Nursing- is it worth it?

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Hi there, I'm a junior in high school, interested in becoming a nurse.

I want to do it because it just seems like a rewarding career- something you can be proud of, knowing that you help people on a daily basis.

I know for the most part it's not glamouous or pretty, but It still sounds good to me.

The problem is, I'm constantly hearing all these horror stories about how bad nurses are treated, how stressful it is, and basically just that it's a horrible career.

Is it that bad? most of the nurses I know love their jobs, but then I hear all these bad things...

so, nurses, if you had the chance to re-do it all, would you? or is it worth it to be a nurse?

If I don't go into nursing I'd like to get into pediatric Occupational therapy or maybe music therapy.

Thanks, K

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Yes, it's that bad.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. Best move I ever made.

Sure there are days you wanna pull your hair out. Your feet hurt and you need to pee but you haven't had time.You have to deal with clueless managers that wouldn't last five minutes on the floor.

But there is also the smile and a sincere thank you from a patient.Waving good bye when someone is well and can go home.Ensuring a patient's comfort when they won't get better.

Don't take the complaining to heart. Nurses come to allnurses to vent to others that will understand.Sure there is politics and gossiping but any job has it's share of that. My sister is a teacher and her complaints about her job echo that of nursing.I guess how get treated depends on where you are. I love my coworkers, worship my charge nurse and genuinely like most of the doctors.I think your job is what you make it.

I am heartened by the fact that in your post not once did you mention money. It sounds like you would make a splendid nurse.Best of luck, whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

OP, I understand your concern. I'm starting to wonder myself...and I'm quite a bit older and have worked in a hospital side-by-side with nurses.

The thing I'm clinging to is that allnurses is hopefully just an amalgam of all the drama/frustration/issues of these various places around the country (and globe). Because I've already committed to this.

But it is really disheartening.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical / Palliative/ Hospice.

I think it really depends on where you work and who you work with. "Nursing" is so generalized - there are tons of different paths you can take as a nurse. Different fields, different schedules...it's very flexible. There are days where you feel you have helped people, and days when you question your sanity for choosing nursing as a career.

If there is a local health care facility where you live, I would suggest volunteering in an area you are interested in.... this will give you an idea of how the nurses feel, and will allow you to ask questions. Good luck!! :nurse:

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Specializes in Neuro ICU/Trauma/Emergency.

Is the job stressful? Possibly!

Are nurses treated badly? Sometimes by patients & physicians.

Is the academic path a breeze? Absolutely not!

Are you rewarded? Nursing is a rewarding field for those who aren't interested in making 7 figures a year or working twice as hard to bring home a 6 figure salary.

As a junior in high school, I encourage you to find out what means the most to you. If it's economic & financial success, maybe engineering, accounting, Hospital Administration, Biochemistry is more rewarding. If you seek to have knowledge of the physiology of the human body, go into the medical field as a caregiver I.E. Nurse, MD, DNP, Histologist!

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Nursing is a rewarding profession. You are always busy, needed, and learning. It can be stressful in many ways. If it is something you are serious about, don't let others build a wall for you. There are enough obstacles in the way just to become a nurse.

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Specializes in Law, Operating Room.

K,

Nursing is a career that can be both challenging and rewarding. Like most things in life, it is what you choose to make of it. Some days are rough and crazy, and some days you leave your shift on top of the world. If you have the heart to care for patients and the head to learn, think on your feet, etc., then nursing may be for you. And for every horror story you hear, there are lots of great stories that you may not. For some reason, people like to complain more than they like to talk about the good side of things. Don't let that steer you away from nursing. A career in nursing will open many doors to you--and it will be up to you to decide which path you want to follow. Keep an open mind and an open heart--both will serve you well in whatever you endeavor to do. Good luck to you!

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