Is anyone happy they chose nursing?

Nurses General Nursing

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I start a BSN program in the fall. It seems that all I hear is how much people dislike the program. I also hear a lot of new nurses stating how much they dislike their jobs. I wonder if I made the right career choice. Is anybody happy with nursing?

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Specializes in PICU.

I love being a nurse. I couldn't imagine doing anything else. The best part of nursing for me is knowing that you made a difference in someone elses life even for a moment. I still don't know that I completely love the area I have chosen to to work...ER...but I am hopeful that one day I will. I just got hired at into PICU at a childrens hospital for September and am hopeful that maybe I will like the area a lot more. But as for nursing...again...I personally love it, thrive on it. There is so much you can do the opportunities are endless. And there are so many people out there that need us and rely on us during the times of greatest despair and greatest happiness.

Hope that helps

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Look at these two videos. They're a part of J+J's campaign for nurses. This is why I'm in nursing school.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5283300603008531375

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3954898298802805776

And for the record, I wouldn't work in any other field, nor would I want to

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Specializes in High Risk In Patient OB/GYN.

Thrilled.

Seriously.

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Specializes in Neurosciences/Telemetry/Med-Surg/Travel.

I am! I know it's not at all bed of roses but I still am happy that I'm a nurse!

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Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

I am a new nurse. Yes it is stressful, but also rewarding and fuflilling. Tonight a pts son came up to me and said simply, "thank you so much for taking care of my mother so well"......he almost looked as if he would cry...I know how heartfelt his thank you was.

No matter how stressed I get ~ that feeling of really making a difference is SO worth it.

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The education is a long, competitive process and the first year on the job can be an overwhelming time of learning, but I think it's definitely worth it for me!

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Specializes in ICU, currently in Anesthesia School.

I don't think I would want to do anything else.

The job has it's bad side, but the good days far outnumber the bad!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Yes, it definitely is something I enjoy doing.

You might find some venting and ranting posts/threads here because this is a safe place to let off steam. Most of us are at least satisfied with our career choice. Otherwise, we would get out.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I'm 1/2 way through a 2 year diploma program and just completed an 8 week externship. So far, I am very happy that I followed my instinct to leave the corporate world and become a nurse.

As traumaRUs says above, this forum is a place to blow off steam, so expect to see some grumbling.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Best advice? Give yourself an 18 month "contract" after you graduate. Learn as much as you can and get as much experience as possible during nursing school, but don't even entertain the possibility of leaving the field during the first year and a half out of school. It is so stressful and difficult, and it takes some time for you to feel comfortable in what you're doing. Look for a position in a hospital with a fellowship program....they will teach you above and beyond what you learned in school, help you learn your role, and stand over your shoulder until you're competent.

I wanted to quit many times during my first year, but my husband kept telling me to hang on. I'm so glad I did!! I love my job, and I love the flexibility of our field. And the perks (both job related and not) and fabulous. You just have to get comfortable!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
I wonder if I made the right career choice. Is anybody happy with nursing?

I have worked in factories from General Worker to Quality Manager. I have been a waitress, bar tender, food prep in a kitchen, bakers helper, cake decorator, cashier, CNA, along with numerous other jobs. I loved every job as I did them, but, when you ask me what my favorite job was (and is), it's hands down... NURSE! A bad day at work is still better than a great day in any other job I have ever held. I love to take care of others, if I make 1 nano-second better for someone then I'm happy. I made the right choise! :balloons:

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