Is nursing the best career to choose ?

Published

So, I am completely new to this forum but I decided to join to learn more about the career path I have chosen. I am a undergraduate student at Broward College and I am doing my last set of pre requisites, so I can go into the nursing program. At first I was pretty much excited about the nursing field
:yes::snurse:
but after a few convos with individuals presently doing nursing, I am starting to have little doubts in my mind.
:unsure:

From what they have shared with me, they absolutely
HATE
their jobs. I absolutely dont want to be in that position where I go through years of schooling to do something I will dislike for the rest of my
LIFE
:(
I wouldn't mind hearing some other opinions or experiences on the matter. For those who are presently doing nursing, what have your experiences been like ? And for those like me who are just about to begin, why did you decide to do nursing ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are many threads on this topic tha you might find of assistance.

You have to decide for yourself whether or not this is the best career for you. The best way to do this is to shadow a nurse. This way you can see for yourself what it really means to be a nurse and whether or not you would want to take it on and go through the schooling for it.

Best wishes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It all depend son you. Everyone is different. In my opinion, most people ago dislike being nurses are the ones who become one only for the $$.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

How bad do you want to be a nurse?

Are you ready to work evenings and nights?

Are you ready to work holidays an weekends?

Are you ready to be responsible for everything yet have absolutely no control?

Are you ready to be yelled at by families and patients?

Are you willing to "put up" with all of this for those moments that really matter?

Being a Nurse Means…

You will never be bored,

You will always be frustrated,

You will be surrounded by challenges,

So much to do and so little time.

You will carry immense responsibility

And very little authority.

You will step into people’s lives,

And you will make a difference.

Some will bless you.

Some will curse you.

You will see people at their worst,

And at their best.

You will never cease to be amazed at people’s capacity

For love, courage, and endurance.

You will see life begin

and end.

You will experience resounding triumphs

And devastating failures.

You will cry a lot.

You will laugh a lot.

You will know what it is to be human

And to be humane.

—Melodie Chenevert, RN

I have been a nurse for 35 years. There have been moments that I absolutely HATED my job but I have NEVER regretted my decision. I love being a nurse. I hate the bureaucracy and administrative dismissal of what nurses do that is so prevalent these days. I hate the degree inflation with no effort to preserving the quality.

Would I do it over again? YES.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You will have very bad days and you will have really good days. Just keep your head up and keep on keepin' on! At first it's hard to adjust to the long days or nights, not getting a single break, working 13-14 hour shifts, and being not only physically, but mentally and emotionally exhausted. You adapt.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not a nurse, but I am in a helping profession. I've said it before and I'll say it again - it's always rough for those who help. Burnout is high and becoming jaded is easy. I'm looking from the outside and I understand what nursing requires. You have to make that decision for yourself.

Most people become frustrated with their jobs. Most jobs have some sort of ******** you have to just deal with. Nothing is perfect... Now, do the pros outweigh the cons for you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I think many people have a romanticized notion of what nursing is. They don't realize it is a job, just like any other field. They have this vision of walking around and saving people's lives and being appreciated for what they do all while making great money. They think their 3 12 hour shifts will be during weekdays. It's an unrealistic notion of what nursing is. People are mean and rude. You can get treated as a servant. There's not enough time during the day to get everything done. There's charting. If you are terrible at time management and are unorganized, you are going to struggle.

I honestly think people should work a year in either fast food or retail to get a taste of what the public is like. Then multiply that rudeness times 10 because usually in a hospital people are scared and at their worst.

On the other hand, you will be doing a very important job which is taking care of people at their worst and either helping them get better or comforting them when dying which in itself can be a very moving experience.

It all depends on how you approach it and your attitude. In absolutely every profession I have ever been in, there are people who hate their jobs and all they do is complain. They spend so much time complaining it affects every aspect of their lives. I choose to filter those people out of my head and focus on myself.

Also nursing is not the financial answer to everyone's problems. You will have school loans to pay back, you will still have all of your bills, maybe a few more, and if you have kids, they can suck every penny you have even if you make good money. The last one is me being sarcastic.

Before you make any decisions, really thoroughly research the field and decide for yourself what you want to do. Don't let anyone sway your decision. It's your life, you only get one, and you have to live it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

AMEN -- what Heathermaizey said ^^^^^^^!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In my opinion I believe people should become nurses at a younger age so they can gain the experience then decide if it is for them or if it is not. I know a lot of people who are second career seekers that went into nursing just for the money. I believe nursing is not for everyone just because you can pass nursing school and the NCLEX does not mean you are set out to be a nurse. I have encountered nurses with the the most horrible demeanor and others with a smile always on their face. It has to be something inside of you too deal with the stress day in and day out but at the end of the day say "I still love being a nurse".

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Is nursing the best career to choose ?

No. Professional baseball would definitely be better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

It is intense and challenging work. That is why we get paid pretty well. You have to deal with life and death situations. You are pushing medications that if administered incorrectly could seriously harm someone. You will be going with little sleep at times and forget guaranteed lunch breaks. You will be on the front lines when a patient starts to go downhill. I have been chewed out for calling docs at 2 am when I feel a patient is becoming septic. I have become an expert in providing objective evidence to doctors and have developed a thick skin. If I won the lottery would I keep nursing? Nope. However I do feel my career is a good one and provides me a pretty good living.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You have really have some good points and appreciate what you said.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment