealing with anyone that doesn't appreciate what you do.

I would recommend the job to anyone that really wanted to be a nurse. You have to really want to do this.

I don't feel the pay is too bad. I am a Practical Nurse in Ontario and I make $26.50. My sister is an RN in the same hospital and she makes about $40.Pay rates will vary all over.