Is it right for me?

[aimerson]

HI there. I know you have all probably have been asked these questions before, but how do I know if nursing is right for me? I have always loved the human body and the things it can do. I like working with people (especially kids). Blood, wounds, vomit, broken bones, that stuff doesn't bother me. What I'm nervous about are putting in catheters & IVs, and I know this sounds childish, but elderly bowel moments. Is that stuff you get used to, or should I just not even bother? When my 4mo old had meningitis he had to have an IV in his head, and I would be so nervous to do that. Also, my mother in law was a Peds nurse and always got floated to geriatrics...does that happen in a lot of hospitals? Thank you in advance for any advice/info you have.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

Being nervous about putting in catheters and IVs is perfectly alright. These are things that you will learn how to do and become comfortable with once you do them a few times. Everybody feels nervous about such things until they gain experience.

Bowel movements...that is something you will learn to get over and learn to deal with. You state that you can handle most other bodily fluids. Every nurse has their "thing" that makes them feel a little woozy.

Getting floated to another floor will depend on your facility. If you so choose to become a nurse, once you land an interview, this would be a great question to ask and you would get an answer specific to the facility in which you would work.

Can you handle being a nurse? Nobody knows that but you. The best way to come to the determination would be to reach out to hospitals near you and try to shadow an RN/LPN (whichever you are interested in) for the day or week. I think this would be the best option for you in making your decision.

Best wishes on whatever you decide.

[llg, PhD, RN]

How do you know? The same way you know about other stuff -- you give it a try. Spend some time in and around health care -- volunteer -- etc. and see if you like it or hate it. Don't make a huge investment until you have "sampled" a bit to see how you react.

[LakeEmerald]

If blood, wounds, vomit, and broken bones don't make you run for the hills, you are probably suited for nursing. Poop still grosses me out, but we all just have to tough it out and keep going. The other half of the equation is, can you juggle multiple high demand situations and prioritize them in your head while you are running to carry them out? That's the REAL trick. :) Best wishes!