Is it really THAT bad?

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Hi! I'm new and need some input from some of you in the same boat, or who have been in the same boat. This may seem a little silly, but its troubling to me all the same.

I've recently decided to go (or try, at least, to go) to nursing school. It isn't something that I've ever considered before in the least, but something that I feel compelled to do, if that makes sense to anyone. I've kept it relatively quiet (at least until I know for certain I've been accepted to nursing school), but from those few people I have confided in, I'm only hearing negativity. Either it's "you'll have to clean up poop" or "you'll be forced into the night shift because you're new." What they don't understand is that, while I know a certain amount of this is true (especially the poop part), it's still something I feel I want to do, regardless.

Can anyone relate? In general, how do you deal with negativity without letting it change your mind about nursing? Also, is all this negative stuff I'm hearing really THAT bad?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Perhaps they are just only trying to keep it real. I hate when people do that. We need to somehow present the reality without being so negative.

Many of us deal with the poop, nightshift, weekends and holidays and on and still stay nurses. Imagine that.

It's best to know what you're in for, but it's not all that bad. There are many rewards.

Good luck!

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Specializes in OR Internship starting in Jan!!.

I think all jobs have a 'crappy' side to them. Sometimes, it is just literal :)

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Specializes in LDRP.

Yes, you will have to clean up poop (amoung other body fluids). Yes, teh work is HARD--school is HARD. But, nursing is soooooooooo much more than poop cleaning. It is amazing. I am in my second semester of nursing classes and I love it so far. The body is amazing--people are amazing.

Don't let anyone talk you out of your dreams--no matter what they are! Be realistic about it--but you can be optimistic, too. We need good, positive, optimistic nurses out there. The baby-boomers are coming!!!!!!!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
Also, is all this negative stuff I'm hearing really THAT bad?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

I think it is a matter of perspective. If you hate night shifts and working holidays etc. then maybe bedside hospital nursing (at least in the beginning) will be a bad job. If you hate poop and bodily fluid (I am one of those that can care less) then maybe bedside nursing in general is a terrible job. On the other hand, if you are like many of us who can care less and/or learning more about the human body is fascinating, then it is not a bad job.

I personally plan to make a career out of being a health care administrator because I love health care and business. However, if I can join the military, I will be a bedside nurse a lot longer!!!

By the way, most jobs have terrible aspects to them. If I were you I would ignore the negative people. If you need to say something to them, then I would mention how ALL jobs suck to people who do not want to do them. So, therefore it is not surprising to you that x, y, and z would not want to be a nurse even though you do. ;)

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Specializes in NICU, High-Risk L&D, IBCLC.

I can relate. Most of the people that know me very well know my reasons why I'm striving so hard to be a nurse and support me 110%. Of course, there are always the few that say "Ewww, I couldn't stand the blood, puke, poop, etc. etc." I have also gotten comments (as I'm sure many other nursing students have gotten) about "why not just be a doctor, or a PA?" Well, because I want to be a nurse! ;) Bottom line is that I'm VERY confident in choosing nursing as my major, and I love it! That's all I need to take all those negative comments and let them go in one ear and out the other.

Personally, I don't think bodily fluids, night shifts, whatever are all that bad. No one likes to clean up the stuff, but I always remember that the person that likes it least of all is the patient. I have had so many patients cry of humiliation as I'm cleaning them up that it really doesn't bother me anymore. I'm more concerned about the patient than anything else. And I have found that night shifts can be pretty well spoken for, since most parents find this shift works better for their families, daycare, etc. There are many nurses out there that love nights and want to work nights all the time. Some floors actually need more nurses on days because of this!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, Hemodialysis.
Hi! I'm new and need some input from some of you in the same boat, or who have been in the same boat. This may seem a little silly, but its troubling to me all the same.

I've recently decided to go (or try, at least, to go) to nursing school. It isn't something that I've ever considered before in the least, but something that I feel compelled to do, if that makes sense to anyone. I've kept it relatively quiet (at least until I know for certain I've been accepted to nursing school), but from those few people I have confided in, I'm only hearing negativity. Either it's "you'll have to clean up poop" or "you'll be forced into the night shift because you're new." What they don't understand is that, while I know a certain amount of this is true (especially the poop part), it's still something I feel I want to do, regardless.

Can anyone relate? In general, how do you deal with negativity without letting it change your mind about nursing? Also, is all this negative stuff I'm hearing really THAT bad?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

First, congratulations on taking on the challenge. Some people don't improve their life situation or "go for their dreams" because they are too scared of failing. Second, Notice I said, "challenge." Nursing school is a challenge as it should be..you will be responsible for people's lives, but it is not impossible!

Yes, you will have to "clean up poop," but that is not what nursing is about. It is about caring for people and sometimes that requires "cleaning up poop."

No, you will not necessarily be stuck on the night shift. I do know some new grads hired on the day shift. It really depends on where the need is at. I, personally, want to work the night shift. I'm a night person and I like the extra shift diff $$. Some experienced nurses like the night shift $$, so, there may not be a night shift spot even if you want it!

Best of luck to you in nursing school!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Jay

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Specializes in HIV care, med/surge agency.

Most people can not imagine wanting to be a nurse. My friends long ago stopped asking me what I did at work. They freaked out when I told them. Nurses deal with the pain and mess of other peoples life. It is emotionaly very hard. It is also very rewarding. You know what you do makes a difference. Every day you deal with the human condition up close and personal. You have to be willing to grow and learn and change to get through nursing school. It is hard but it is worth it. Smartest thing I ever did or at least up their in the top half dozen.

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Specializes in ER.

My advice:

"You will have to clean up poop!"

I know and how cool is it that I will be caring for a patient when they need me the most. Do you get that satisfaction in your job?

"You will be stuck working nights"

I know and I am so excited to care for my patients in the overnight hours while everyone else sleeps. (kinda how moms stay up with their sick babies)

Really in the end, who cares what they say?? I regularly tease those that give me a hard time that they better hope they don't choke or stop breathing around me, cause I just may not help them:) :lol2:

You will do fine. Be proud:)

T

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Specializes in SICU.

NIGHT SHIFT RULES.

I make more money, deal with less administrative BS, the staff is eclectic and fun, and it allowed me to be with my kids, when they were growing up, way more than day shift would have. I will always be a night shifter!

As to the naysayers, simply tell them it's what you want to do, and that you deeply appreciate their support. Then smile. :D

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Ok, I'm doing my pre-req's for Nursing and I have poop-phobia...and this is EXACTLY why I want to go into Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing or anything with newborns.

I know that I'll have to do alot of this as a student, but I can handle anything short-term...I look at it as dues-paying.

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Ok...I didn't quite post that last one right...I know that babies poop and little boys squirt...there is just something different about babies.

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