Is nursing for me?

Published

Hello all! I'm a 20 year old male who is contemplating a nursing career. I previously did two years at my local community college and got an associates degree in mathematics and science. My previous career goal was to become a PA, but I'm having second thoughts. There are two reasons why nursing has started to appeal to me more so than a PA...

1- I think I like the idea of direct patient care rather than a diagnosis/prescription-writing position. It GENUINELY makes me happy to make other people feel comfortable and at ease with their situation.

2- There is such a wide range of directions I could go. I could be an RN in any particular field or I could go on for a graduate degree of some sort. I've been looking into Psychiatric NP and that job seems very, very appealing to me at first glance.

3- Okay...I lied. Three reasons. My dad teaches at our local community college and it would be tuition free for me to get an ASN. This community college nursing program is notoriously difficult...but in a good way. It has a +50% drop-out rate but about a 95% first-time NCLEX passage rate. My next step would ideally get my tuition paid for to further my studies by an employer.

NOW. Here are my concerns:

1- I am a very, very empathetic person. Now don't get me wrong-- I know this is important for nursing. But I'm hoping it won't be my downfall as I physically feel different when I see people in pain. I get a weird feeling...almost painful...when other people are in excessive pain. I think this is either a good or bad thing...I'm not sure which.

2- I don't know if I can mentally do all the tasks a nurse is required to do. I get a bit squeamish at the notion of sticking a cath in someone's member or suctioning out a phlegmy trach. I've heard this is not dissimilar to many nurses' feeling early-on and you eventually get used to it.

So...all that being said...do you think nursing is for me? I do think I'm an intelligent person, but I need to be absolutely certain that I'm working towards something I'll enjoy as a career in order to be successful. Thank you so, so much for your anticipated replies. Best wishes...

-Dan

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

None of us can tell you if nursing is for you except for you, honestly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

You'll likely get all kinds of answers here, but the plain truth is that the only opinion that counts is .......drumroll......YOURS!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Have you had the opportunity to shadow a nurse? Find out if you can do that, and get a brief glimpse into the daily life of a working nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
...I need to be absolutely certain that I'm working towards something I'll enjoy as a career in order to be successful. Thank you so, so much for your anticipated replies. Best wishes...-Dan

You need absolute certainty that you will enjoy nursing before you will even consider it? Really? How should I know? No. Just No. Give up now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think Dwight here is having a bit of fun with us, Ya think?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I think Dwight here is having a bit of fun with us, Ya think?

Didn't even "get" that til you said it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Let's do a little exercise in motivational interviewing:...

You're nicer than me today. :blink:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You need absolute certainty that you will enjoy nursing before you will even consider it? Really? How should I know? No. Just No. Give up now.

Okay. Kindly disregard the "No. Just No. Give up now" part and replace it with something like "nothing in life is certain...yadda yadda yadda"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I suppose I phrased that poorly. What I mean to say is I like to be successful in what I do...and for me to feel successful and work hard for something I like to know that I'm working towards something that makes sense. Thanks for being so tactful in your response lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for this...I'll look into answering these questions tomorrow when I have more time to really think about them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The quote feature will make your thread more readable. Good luck with your decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion