Future Nursing student has questions!

[Future__Nurse]

I start college this Fall and I'm very interested in the field of Nursing. Ever since I can remember I've wanted to have a career in the health field, specifically Nursing.

I've been researching a lot about Nursing, and I'm not totally sure if I can cut it. It sounds very confusing, but I keep telling myself that I'll learn all I need in school. I'm also a very shy person, so that's an issue as well; I'm not too fond of chaos. Are there any fields of Nursing where there isn't much craziness?

Any advice will greatly be appreciated!

[Jules A, MSN]

Hi and welcome. Yes nursing can be pretty chaotic but the field is so varied that not all areas are that busy. If you are curious about it and want to try I'd say go for it.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

LOL - you're "not too fond of chaos". What can I say? Clinical practice (nursing or any other profession) deals with human beings. Therefore, nothing is predictable. Each patient encounter is unique. But, rather than labeling it 'chaos', I would prefer to point out that it is never boring. You'll always be challenged to stay on top of your game. You'll never have to cope with the tedium found in many other types of jobs.

An enduring characteristic of nursing practice is the fact that we have so many things coming at us all at once. In the beginning this can be very overwhelming. With time and experience, you become more adept at discerning patterns and seeing the bigger picture. I know that cognitive research says that human brains can only process 7 (+ or - 2) things simultaneously, but 'nurse brains' must evolve differently - expert nurses are the ultimate multi-taskers.

As for your shyness, I wouldn't worry overmuch about it. You will learn that professional encounters in the clinical setting are not the same as social encounters. It's a completely different setting than you have experienced before. Nursing won't change your basic social preferences, but the educational process will teach you how to interact confidently with your patients.

For heaven's sake, don't let all the 'horror stories' affect you; don't buy into the drama. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint.. learn to pace yourself. Best of Luck to you!