Pre-Nursing Concerns

[ailish]

Throughout my seventeen years of life, I've been uncertain about what career I want to pursue. I've thought of several different possible routes, but being a nurse is one of the several, recurring options that I've considered. I like the idea that I can help people, and that I can make a difference in someone's welfare. I understand that the path to be a nurse is difficult, but I still want to pursue it. I've talked about my plans with my mom, and she wonders if I'll be able to do it. Her main concern is that I won't be able to perform certain procedures.

I don't think I'm not too squeamish. Honestly, the only thing that causes me anxiety is NG tube insertion and Foley catheter insertion. It's not solely focused on the human body, but rather if I can succeed in putting it in without hurting the patient. Even so, I think I'd be rather shy about it at first, particularly with the genital region since I've not seen too familiar with the anatomy or appearance of them.

My point is that I'm nervous that I won't be able to do necessary procedures. If possible, can someone provide an account of your experience with clinicals or days with these procedures? Is it normal to be anxious about these procedures? Does practice and time make less daunting? Is it not a good idea for me to become a nurse with these concerns? Any other words that you'd like to bestow upon me?

I would appreciate any input that any of you offer me. I'd like to thank those who took the time to read and reply to my thread in advance. Thank you very much! c:

[RunBabyRN]

I think most of us are nervous before doing a given skill for the first time. Much of what we do is invasive, simple as that. We stick needles in people, we put tubes in where tubes don't normally belong and risk puncturing membranes, and we see and care for people when they are at their most vulnerable. If you didn't get a little anxious and nervous doing this before you really have it down, THAT'S when you need to be worried! Your school will teach you how to do these things. I remember the first time I inserted a Foley. It was a woman who had a history of frequent UTIs. She said she was difficult to cath, so she totally understood if I missed (which only made me more nervous, of course!). The PA I was working with at the time (this was in the military, prior to nursing school) guided me through, and when I got her on the first try, I about pumped my fist in the air! LOL I was so excited! You get really proud of yourself when you overcome a hump like that. It'll happen. Thus far, I've never missed on a patient (knock on wood), and really, it rarely hurts if you're gentle. You talk them through it and help them relax.

I have yet to insert my first NG, as my last opportunity was on a guy who was already nervous as could be about having one put in, so I didn't do it. I've seen a few go in, but I've only done it on a midsag model. I know my time will come, and it'll be fine. Try not to stress, and know that you'll be given the tools to succeed when you get there. And yes, these things become less daunting as you do them more and more. I've inserted more IVs than I can count. I still get a little nervous that I will somehow miss or something (even though I've inserted thousands over the years), but I'm always thrilled when I get the flash of blood.

Don't let your mom make you more anxious. If nursing is what you want to do, show her you can do it! :)

[Sparrow91]

Wow you sound exactly like me when I was 17! lol When I was 17 I went through what I'd like to call a "beginning of life crisis". I had no idea what I wanted to be when I "grew up". My mother convinced me that CNA would be the right thing for me and my concerns where exactly like yours. But I made the decision just to jump in blind and do it anyways. It was awkward and scary at first giving a bed baths to men who could my grandfather but you know what? I did it! and got better and felt more comfortable with it. After working for a couple years I then decided to go to nursing school. Again I was scared about what laid ahead of me, the hard science classes, the invasive procedures. But I figured if I could get through it and survive it once I can do it again! I pushed through the classes and did well. Then the day came my patient need an NG tube. Nobody in the short history of my clinical had ever done one except on manikins! Again I had a decision to make and I jumped in with both feet. I was so nervous my hands started to shake as applied lubricant to my tubing. So I breathed deep and changed my perspective. Why I was there was not about me but my patient. I remembered that what my patient was going through medically, physically and emotionally was way worse than what I was feeling. I also remembered that I have been trained and that I know what I am doing and I would not be here if I didn't. So I as calmly as I could I placed my first NG tube, and you know what? I stuck it on the first try! Both my patient and I had never been more happy (at least that day anyways). Sticking that NG tube was an achievement, but seeing the relief on my patient's face a couple hours after beginning suction is indescribable.

If nursing is what you want to do then do it! Don't allow what others say stand in your way. Don't let this opportunity be something that you will one day look back on and regret for not having at least tried! Good Luck to you! :)

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Welcome to AN :)

Strong suggestion: contact a local hospital and ask if you can shadow a nurse, see what is involved in day-to-day activities. Volunteer in a hospital this summer (if you're still in high school). If you can complete a CNA training course, that may help you get past the initial concerns of patient contact. It's a start.

While we can describe things for you, the reality of what you will feel and experience is very personal....and can only be determined by you. See if there's some kind of program for youth that you can get involved in that puts volunteers in the hospital setting.....they vary, but you may have one open to you.

You'll have a much better idea then. Good luck!

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

It amazes me the amount of kids who come on here with discouraging parents. This is your life, and you only get one, so live it for you and no one else. I guess I was extremely fortunate that my parents let me find my own way in life and even when I made mistakes, they supported me. I plan to do the same with my son.

It is perfectly natural to be nervous. I think everyone is when trying something new. It happens. Practice makes perfect.

I would like to give you a little advice. When you start college and if you decide to go into nursing, do well in your prereqs. Have fun in college but make sure you have a good GPA. Nursing school is competitive and I see lots of people in here who screwed around early on and now can't get into nursing school. Do well and have fun and enjoy your college experience. The procedures will come, it will just take some time.