Is nursing for me?

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 9, 2013

There are so many different paths you can take once you are in the profession, some of which don't even require patient care. Like research nurse, for example. My aunt was an RN who worked for the government investigating Medicare fraud in LTC facilties. These require more advanced degrees though.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2013

If job security was a draw, you need to reconsider. Finding a job as a new grad is very difficult.

As an introvert, I can tell you that you do get used to dealing with people, but if it isn't your passion, it will be very difficult. I would strongly recommend that you do something you enjoy versus going into a field you're not sure of just because of some presumed job security, making your family happy and the fact that you're already through prereqs.

Before you proceed, think this through carefully. Talk with an advisor at your school. You could potentially have a lot of debt and a job you don't like. Choose wisely.

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2013

There have been many times in my clinical experiences where I have been covered in vomit or worse and I have said to my self "if I didn't love doing this, this would so NOT be worth it".

Like the previous poster said, there are plenty of positions that do not have patient interaction, but most want some nursing experiencing (in addition to the advanced degree).

With all of that being said... there are a couple of girls in my class that sounded like you, and being in nursing school has brought them out of their introversion.

Do you have your Nursing Assistant's Certificate? If not, you may want to try that, it would give you a good indication of the kinds of things you will face on a daily basis.

Good luck!

DadStudentPerhaps · Jul 9, 2013

Are you truly un-passionate or are you subconsciously worried about being in crowded rooms and in close contact with a lot of different people? Now is the prime time in your life to get your education. Once you get older, have bills, family, etc., it is a lot more challenging. Also, sounds as if you have been accepted into school already, which is a tough hurdle for many. If you walk away now, may not be easy to get back in. Just things to think about..... You could always double major as well.

loriangel14, RN · Jul 9, 2013

If you are going into nursing for job security and flexible hours you want to think carefully.There are plenty of threads on here regarding not being able to find work several months after graduating.As a new grad you may not get the hours you want when you do find work. You also state that you are an introvert that enjoys working alone.In most positions you will be part of a team. Best of luck whatever you decide.

BiohazardBetty · Jul 9, 2013

I know I'm a boring rule-nerd, but are you allowed to have "nurse" in your ID if you aren't a nurse? Seems like that was part of the TOS...?

To your question... You dont have to care about people to do this job, but you have to truly care for ppl to do this job WELL. On a typical day I'm changing beds/briefs hourly. Find someone to shadow for a day & tell them to not hold back... Then decide. It's NOTHING like it looks on TV & nothing like nursing school tells you it will be.

It's a tough choice. Good luck!!

RNnewbie2014 · Jul 9, 2013

Do you have a passion for helping ill children? I know when I first started, it was a complete culture shock. Like you, I have always been introverted. Never done anything in the medical field either. My first rotation I was like, ahhh old people. Not that I do not like the older generation, it can be just very complicated dealing with someone older. They have different needs and such. I went in thinking, older people not my thing because I have always wanted to be in pediatrics. Now, I love the little old people. I have an utmost respect for them, and I love caring for them now. I have always been an extremely compassionate person though. I would suggest this, try it.. If you hate it, get out. You will only know if you try it!!! You could be the best nurse and not know it. You got in for a reason. I always say God opens doors for a reason for people, so I would atleast give it a try!

calivianya, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2013

Just because you're not passionate about helping people doesn't mean you wouldn't be a great nurse. I'm not passionate about helping people - never have been - and I went into nursing for the same reasons you did, but I found out that I love the ICU along the way. There is more to nursing than helping people. In my case, what I love is being challenged and having to think. I also love working with all of the equipment. You may find a specialty you absolutely love even though helping people is not your passion, but you'll never know until you try. :)

Fiona59 · Jul 10, 2013

Hello everyone, I am quite skeptical about stepping into the nursing field. Even though I have already finished my pre-reqs and start my ADN program in spring, I feel as if this isn't my "passion". I am 19 years old, have no previous experience in the medical field or any volunteer work. To be sincere, I am an introvert that enjoys working alone. My hobbies include painting, playing music, film editing, shopping, working out, and cooking. I do enjoy company, but I am I just don't feel "passionate" about helping others. I did enjoy the material I learned in my pre-reqs (anatomy, micro, psych, ect), but I just can't picture myself being a nurse anymore. One of the main reasons I chose this profession was because of it's job security and flexible hours. All of my family is proud to see my in the health field, and see me in this profession. :/

Are you doing this to please your family? If so, entirely the wrong reason.

Job security? Tell that to the 42 nurses that got laid of in my hospital and several of those had seven years of service in.

I think you need to see a career counsellor to decide what to do with your education and interests.

If you don't like what you do in the "helping professions" you are going to be miserable.

And I agree with helloberry, thought you couldn't use nurse in your user name if you aren't one.

Talk to someone in your colleges student service offices. Find out about jobs more suited to your personality and interests and then rethink why you want to be a nurse.