Oh boy should I do this?

Nurses General Nursing

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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?

Specializes in ccu cardiovascular.

I LOVE BEING A NURSE. I really hate the place i work sometimes, because i feel they just care about the money coming in, but we (nurses)care about the patients and families walking through the door. It is gratifying when a family member comes in with their loved one and remembers you from a previous admission and says"i'm so glad you are here, now i can relax and go home" The smiles you get from your patient because you stayed with them when they needed someone just to sit with them for awhile. Granted there are some patients that are pains in the behind, but i would not trade my profession for anything, because "i am a nurse" I can't tell you if nursing is for you, it's one of the toughest jobs physically, mentally and emotionally in the world, but if you need motivation read chicken soup for the soul for nurses, it affirms why all of us are nurses.

MAybe you could get a job as a nursing assistant it really helps you understand if you are cut out for healthcare or not. Good luck whatever you do.

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Specializes in ER - trauma/cardiac/burns. IV start spec.
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?

Most all or us - even though we gripe alot - love nursing. We love our job but we hate how we have to DO our job.

If reading this forum makes you doubt your dec. that you must not want to be a nurse. Despite all the schooling and training, being a nurse is a calling it is not just a job.

I have had to stop work due to latex and I miss nursing so much its been almost a year and I still am on antidepressants due the my life changes.:crying2:

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Well!! I hope you do go into nursing if your heart is in it. I like the ideas about shadowing and volunteering. That will give you some insight into what nursing is about. Yes, we all complain, but I, like most, can't imagine doing anything else!! The best part of nursing is the personal satisfaction you take in providing excellent nursing care. Nursing, I believe, is a calling. Be ready to give of yourself--physically, psychologically, mentally. I've been a RN since 1981. I've worked OB, ER, Med-Surg, Telemetry, CCU, Recovery, Administration, Quality Improvement, to name a few. I've gone up to a DON position and have returned (because I missed the patient contact) to being a floor nurse. I've both hated and loved every minute of it. I've earned a Master's in Nursing and am currently giving thought to finishing up as an acute care NP. Welcome to the wide, wild, and wonderful world of nursing. If your heart is in it, go for it. There will be a special spot for you, may take you a while to find it, but it is worth it. The reason we seem to complain (alot :rolleyes: ) I think is because we are so thoroughly involved in our profession. But, trust me-- we do talk about the good stuff too...the new babies, the successful codes, the patients we've grown close to. Good Luck and I hope you will choose to continue with nursing! :nurse:

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Nursing is full of negative people as well as most professions. Many people will complaine of pay, hours, patients, etc. I have to tell you that I love nursing! It is sad that so many great people become trapped in "jobs" that leave them so miserable in such a wonderful career. If you are unhappy move to another area of nursing or at least a different facility. A flower is a weed growing where it looks good! If you become a nurse simply vow never to let anyone make you hate your life. Everyday I "Debrief" myself on the way home and focus an a couple of patients I made a difference with. How rewarding! Good luck with nursing school!

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I am still a pretty new nurse, but I feel as if I am starting to become *somewhat* comfortable in med-surg on the night shift. Many nights can be pure hell when it seems as if all of your patients are circling the toilet bowl, and as the nurse, you get crapped on. But, when the care you provide is recognized, it makes me glad that I chose this profession. One of my surg patients told me he appreciated how I "took care of him all night". Just makes me feel all warm and tingly inside.

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I have been a nurse for 15 yrs and I love my job. You just need to find the area that is right for you. I worked med/surg for 5 yrs and hated every day of it. Then I worked ICU for 6 yrs I loved that but moved to PACU when I got the chance(I still work ICU occ. just for fun.) I love my job!:D

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Listen - the opportunities are really terrific right now, the money's getting better, and it's ethically clean - not so easy to find, these days.

And so hey - serious question here, actually: what's your current koan? Muuuuu.....

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I felt the same way when I first came on here and even talking to some of my nurse friends is depressing. But then I realized that most nurses may vent at times (or even all the time :) ) about their job but I think if they were asked if they completely wanted to give up on nursing, the majority would say that they would never do that. And that is the way I have come to feel, that even though I know the road to becoming a nurse is going to be a long hard one and I may feel like I'm going to quit, I will never allow myself to do that because I am determined to be a nurse and help people despite the working conditions. Just thought you might benefit from someone who definitely has felt the same way on many occasions and still is determined to be a nurse !!

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Hi Koan,

I think if you read beween the negative lines you will find a common thread: Nurses for the most tend to care much about their patients, but are horribly disabled by administration and managed care mongers who don't ALLOW them to do their jobs! Why do we stay? For the knowledge that at least we care, and that by doing so our patients are that much better for it. Sometimes the rewards are obvious e.g:A patient pulling through, and sometimes they are hidden. It is a great profession but you ultimately have to decide for yourself. Nurses are so amazing!

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Originally posted by MarkHammerschmidt

Listen - the opportunities are really terrific right now, the money's getting better, and it's ethically clean - not so easy to find, these days.

And so hey - serious question here, actually: what's your current koan? Muuuuu.....

If "I" think that "I" doesn't exist whats letting go of "I" .

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There is something about seeing your pt smile when you walk in the door after being off a couple of days.

Something about spotting a complication that could be life threatening and getting it taken care of before problems set in.

Something about healing that wound.

Something about listening to your pts problems when they can't even tell their family.

Something about working with a team that rocks...a REAL team.

That something is called nursing.

-Russell

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Originally posted by 3rdShiftGuy

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.

I won't bother to write more; this post says what I would if I had gotten here first. EVERY WORD HERE IS RIGHT in my book. I wish you the best in your decision-making and future career plans. It's up to you!:kiss

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