Nursing student lacking passion?

[misskate098]

I'm about to start my 2nd term of nursing school and there has been a question constantly being asked which I'm seeking insight on.

Are you passionate?

My answer is: not really. I'm looking for opinions on why this is a completely acceptable response because people generally are thrown off after I say that.

I have always had a great passion for science, though. I very much enjoy learning/research and applying my scientific knowledge, but passion in the sense of general nursing isn't really there. I chose the career path because: job security, flexibility, able to travel, the science aspect, pay/benefits and that my schooling was paid for in full if I chose nursing.

I see many of my classmates are obviously passionate about what they are doing and I see others that may be in the same boat as me but would never denounce their lack of passion. We are by no means cold/uncaring, but we don't seem as "into it" as the others.

I would love to hear from current nurses who lack passion (I know there are many) but still love their job and do well. Any advice or insight would be appreciated. :)

[Toronto1977, BSN, LPN, RN]

I was happy to hear from a situation similar to mine (referring to feeneishia post). I'm 36 and taking a couple courses now in preparation for applying to nursing school. This will be my 3rd career change. I hmm'd and haa'd over this choice for some time, thinking I'm much to old to go back to school and by the time I graduate, I'll be just THAT much older (will be going part time).

I searched within for that "calling" that some speak of. I do not have it. I dreaded going back to school and finding out - yet again - that there's another field out there I am not interested in working in, after spending how many years and how many dollars in school.

But, what I do have is compassion. I saw how the nurses and doctors treated my mom when she was in and out of the hospitals for years with Leukaemia (AML) (survived). I know we were certainly grateful for all they did for her. I want to be a part of that. I also thought that since I tend to get bored easily, nursing is a good fit, because there are so many options and avenues. If I don't like one area, I can move into another. I've also always found the medical field fascinating and I think this genuine interest will carry me through school and into the workplace.

I'm really happy to hear from others who do not have this "calling", as I felt alone in that regard and wasn't sure I was doing the right thing. Now, I know these feelings are normal, and based on my reasons above, this is the right move for me.

[duskyjewel]

I'm hoping to maybe be a NP someday so I can diagnose. But I'm 38 so I don't know if I can make that dream come true.

If I get to start my LPN program in Spring, I'll graduate when I'm 40. If I have to wait until Fall (please no) I'll be 41. You don't get to play the old card.

And I am in no way a "calling nurse" (well CNA for now).

[SeattleJess]

All of these posts made me feel so much better. I have a BS in Business and MBA. I am 40, and just decided this year to pursue becoming an RN. I come from a medical family, but it was a shock to them that I am becoming an RN. For years, I said I wanted to be an attorney. After two years of law school and working in several large and small firms, I got burned out. I wanted more career options and flexibility. After going through some health conditions, I said I really would love to be a nurse. I don't know if I have "the passion." But I have the heart and ability, and plan on being the best nurse I can be. I love learning, and plan on eventually becoming a NP. So I'm just really thankful that you all shared your views.

You are so smart to have retreated from the law in time! It's hard to stop the moving train once you get to a certain place in a law career. You had enough time in to make an informed decision.

And you are SO CORRECT about options and flexibility. Nursing leaves law in the dust on both measures.

[lumbarpain, ADN, RN]

No, I think I was in the very beginning...ya know how it was..you jump out fresh and new from school..you want to CURE THE WORLD>>.then you find out just how the profession is and what you really WANT to do is unavailable or its just not what you think it was going to be. I found my true passion to be Holistic Nursing...or Alternative/complementary medicine practices..but of course you need to be in the loop and when you are trying to establish yourself in a new state(when you don't want to be there in the first place) you kind of hold back on what your heart really desires........I am a long term RN...for over 18 years...I am tired , drained, burned out and just plain depressed now with my job....I need a fresh uplifting new start and hopefully with the Help of the Great Almighty...I will get it soon and finally be happy in my profession.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Before I was a nursing student, I worked as a unit secretary. Let me tell you, the ones who go into the nursing for the purpose of answering a divine higher calling bounce out within 2 years once they realize all the political mess that happens (cause they thought they could avoid that by not going the suit-and-tie route), the unreciprocated love (they honestly expected patients to be thankful and grateful to them for their service), the actual cruel nature of the system (no insurance? bye) and the constant threat of losing your license for every offense you didn't even know you committed, not to mention the money-hungry public who will lawyer up no matter how sincere and honest you were in trying to help them. If you look at it objectively as just a career you will fare better. Anyone who claims passion for it will be the one that ends up running away from the profession with his/her tail between the legs.

I respectfully disagree with you. I think there has to be some passion for the profession, or the person will experience an emptiness therefore leading to burn out.

I'm very passionate about nursing theory, and our forbearers such as Clara and Florence. I'm also passionate about nursing politics and policies. Part of my heart and soul belongs to my profession and I can't even see myself doing anything but.

Do all my patients love me? Nope and I don't expect them too. I'm not head over heels with the person who checks me out at the grocery store.

Does management respect me and look out for my best interest? Yeah, for the most part they do. Can there be more respect to nurses as a whole? You betcha.

Is it ok to not have passion for one's profession? Sure it is, but I find it worrisome. I suffered burnout at one time, and I hate to see anyone go down that dark path.

If nurses want change and respect, it is going to take nurses with passion to change the nursing world.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

If you came into nursing for the pay and job security, you will be sorely disappointed, OP. Nursing is experiencing a glut of new grads and stagnant wages now more than ever before.

[Luckyyou, BSN, RN]

I'm passionate about working three days a week and getting paid really well for all my overtime.

[duskyjewel]

If you came into nursing for the pay and job security, you will be sorely disappointed, OP. Nursing is experiencing a glut of new grads and stagnant wages now more than ever before.

I keep seeing these posts and I don't dispute it's true, but even LPN pay is more than I've ever earned before, so I'm moving up. Stagnant wages are still better than I'm earning now.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I respectfully disagree with you. I think there has to be some passion for the profession, or the person will experience an emptiness therefore leading to burn out.

I'm very passionate about nursing theory, and our forbearers such as Clara and Florence. I'm also passionate about nursing politics and policies. Part of my heart and soul belongs to my profession and I can't even see myself doing anything but.

Do all my patients love me? Nope and I don't expect them too. I'm not head over heels with the person who checks me out at the grocery store.

Does management respect me and look out for my best interest? Yeah, for the most part they do. Can there be more respect to nurses as a whole? You betcha.

Is it ok to not have passion for one's profession? Sure it is, but I find it worrisome. I suffered burnout at one time, and I hate to see anyone go down that dark path.

If nurses want change and respect, it is going to take nurses with passion to change the nursing world.

I can agree with this...but I'm sure there are plenty of people who are nurses that are making positive changes in this business because of their work ethic, not necessarily because they have a "calling".

Is is possible that work ethic and focus can be a "calling"? Maybe. *shrugs*.

[Gentleman_nurse, MSN]

Misskate

I think you know what makes you passionate about nursing and you're seeking validation. It's irrelevant what your passion is or views of others if it will make you a better nurse. Your ability to question yourself leads me to believe you will make an excellent nurse.

[Jfbeck440]

Misskate thank you so much for your post. I too am struggling with the same thoughts and really got a lot out of reading everyone's responses.

[mrshunt]

This is fabulous. I am a CNA now and have been trying to get into nursing school for 4 years. Its exhausting being rejected from nursing schools and my job isn't any easier either! I know being a nurse won't ever be a walk in the park and will always be hard on your body (physically and emotionally), but I have recently been questioning why I want to be a nurse and wondering where my passion for it is. But after hearing of many of you who are successful nurses and still struggle with passion is inspiring to me! I'm hoping to get into nursing school in January! Thanks guys!