Need Advice Nursing Or Rad Tech

[jenc12380]

Hi everyone,

i'm new to the boards. I have taken three years of nursing and really wanted to become a pediatric nurse but a few things made me stop first of I have lupus and I had an extremely tough clinical instructor that took everything out of me which is mainly why i dropped out. Another big reason is i'm not sure I will be able to work with the needles for drawing blood and IV's some people i've asked said you will get used to it do you feel that is true? or its something u just have to be able to do. I applied to a Radiology program and got in, it is a very competitive program and I figured I could still work with patients with out the needles. But the main reason I got into nursing is because when i was in the hospital this nurse I had her Mom had lupus and she was so great and inspired me. That I could use my Lupus to help others and be understanding of what they are going through. I miss nursing alot but am not sure If i'm up to the challenge and the needles. I'd appreciate any advice or feedback.

Thanks alot,

Jen

[krob0729]

Hi everyone,

i'm new to the boards. I have taken three years of nursing and really wanted to become a pediatric nurse but a few things made me stop first of I have lupus and I had an extremely tough clinical instructor that took everything out of me which is mainly why i dropped out. Another big reason is i'm not sure I will be able to work with the needles for drawing blood and IV's some people i've asked said you will get used to it do you feel that is true? or its something u just have to be able to do. I applied to a Radiology program and got in, it is a very competitive program and I figured I could still work with patients with out the needles. But the main reason I got into nursing is because when i was in the hospital this nurse I had her Mom had lupus and she was so great and inspired me. That I could use my Lupus to help others and be understanding of what they are going through. I miss nursing alot but am not sure If i'm up to the challenge and the needles. I'd appreciate any advice or feedback.

Thanks alot,

Jen

I couldn't stand the site of a needle or blood when i first started, but the more you see it, the less it bothers you. Atleast for me anyways. The needles don't phase me at all now, the blood sometimes does..depending on how much and where it's coming from, but i put it behind me and go on. Radiology is a good thing too. My sister starts her radiology program the 22. Good luck in any decision you make. And welcome to the boards.

[NewEnglandRN, RN]

You may still have to deal with needles in Radiology. We had to draw up contrast & inject for IVPs if we were certified. If you specialize in CT or MRI injecting would probably be a requirement.

I have to say the AS Radiologic Technology I attended was just as demanding as the Nursing program. Depending on where you work (example trauma center), it can be just as stressful too.

It sounds like you originally got into Nursing for patient education. Please keep in mind that with Radiology, you will have very little time with your patients (think assembly line!)

Good luck with your decision. PM me if you have any questions!