I'm not a nurse, first off. I'm thinking about becoming a nurse, but would like some guidance/opinions.
How does one KNOW nursing could be the career for them? A little background; I'm not 18 and right out of high school. I'm 31 and have about 11 years experience at a software company. I've been rethinking my career - frankly, i have no real passion for my work.
My sister is an RN; adult trauma at hospital. She says I'd be great. But I'm been talking to friends, etc...some get very weird about this - "you need to be CALLED to this type of work" is the kind of thing I've heard. One person in the field gave me a look like, "you don't want to go there, you couldn't handle it." There's "only certain TYPES can do this sort of thing," and so on.
WHY do I want to do this? Well, clearly, I want a career that I care about, instead of a job. A life where I can help others. Nurses are needed. I'm hyper and highly organized, very nurturing. I like the idea of having paths and choices - ie: my sister got burnt out after years of PED ICU - she switched hospitals, moved into Adult Trauma and is now feeling newly challenged.
I was worried about the gore factor - frankly, I'm not great with blood - but my sister says I will be after my nursing education is complete. Hmmmm. I'm also concerned with separating myself emotionally - how does one not run around crying all day after someone in their care dies? That may sound naive, but if I choke up at Hallmark commercials, is that a sign this career is not for me? That's a joke, but I really would like some opinions of those in a field I've long respected - but how do I know I BELONG in that field? Any comments/opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much....
