Hi everyone. I am starting school at the age of 34 in January for my pre-req's. Nursing is something I have wanted to do since I was 13. Not just any nursing, but PEDS nursing. I am hoping to get a job after I graduate at a local Childrens Hospital.
I want to be a nurse for all the general reasons - stable job, decent pay, etc. - but I mostly want to be a nurse to make a difference in someone's life.
I know that as a nurse I will be busy. Actually, as odd as it sounds, I am looking forward to that. I like to stay busy. I just need someone to tell me that I won't be so busy that I won't have time to spend with my patients. Please tell me I will have time to hold their hands, read them a story, stroke their forehead, play a game with them. Please tell me that I will have the time to care for their SPIRITS as well as their BODIES.
I too am hoping I will have enough time with my patients.
You will if you make it! I don't buy for a second "I don't have time for my patients" - I've worked in quiet and extremely busy areas and always made time for my patients :)
I work at a pediatric hospital in Atlanta. I work on a liver/kidney floor. It is all up to you. If you take the time and do your work and do it with ease. You will have time with you patients. You don't have to skip any lunches or breaks. Nurses that skip lunches and breaks are because they don't know how to schedule their time. You will love working in a pediatric hospital. The babies and children, it is so much better working with them than in an adult hospital (my opinion). Take time and do your research before you jump into something. I've done adult and peds. I love peds vs. adult.
It's funny....when I first started school, I swore that there was no way in Hades that I would do peds. I have 2 kids at home, so why do I want to care for more kids and sick too? Well, I did some NICU shadowing and volunteering and some ped volunteer work at a children's hospital and love it! So....I think I'm going to shoot for something in peds.
I work in Pediatrics, but in a clinic setting. It is great, because I do have the time to spend with my patients. At times, of course, it does get busy, but alot of times, I have time to sit and color with them, or play with the blocks we have too. One of the most rewarding things that I have come across, was the kids will remember your name next time they come in!! When I had a 2 and 3 year olds coming back and saying hello to me, by name, and being excited to see me has been very rewarding. I love working in peds.
Im another who didnt think there was a chance id ever do peds...then i got into my clinical rotation and it just clicked! im doing my preceptorship in the NICU....i love it:)
wow! glad you finally found something to shoot for...i am in peds icu for my preceptorship, and i absolutely love it! for me, it is not just about the kids, but the families also. in the icu, i get to spend alot of time doing family teaching, and it is so rewarding to be there at that learning moment. elkmn06: just think, graduation is only weeks away! here's to our programs and making that leap of faith into a new professions!
RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN
8,498 Posts
I too am hoping I will have enough time with my patients.