New Guy here, I'm considering nursing as a profession

Big_Al · Mar 4, 2005

Yeah I understand. That's one thing I that I really don't like. I hope it's not on a daily basis because that would get old really quick.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2005

Yeah I understand. That's one thing I that I really don't like. I hope it's not on a daily basis because that would get old really quick.

It's the one thing I'm not too fond of either. Don't know anyone who actually enjoys this aspect of nursing.

Fortunately on my job it isn't a daily occurrence. :)

Big_Al · Mar 4, 2005

I'm sure I can get past that though. WOW...I have so many questions. OK next one. Now this may seem petty, but what kind of responses do you get from people when you tell them you're a nurse? And to all of you single guys, what kind of responses do you get from women you meet? Is it harder to date and meet women? I mean it's a valid question considering all of the stigmas attached to males in this profession.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Mar 7, 2005

Nathan: I think the LPN route has a lot to be said for it, if you can get by on LPN wages (long-term care seems to pay a bit better than hospitals, but sounds like you'll earn it). I'm finishing my Associates Degree and will definitely be getting some nursing experience before I go on. Starting out with some nursing experience is a big plus.

Another route, the one I took to overcome an abyssmal GPA, is taking some pre-requisite classes part time to bring it up. It's very helpful not to have to deal with all the "support" courses like English or Psych, along with nursing.

You should make an appointment with a nursing adviser at the school you plan to intend. A lot of times, old grades can be replaced by new ones, which can change your GPA a lot.

Big Al: You can't beat people up for thinking you're gay, but it won't be as much of a problem as you might imagine. From my limited experience, it does appear that a disproportionate number of male nurses are gay--more than the national average, that is--so it's not a place to be homophobic. But a lot of male nurses are straight, too. There's nothing especially gay or feminine about the profession. You will touch memberes, but you'll get over it. (Just like with female patients, you won't be touching them in a naughty way.)

I haven't been actively dating in a while. It's possible today's woman isn't attracted to a man with gainful employment in a respected field, or that caring and sensitivity have gone out of fashion. I think it's rather more likely that being a nurse would help, rather than hinder. Anyway, if a gal was going to be turned off by my occupation, I'd want to know that up front. I have little doubt she would find lots of other things to be turned off about, too.

The body fluids thing gets easier, too. Seems like a lot of people have something that grosses them out, even after years, but you deal with it. On the other hand, it's probably good not to get too comfortable--you should fear those fluids, even if they don't make you gag. People don't talk a lot about what a dangerous field nursing can be, or it might seem a lot more macho.

stevenking, BSN, LPN, RN, EMT-B · Mar 7, 2005

Kudo's to you, OP.

I have been a military LPN for nearly five years, and DOD nuances aside, I would say nursing is an admirable profession to enter.

Yet...no one should ascribe to ANYTHING that does not make them happy. Remember that when "considering" nursing - there can be many piftfalls (like disgruntled staff, lazy staff, etc.) - but if you genuinely like to help others - you'll find this field very rewarding. I have been blessed to be in critical care for my entire trek...and I'm loving it. This side of the house keeps your intellect stimulated and is very pastoral.

Want specifics? You can always email...

Always,

Steven King

[email protected]

Tanker · Mar 10, 2005

I agree. Run away fast. Go into the corpporate world. Life is much better there. You can work 12+ hour days 5 days a week, weekends and travel for no additional pay. You can work weeks or months on projects just to have it dumped in the toilet. Management is the best in corporate. You will get used to the footprints on your back. It's great. You will observe first hand that the taste of leather and shoe polish must be very good as your managers and VPs climb up the ladder. And appreciation? Where do I start? You are at the top of the list! Especially when the layoffs come! And these brilliant educated leaders that lead the company to financial ruin make million$$$ while you hit the bread lines. Yep, nursing sucks. Go corporate. The grass is greener.

Everything Doug says can be found in any profession. I would rather clean feces for a career than be "feced" on for a career. Nursing isn't for everyone. I made a career change and do not regret it at all. While I don't graduate until May I have had some very good clinical experience to get a taste of what it will be like. Seen and cleaned all the fluids. No big deal. Mind over matter. Plus, if you don't like doing that just make a loud "oh my god" and a female nurse will come running with her nurturing self and clean it for you! JUST KIDDING! ! ! :chuckle But seriously, in my experience, if there is a code brown others will pitch in and help out. I have really been impressed with the comraderie I have seen in the ICU units I've been in.

The real beauty of nursing is that if you get burned out in an area just apply to another area and get re-energized. You have to take care of yourself. You will have a career forever and wherever you want. and you can make a difference in someone's life. Very rewarding to me.

Sorry Nathan, I've been an RN for the past 13 years and would not suggest nursing as a profession to my worst enemy. Sure the pay is pretty good but there is a lot more to life than money. First off if you do become a nurse get ready to work in a thankless job. 12 hour non stop shifts, cleaning up feces and urine and everyother body fluid, Few breaks and no lunches are often expected of you. Endless and often redundant paperwork galore is the nursing standard. After just a couple of years in this thankless profession you'll start to look at your fellow human with a complete new set of eyes. You'll come to expect the worst out of people before you ever meet them. You'll stand in line at the supermarket and start to size up people based on their mannerisms. The human race will eventually make you sick to be associated with it. Synical?? Oh yeah I'm synical, people are needy. 12 hour shifts of endless needieness over the years will change your entire perspective on people, society and life in general.

RobertCrow · Mar 13, 2005

Tanker I like ur outlook,

Just wanna say thanks to all of you, I to am considering a change of career an would like to start out becoming an LPN. Reading this thread and being a male, I really stand convinced it's all worth it.

I'm now seeking a job more then likely as a CNA to start out and I live near Mason city where there is a NIAC community college that offers nursing programs. As soon as I get a job as a CNA I wan't to talk to a Nurse counselor at the school.

I agree to with person that mentions knocking out some of the pre-reqs for program first, aspiring to being a part-time student I'll wanna look into that first. I'm glad I found this forum an it's been very informative, this is all very new to me but I believe it's what I wanna do. Nice to meet you all friends.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Mar 14, 2005

Tanker I like ur outlook,
Just wanna say thanks to all of you, I to am considering a change of career an would like to start out becoming an LPN. Reading this thread and being a male, I really stand convinced it's all worth it.
I'm now seeking a job more then likely as a CNA to start out and I live near Mason city where there is a NIAC community college that offers nursing programs. As soon as I get a job as a CNA I wan't to talk to a Nurse counselor at the school.
I agree to with person that mentions knocking out some of the pre-reqs for program first, aspiring to being a part-time student I'll wanna look into that first. I'm glad I found this forum an it's been very informative, this is all very new to me but I believe it's what I wanna do. Nice to meet you all friends.

Best of luck. Any job has ups and downs, but it really is a wonderful field, and the opportunities are so varied that it can accommodate a variety of temperments. Also, while 12 hr shifts are popular, there are plenty of jobs for 8 hr shifts, too. It's helpful if you're able to expect to work over, now and then.

As for becoming a CNA, I think it's a great place to start. If it isn't easy getting hired, right away, being in nursing school can be an advantage. Sometimes they'll hire a nursing student in part to gain an edge in recruiting you as a nurse. Plus, it at leasts suggests you're serious about a career in healthcare. Try to make sure you get a job that can schedule around your school schedule--once you're in the nursing program, you almost have to make that your first priority, so it's nice if your employer can work with you.

jmd · Mar 21, 2005

work in a thankless job.

lol...welcome to parenting, family, life, etc. Cleaning poop is much easier than eating it in the corporate world everyday.

Believe me...I am working my orifice off to break out of this 7x7 Gray Prison they call a cubicle. I am not doing to get a job full of praise...but one that actually matters.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Mar 22, 2005

This world is full of man hating females, not just nurses. Men can be guilty of the same feelings towards females. It's called the battle of the sexes, been around a long time and is here to stay. Be nice to the ones who are nice to you (male or female) steer clear of the ones who aren't. Don't gossip about other staff. Help others when possible. Smile and leave personal comments out of floor business. Hope things improve for you soon.

dorisemoore1 · Mar 22, 2005

hey nate, from a woman's view go straight to the RN. You are young and it will be worth it. The areas you want to work in its best you go though the RN route

Good luck to you from the twin cities

Rock, LPN, RN · Mar 22, 2005

This world is full of man hating females, not just nurses. Men can be guilty of the same feelings towards females. It's called the battle of the sexes, been around a long time and is here to stay. Be nice to the ones who are nice to you (male or female) steer clear of the ones who aren't. Don't gossip about other staff. Help others when possible. Smile and leave personal comments out of floor business. Hope things improve for you soon.

GOOD ADVICE ! ! ! :balloons: