Hello Everyone! I just started Nursing School last week at CSULA. I'm both excited and nervous. I'm working full-time plus going to school full-time. I know, I know...I've already been advised that I either need a PT job, or should quit working altogether! Unfortunately, I can't afford not to work.
After reading several posts here, I get the sense that there are a lot of people that are miserable in the Nursing field. And, that makes me very, very nervous. Am I choosing the right field, or should I just quit before I get too far into it?
I'm a really compassioniate, kind and hard-working individual that wants to become a Pediatric Nurse. I'm up for the challege, but it seems I see more complaints on this site than networking and collaboration in this field.
Any advice or comments would be helpful! Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and respond!
You should be afraid. Not everything is hearts and flowers. I worked in a factory for a few years before becoming a cna, lpn, and finally rn and can tell you that it was much much different. As a nurse, you hold lives in your hands. That can be very scary. It's not just 'oops measured that piece of steel wrong better get another sheet'. It's 'oh **** that persons allergic to the med the doc just prescribed and I just gave'. Huge difference so it's good to always be a little afraid.
I've posted many times here and have to admit many have been vent threads. I can't tell you how soothing it is to come after a hard night and pour it out here with fellow nurses' who 'get it'. I would never expect a student to understand but please understand this. I'm a nurse who could never be anything but a nurse. I love what I do and the help I offer to my pts. Because it is such a stressful job, I need AN to understand and lend a hand or hug when I need it. Check the student tab for what you need if this is too much. I would bet many nurses feel much the same. This site supports us when we're frustrated, sad, and yes even happy. It's an all package site and I'm grateful for it
I cant speak for other posters on this thread but I can say for myself that its not about 'what am I really getting myself into'. Nor am I complaining about nurses who vent and come here for support/advice from other nurses. I dont think anyone is trying to take that away from anyone...
I just wanted to say how I feel on the site sometimes- and sometimes the truth is it gives me some anxiety! :uhoh21:
Of course I get many many more positive experiences out of AN then I do negative!!! I just wanted to post something because it was a relief to see that others else felt the same way as me.
I am a new grad, new RN, working in a very very busy ED. I have to admit I was shocked at how much negativity exists on my unit.
But now that I am in week 11 of orientation I just see it as the same as any other place I've worked except with more intensity, more at stake. There are turds and trolls everywhere in this world. But there are also amazing positive smart and kind people and so I just keep my armor at the ready when I have to deal with the miserable RNs, MDs, PAs, CNAs, Techs, etc and I kill them with kindness and competence (really, I feel sorry for them - life is toooooooooo long to feel miserable day after day YUK!!!).
I seek out and strengthen my ties with the positive RNs, MDs, PCAs etc. And if someone is really trying to rattle me I take a deep breath, focus on the Pt and what to do next, and it all becomes very clear.
I am learning every day - I have chosen a few RNs as my secret role models and I try to be like them! They really don't let anyone steal their peace of mind, they just float above the rif raf, and they give excellent Pt care.
I have found reading Buddhist philosophy helps me understand this negativity and accept it (I certainly cannot change anyone but myself!). The Dalai Lama says negative hostile people are there to get us to practice our patience and build our strength of conviction and character. So now I see Nursing as a really good way to develop my higher self because I am encountering endless situations and people who try my patience and try to be obstacles to my success in caring for Pts. They are teaching me much......
Applying the Nursing Process to the problem is an amazing interpersonal resource too. Nursing school can really give you a lot of tools to become not just a great nurse but a strong person! Good luck! Not easy but worth it.
I really loved reading this post. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
chevyv, BSN, RN
1,679 Posts
You should be afraid. Not everything is hearts and flowers. I worked in a factory for a few years before becoming a cna, lpn, and finally rn and can tell you that it was much much different. As a nurse, you hold lives in your hands. That can be very scary. It's not just 'oops measured that piece of steel wrong better get another sheet'. It's 'oh **** that persons allergic to the med the doc just prescribed and I just gave'. Huge difference so it's good to always be a little afraid.
I've posted many times here and have to admit many have been vent threads. I can't tell you how soothing it is to come after a hard night and pour it out here with fellow nurses' who 'get it'. I would never expect a student to understand but please understand this. I'm a nurse who could never be anything but a nurse. I love what I do and the help I offer to my pts. Because it is such a stressful job, I need AN to understand and lend a hand or hug when I need it. Check the student tab for what you need if this is too much. I would bet many nurses feel much the same. This site supports us when we're frustrated, sad, and yes even happy. It's an all package site and I'm grateful for it