Oh boy should I do this?

ADNRN · Feb 6, 2004

Originally posted by koan
I spent last night reading thru this forum and I was depressed at the end of it, I thought I would go into nursing because it seemed like a job I could make a difference and not just be a pencil pusher.
Now i read thru and it appears like most are treated poorly, underpaid, resentful, stressed out and a lot seem to have less than nice things to say about the profession.
Maybe I'm not cut out for this, maybe it's just like everything else people complain and it isn't that bad for most.
I don't know...
I am a "pre nursing student" meaning I'm in the program but have to finish a few pre-reqs first.
Now I'm not so sure, anyone want to give their impressions or ideas on doing this?

If you feel like you could make a difference, if that's really your reason for being a nurse, then don't worry about what you read in here. Most nurses I know are happy with their job. I couldn't imagine doing anything else. It consumes me.

But I never encourage anyone to be a nurse. It has to be an individual decision. I encouraged one guy and now he's about to graduate and become the worse nurse in the world; I'm sure of it. And frankly, I feel responsible.

Good luck in your decision.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2004

I can understand why this board would discourage you. Just remember this board is a bunch of nurses and nursing students venting primarily about their lives, and we tend to vent about the negative.

There are those who wouldn't recommend anyone go into nursing. I would say think long and hard about your strengths and weaknesses. Do an honest assessment. Besides being patient, kind, nurturing and compassion, you have to be tough as nails, have thick skin, be willing to work strange hours, and put up with a lot of abuse from above, from within and from the patients and families. That's the reality.

But if you care enough to make a difference in peoples lives, we need you. Don't be discouraged though by a bulletin board. Good luck.

huggietoes · Feb 6, 2004

Do I hate my job, YES, do I hate nursing, NO! There are many different areas of nursing so if one does not suit you there are many other options. Nursing in and of itself can be grueling, the hours are long, it means nights, weekends and holidays, management and physicians will treat you like a trained chimp, you have to have thick skin, many people you will work with will put a knife in your back and then step over your corpse on their way to a promotion, it can be emotionally and physically draining and debilitating but there are positive aspects as well. Every day is different, you will never be bored, you will meet many people of different backgrounds and cultures, you will learn something new each day, some patients are actually nice and dare I say grateful. My suggestion is to do some job shadowing or volunteer work in healthcare. The only way to experience war is to get in the trenches with the other soldiers so to speak. Good luck to you.

unknown99, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2004

In any career, there are going to be times when you hate your job. In nursing it is no different. However, in nursing you get the satisfaction of knowing that you made a difference in someones life. The first time, and every other time there after, that the mother, father, bother, sister, or spouse of someone thanks you for all the tender care that you have given to their loved one, that will be the reason you stay in nursing.

There will be many times when people are not so grateful, that's just human nature, especially in a stressful situation as hospitalization. However, just think of all the lives that you have helped make better, and it will be all worth it!!!

live4today, RN · Feb 7, 2004

Like any job, there is good and bad...advantages and disadvantages...ups and downs...days of joy and days of sadness...fun times and boring times. Get my drift? :)

Become what you are passionate about being within yourself. That way when the hard times hit, the ugly of the profession rears its ugly head before you, and the shiftwork and attitudes become unbearable, you will STILL desire to continue in your chosen occupation. Why? Because you made the choice to pursue your life's passion....come hell or high waters. :nurse:

Reborn · Feb 7, 2004

Hi Koan

I have been in nursing for 25 years, first 2 as an aide, next 3 as an LPN and the last 19 as an RN.

It has taught me more about life and truly living it than I ever dreamed possible.

It has enabled me to live the "American Dream", a home, 2-3 cars, kids in honors and sports, etc. etc.

It has given me endless satisfaction when I see how my efforts have aided a fellow human being.

It has given me endless learning experiences and job opportunities, I've never been "stuck" for too long; too many different types of nursing jobs available.

Have I always liked what I was doing-NO

Have I ever really HATED what I was doing-at times

Did I ever consider leaving nursing-yes, but I couldn't afford to(LOL)

Hope this helps a little!

unikuelady, RN · Feb 7, 2004

Hi Koan.

Do what makes you happy. Have you tried being a volunteer in a hospital? How about starting out as a CNA or EMT? Nursing is my 3rd career. I worked in Sales (very good at but really HATED it). Seamstress. (lots of work for not much pay-got boring). Volunteered in a childrens hospital and found that I became energized. I felt like I could make a difference. I was happy. It took me 7 years of part-time/full time schooling to get my ADN. I had finally figured out how to get paid for doing what I really enjoyed. You will also find out that nursing is not just a job-but becomes who you are. Is it difficult---YES. Do I always like my working conditions--NO. Do I always like my patients and get along with my co-workers--NO. The first nursing job interview I went to-the nurse manager asked me what I liked most about nursing. After a few moments of thought-I told her it was the look on the patients face that told me I had made a difference in their lives. I got the job. Please don't be discouraged by reading the venting that alot of posters do on this discussion board. I have been helped greatly by being able to vent/share what has been going on. I find that when I am able to express myself to my peers and receive their support that it makes me a better nurse. Again my advice.......Do what makes you happy and figure out how to get paid for it!:blushkiss

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Feb 7, 2004

Being a nurse is a deeply personal decision. It is something you feel deep inside, something you know you MUST do, something that gives you pleasure and pain.

Nursing is changing, some for the better, some for the worse, that is life. I have had some horrific experiences as a nurse and I have had some of the most wonderful experiences too. I cannot imagine not being a nurse.

I would never try to push anyone towards nursing, it is something you will know is right or wrong for you to do. I would suggest you volunteer at some type of facility before you take this plunge into further classes. It might answer your question.

luvbeinganurse · Feb 7, 2004

I can only say, I love nursing. Not every day is great. Some days are exhausting and mentally draining, but I wouldn't trade being a nurse for anything else. As far as being a paper/pencil pusher - well, welcome to the real world of nursing. You'll never see so much paper work as you would with other jobs. Don't go into nursing to escape paper work or you'll be VERY disappointed! :rolleyes:

nursemary9, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2004

Hi

Don't be discouraged by this board. Remember, a lot of us are just venting here because it is safe to vent here & annonymous.

I have been a nurse for 37-38 years. I am a bedside nurse; an RN; No matter how angry I get at conditions, etc, I LOVE MY JOB!!

I love taking care of my patients; I love keeping up with the newest trends so I can give my patients the Very best care I can give. I love being the advocate for the patient.

No, I don't much care for paper work and some people's attitudes

etc., but I do love the actual nursing part.

I also think that in my area of the country, I get awfully well & I do like that!!

devilish_sprite · Feb 7, 2004

I have been a nurse for 10 years. I started out with the ideal I can make a difference. I have learned over these years:

That I do make a difference, maybe not in the grand scheme of things but a small difference.

When a resident smiles when I say good morning, or when a resident is returning home from rehabing at our facility and says thanks.

It is the satisfaction and overall feelings, That I made a difference in at least one persons life in a day, that makes me stay in nursing.

I left nursing for a short time, and came back to it because I missed the small things I did for people. It can be a gratifiying job but in return it can be very stressful at times. You have to decide for yourself what is more important.

Like most here in these forums, we come to vent and destress ourselves. It is one way to keep sanity in a very tough field. Dont give up just cause of what you see here. Go out and visit some nurses. Ask other questions here. See for yourself what nursing is about before you end something you havent begun.

I hope I made sense, It has been one of those long weeks at work and I actually came to forum today to vent and destress. But saw your post and needed to give my input.

:)