is it pointless for me to pursue nursing?

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 2, 2009

Of course you can conquer your fears. You just need to start putting one foot in front of the other and do it. Committ to it. Decide that you will do it and get started.

Good luck.

dnp2004 · Mar 2, 2009

As human beings, we are not "hardwired". What I mean is that fears and phobia that we pick up through the years can be eliminated as well.

MsLoriRN, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2009

Hi,

Whether or not nursing will be a right "fit" for you is something that you can research a bit, and it sounds like you have already started. As for your "fears," every student nurse has them. Some are about invasive procedures and having to touch complete strangers in rather personal places; others are about putting needles and tubes into people; others are about blood and guts (I call it the "goo factor"); others are about death; others are about whatever else you could imagine! But every nurse that you see had something he or she was afraid of when they first started out. So if you decide that this is a career you wish to pursue, you and your fears will be in very good company! Your instructors will be there to help walk you through that, and also your fellow nursing students. You will have a clinical group for each area you work through, and you all should lean on each other and talk things out!

Don't give up on the idea of nursing just because you have fears! Fears are valid, in and of themselves. But they are NOT a valid reason to give up your dream at this stage.

Good luck,

Lori:nurse:

rn/writer, RN · Mar 2, 2009

I would suggest seeing if you can get trained as a CNA and work at that job for a while. Even if you have another job, many places will hire you part-time. This can be a wonderful way to learn the basics--from good body mechanics (so you don't hurt your back) to the simple act of putting your hands on another person.

Don't judge nursing by the CNA job, though. I've done both, and, while there is considerable overlap, there are many parts that are different. I'm just suggesting that working as a CNA could help you get some exposure to the "hands on" part of caring for people. That, and you'll be better prepared for when you start nursing school. In fact, a fair number of nursing schools require that prospective students obtain CNA training before they start school.

I wish you the best as you pursue your goals.

ChervRN · Mar 2, 2009

THANK YOU! for your replies. I think that maybe I am just thinking waayyyy too far ahead, and putting one foot in front of the other is the way to go. LIke...cross those bridges when I get there, right? :up:

hpygrl01 · Mar 5, 2009

I am a second term nursing student. I wish I could say I had fears of going into nursing, but so far none. Still, the idea of having to handle private parts you will get over quickly. Clients expect it, and you have to fake it till you make it. Just get in there and do it. Show poise, professionalism, and confidence. The last thing you want to do is scare your client. I'm sure you're gonna do great.:wink2:

ChervRN · Mar 10, 2012

who knows if anyone will read this, but I was just looking back at my threads, and I can't believe that i was the one who wrote this one! I am now a 3rd semester nursing student and LOVING every minute of it!! I still haven't done an actual foley on a male or female, but I think I will be okay!

It's neat to look back and see how far I've come. So if any new nursing students are reading this because they're nervous too..take it from me.....your fears will pass and you will learn and grow not only as a nurse but as a person! :nurse:

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 11, 2012

Congratulations, flutterbye67! I am happy to see you have overcome your fears rather than let them prevent you from becoming a nurse.

Thanks for updating the thread. When I see old threads, I often wonder what happened to the original poster as so few threads/stories get updated. Maybe your update will give someone the inspiration they need to try.

:yeah: