why do people do this?

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I have posted a similar post here before, but now that I am getting closer to the program, I am hearing it again and I just need to vent !! so bear w me, please :devil:

I KNOW for the most part what I am getting into w going to nursing school. I KNOW it will require a lot of hard work and perseverance. WHY must people --who have not even gone to nursing school--add their two cents and tell me: oh we're never going to see you, nursing school takes all of your time, its soooo hard. ....I really don't understand why people do this?--people w no direct knowledge are saying this to me and it's driving me crazy. :uhoh3: While it is mostly just getting under my skin, it is beginning to sink into my psyche a little and I'm starting worry about it.

do any of you hear that from people? I think it is flat out rude to try and squash someone's dreams!!

thanks for listening.

Simply say "Oh I know, but I'll live and be a damn good nurse." Then move onto a new convo. Good luck!

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I hear some of those kinds of comments from my husband's family, as they raise their eyebrows, purse their lips, and look away slowly. I find it especially patronizing.

I would much rather they say things like: "I hear it's a really difficult program, I can help with this or that if you need it." or, "I know you're going to be super busy for the next 18 months, if you need to vent, I'll listen." You know what I mean? Where's the positive?

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You know what I mean? Where's the positive?

This is what I'm talking about. People don't do that when you get engaged, married or have kids, do they? Not that i have ever heard. usually people are excited for you..."That's terrific...good for you". whatever....i guess it's a glass half empty mentality.

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At least your non-nursing friends realize it's hard! Mine say "why do you want to wipe butts" or "ohh going to the hospital sounds like so much fun!" or "nurses can specialize, doesn't the doc just tell them what to do?" Yes..my friends come from a very small world apparently.

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Hey, people try to discourage me almost everyday and I am used to it. Right now I am just ignoring those kind of statements. It flows in into one ear and flows out from another..:)

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oh guiltysins I agree!! one of those damn people was my husband till i set him straight LOL! When I got my acceptance letter and came in the house from the mailbox happy crying, he was very concerned and asked me what happened. I told him I got in, he was like I thought you already signed up...I wanted to punch him :) I had been sick for months waiting and all that time he thought it was the sort of thing I could just sign up for....He now knows the reality of the situation lol. Many of my friend also dont get it. They will all understand in a few weeks when things get started!

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In some respects it is a form of jealousy. You are choosing a rewarding career. You are choosing to change your life. In 5 years you will be making twice what they are because of a choice to do what it takes to improve your life yesterday, today and tomorrow.

There is more to life than going out to party 3-4 times a week.....

Best of luck!

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thanks...hmmmm, I think my problem is that maybe I am taking what they are saying all wrong.

I think I am hearing them as though they are trying to talk me out of nursing school, or in some way telling me that I can't handle it...not simply stating the facts. yeah, that's what I'm hearing and that's why its bugging me.

OP...I understand what you are saying. I feel the same way you do when I get these types of reactions about my choice to pursue nursing. Its natural to feel scared about the whole process therefore we feel insecure, and that just hinders the way we should be receiving what people say. In the past I would allow these types of comments, or the way I was perceiving them, to hold me back. Now, I do my best to take them with a grain of salt and use them to fuel my passion even more. Best of luck to you and keep a positive attitute!! :)

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My husband is always kind enough to tell me that engineering school was tough and that nursing school is probably much easier. Would you rather hear that? Neither statement squashes my dreams. I am hoping the nursing program is tough and turns me into a nurse when I am done.

In Jan 1984 I graduated with a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and minor in Physics while doing the AFROTC program. I will finish my ADN program Next week.

Give this info to hubby.....NURSING SCHOOL IS HARDER THAN ENGINEERING!!!! I am the one who can say this as I have done BOTH! :p

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If that is all it takes to get into your "psyche" and quash your dreams, then I shutter to think how you will handle the harsh reality of nursing school, or the reality of nursing. People are going to make comments ALL THE TIME. No one has insulted you or claimed that you are unfit; they are simply stating the obvious.

Instead of taking offense when people make such comments, maybe you can smile and say "bring it on"!

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In some respects it is a form of jealousy. You are choosing a rewarding career. You are choosing to change your life. In 5 years you will be making twice what they are because of a choice to do what it takes to improve your life yesterday, today and tomorrow.

There is more to life than going out to party 3-4 times a week.....

Best of luck!

I don't think it's jealousy; it's just that people have a general idea of the difficult nature of the nursing program.

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That wasn't a very fair representation of the original post, wanna be rn! She said she wanted to vent. Who are we to pass judgment like that and "shutter" at other peoples thoughts. We all are on these boards for the same reason, because we share the same passion. How can you say "I shutter to think how you will handle the harsh reality of nursing school, or the reality of nursing." and in the same paragraph say "No one has insulted you or claimed that you are unfit". Do you think the first sentence isnt insulting? There is a right way to share experiences and a wrong way.

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