New and hoping for some advice!!

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone, I recently ran into these forums and thought that the people here were very supportive of each other and gave some great suggestions. I am new here and am hoping for some help as well. If this is not the correct place to put this, could someone move it to a proper place. Thanks.

I am going to enter my 3rd year in the nutriton and food science program with a minor in physical activity in september. Its not the same as a dietician in case anyone is wondering. I am male:p so yeah.... and was planning to finish this degree off first and entering a 2 yr nursing program.

Is it helpful to have a 2nd degree when you are done the nursing program? Anyone who has a and another degree that was helpful to them while they were at work?

I don't know if my nutrition degree with a minor in physical activity will be of any help. Not like I am going to plan a menu or anything.:p Unless you guys know where that might come in handy one day!!

And this will probably be a disadvantage!! I am one of those shy people :(

NOt overyly shy like not talking to other people. But not outward either. I dont go up to people and introduce myself to strangers easily. Its acutally quite hard. But I have no problem at all talking to people once I know them. I can work with other people quite easily as well. I am afraid that this will DEFINITELY be a problem if I do indeed become a nurse one day. I was hoping to get some ideas from anyone who has expereinced this or know anything to overcome this?

Thanks!! Hoping for great advice from anyone!!!

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I have been told all my life...you are so quiet. I was told that by almost every nursing instructor. It is just who I am.

Nursing attracts a lot of strong personalities, and while I'm still a quiet person, I've learned to make my own way. I have qualities that make me a good nurse and you will too. I have been told I have a calming presence and sometimes that is what people need. I always try to smile and present a friendly and approachable manner, and make friends easily even though I don't talk non-stop.

The more you work with patients, the easier it will become and be just like second nature to you. I've walked into rooms with 15 family members, and thought to myself, "oh hell no," and politely told them to step out while I did my assessment. That was something I wouldn't have dreamed of doing in the beginning!

Let your true-self shine through...it is much worse if you pretend to be someone else and people can see through that instantly. Besides, those nursing instructors who marked me down for being quiet weren't perfect either!

I'm sure your other education will serve you well in nursing. It couldn't hurt and might actually help. Best to you!

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Specializes in CNA, Surgical, Pediatrics, SDS, ER.

I'm the same way. It takes me a long while to warm up to people but for some reason it's very easy to talk to my pts. I think I talk to my pt's more easily than my coworkers. I'm not loud and boysterous (?sp) but I do know when it is appropriate to speak up for my pts. Being shy does not mean that you won't make a good nurse. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I'm actually one of those "shy until you get to know me folks". But with patients it's a bit different, I introduce myself to total strangers and then see them at their weakest and most vulnerable, often seeing them naked and touching them intimately.

It's almost like I have two personalities: the nurse who approaches patients with ease and the shy-until-you-get-to-know-him guy.

It wasn't easy to approach patients, introduce myself and get going on patient care, but it didn't take long before it was easy.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Telemetry, CCU.

Anyone who has a and another degree that was helpful to them while they were at work?

I don't know if my nutrition degree with a minor in physical activity will be of any help. Not like I am going to plan a menu or anything.:p Unless you guys know where that might come in handy one day!!

There are many people who do nursing as a second career and I'm sure that the experiences they gained in their first career did help them, but its certainly not necessary to be a good nurse. Hopefully some of those classes you've been taking will help you in nursing if that's what you decide to do.

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Don't worry about the being quiet and not talking much. Believe me, there's always plenty of people willing to take up the slack in that area!:lol2:

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WOW, Thanks for all the advice and GREAT support everyone!!! Everyone who replied has made me feel a lot better about this career choice.:nuke: Hopefully in a year and a half I will be able to get an acceptance letter.

Once again, thanks to everyone who replied!!! Anymore would be great as well!!:D

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