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Discussion

how did you know nursing was for you?

hi everyone this is my first time on all nurses so please be kind!  I'm currently taking prereqs and I don't know if I'm just self doubting or if im just not "meant" to be a nurse.

the prereqs are a bit challenging for me so it makes me anxious on how the actual nursing classes are going to be. I feel like I have to try a billion times harder to understand the concept compared to my classmates, who participate and understand everything (and more) so effortlessly. I have these constant fears of hurting a patient, inserting a needle wrong and having my patient bleed to death, not knowing what to do, flunking out of the program, being a bad nurse, etc. I love the idea of being able to helping people, science, learning about how the body works, healthcare, etc. but I question if that is even enough?

how did you know nursing was for you? is it your passion or just a career choice? were you scared to become a nurse?

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    • Featured Replies

    I needed a job.

    No really.  This isn't a calling or a "passion" for me.  But I have been a nurse for about a decade and a half and I'm content with my career path.  Motivations matter only to the person who holds them and having passion doesn't do diddly if you don't have grit.  

    Was I scared to become a nurse? No. Not in the sense I believe you mean.  But allow me clarify: I am afraid of hurting someone.  Not in the "Big poke in 3-2-1" hurting but hurting someone.  Never-ever-lose that fear.  The moment you are no longer respectful of the idea of accidentally causing harm is the moment it's time to find another career.

    It seems, from reading your post, that you are letting your mind run away on you a bit.  Let's reel them back in.  

    Yes you may insert a needle wrong.  Will your patient bleed to death?  Dear lord, how big is that needle?  Why are you using a harpoon?? Are you getting a running start from the door?? O.o

    Hurting a patient: See note above.

    Not knowing what to do: That's why you go to nursing school. ?

    Flunking out:  It happens.  Try again.  

    Being a bad nurse: Don't do that.

    Takeaways: 

    Start at the beginning.  Ask yourself: Do you want to be a nurse?   If the answer is "I don't know", that's okay.  You have time to figure that out (some of us still are). 

    If the answer is "No", that's okay.  Nursing isn't for everyone.  Being a nurse doesn't make you more and not being a nurse doesn't make you less.  Medicine is made up of a ton of different jobs and careers--find the one that seems like a fit and makes you happy.  If none of them do but the thought of making cupcakes brings a smile to your face and makes you excited for the future, then go make cupcakes!  It's okay.  It's just a job--ya know?

    School and academia are rife with perception--what is difficult to one is simple for another.  Whether or not that should deter you is a completely personal choice.  But I am confident you will find your way.

    Kindest regards,

    ~~CP~~

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    • Experts

    I bow to the eminent common sense expressed above by my old friend @CheesePotato.

    She reminds me of the time when I was a new nurse I went to meet my fiance's family and one of his smarmier uncles asked me if I were "dedicated" to the idea of being an "angel of mercy." Even cutting him some slack for his age, I almost snorted. I told him I liked what nurses did with people a lot more than what doctors did with them, that I liked science, and it was going to be a reliable, decent-paying job. But that IMsmartassO, dedication wouldn't be paying my mortgage.

    It IS a job. That's why you're in nursing school, to learn to think like a nurse so you can work as a nurse.

    The other thing to remember is that you don't know it now, and they probably won't teach it to you in your undergraduate program, but there are far, far, FAR more things you'll be able to do that work in hospitals or other bedside positions with a degree in nursing. Just put that in your back pocket and don't think about it for now-- right now, your job is to get through college successfully-- but in any time of disappointment/disgust/dislike at what bedside nursing is showing you, when they occur, remember you can do a lot of other things as a nurse and there are people out there who will want you to do them.

    If you lack motivation or feel at sea, wander on over to some of the specialty boards and just see what other people are doing. Something might grab your attention or pique your interest. Ask every nurse you meet why they do what they do, but (and personally I have found this to be more important) ask them why they don't do what they don't do. Some of that will resonate with you too.

    Have fun! Good luck!

     

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    I wasn't happy where I ended up in life after college. I wanted something stable, decently paid, and interesting. I met some nursing and pre-nursing students few years ago in a new part-time job and became interested in nursing through them and their experiences. they were attending a local community college so I decided to give it a go there. it was local and I could afford it so I've been taking prerequisites there and hope to get into their nursing program as well. I'm going to get a nursing assistant certification too soon to get some experience and get a feel for the field as well before going into nursing school. I really like how many different specialties there are in nursing and different environments I could work in. I can even advance further in my education if I wanted to as well. it seems like an interesting and vast career with many possibilities. 

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    Nursing was something I was always interested in but I wouldn't call it "my passion".  Life got in my way and I didn't return to college until I was in my late 30's and at that time I needed a job.  Nursing was something I decided to go forward with where I knew I could make a decent money once I finished with school. 

    Now it did take me awhile to figure out where in the nursing field I belonged and was happy with.  Finally settled on being a school nurse and haven't looked back - I am here until I decide to retire.  Still don't consider nursing my passion though - its a job for me, but a happy one ?

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    When I realized that the CNA paychecks will not do anything that much in my life, I scrambled to get my general education to be completed.  I hope I can answer every question during my tests. I'm still fighting to get through schooling. We'll see. 

    Being a CNA is actually a satisfying and fulfilling occupation I've ever had. Unfortunately, it's enough to pay to catch air. I don't own cars I cannot afford. I don't like debts. I'm considered frugal, so I don't know what to say. 

    I don't burn electricity. I have to freeze or get burn before I utilize it. 

  • Quote
    On 3/14/2021 at 3:15 PM, CheesePotato said:

    I needed a job.

    No really.  This isn't a calling or a "passion" for me.  But I have been a nurse for about a decade and a half and I'm content with my career path.  Motivations matter only to the person who holds them and having passion doesn't do diddly if you don't have grit.  

    Was I scared to become a nurse? No. Not in the sense I believe you mean.  But allow me clarify: I am afraid of hurting someone.  Not in the "Big poke in 3-2-1" hurting but hurting someone.  Never-ever-lose that fear.  The moment you are no longer respectful of the idea of accidentally causing harm is the moment it's time to find another career.

    It seems, from reading your post, that you are letting your mind run away on you a bit.  Let's reel them back in.  

    Yes you may insert a needle wrong.  Will your patient bleed to death?  Dear lord, how big is that needle?  Why are you using a harpoon?? Are you getting a running start from the door?? O.o

    Hurting a patient: See note above.

    Not knowing what to do: That's why you go to nursing school. ?

    Flunking out:  It happens.  Try again.  

    Being a bad nurse: Don't do that.

    Takeaways: 

    Start at the beginning.  Ask yourself: Do you want to be a nurse?   If the answer is "I don't know", that's okay.  You have time to figure that out (some of us still are). 

    If the answer is "No", that's okay.  Nursing isn't for everyone.  Being a nurse doesn't make you more and not being a nurse doesn't make you less.  Medicine is made up of a ton of different jobs and careers--find the one that seems like a fit and makes you happy.  If none of them do but the thought of making cupcakes brings a smile to your face and makes you excited for the future, then go make cupcakes!  It's okay.  It's just a job--ya know?

    School and academia are rife with perception--what is difficult to one is simple for another.  Whether or not that should deter you is a completely personal choice.  But I am confident you will find your way.

    Kindest regards,

    ~~CP~~

    I may have snorted ? I think this may be the best post I have ever read here. Great advice, fabulous humor! 

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