Nursing the right choice?

ICU56 · May 28, 2013

Its not for everyone. I am not what one would call "caring" but I am a good nurse and my patients love me.

Maybe a Physician Assistant program. All the hands on medical, but not as much of the personal caring of nursing.

labordude, BSN, RN · May 31, 2013

Hi, I currently am an assistant at an eye surgery center wondering if nursing is the right choice. For years I've wanted to be a nurse but recently I've noticed my patience with patients is not what it used to be. Currently have a bachelors in public health and thinking if not nursing go into a MPH program. I like public health yet I want something more hands on maybe ER setting. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Just don't want to put all the time and effort to be a nurse and realize it is not for me.

You said "for years, I've wanted to be a nurse." Why? What is it about nursing that interests you? What makes you afraid that it might not be for you? Have you thought about trying to shadow for a day or two?

We all go through periods where our patience with our patients wears thin, though it is usually exacerbated by environmental and life issues, rather than an "I'm in the wrong career."

I started off in IT but always wanted to be a nurse. I wanted to make a difference in people's lives by applying my knowledge in a manner that helps them toward optimum health. I also wanted a career where I could start off at the bedside and then branch off into other direct or indirect care specialties if I so chose. I won't say that the relative stability and good pay were not factors, though they were not the MOST important things.