Am I cut out for nursing

[larson1013]

Something is really bothering me and I don't know if I'm meant to be a nurse anymore. Last night my husband choked on a chicken bone. Instead of getting into help him mode like I do with my patients. I panicked hard core and didn't know what to do. I just grabbed my phone to call 911. He was coughing up blood and turning red in the face. I just have this image of him looking at me and needing help and I'm just standing there frozen. He was able to cough it up and I did nothing but panic. I feel so incredibly guilty about it and I'm seriously questioning my ability to become a nurse. I've worked in healthcare for almost two years and I've seen patients crash, pass away, etc. But when it comes to my husband I turn into this crybaby and choke up. Is this normal for other people in healthcare? Does this mean I shouldn't be a nurse?

[Sparki77]

When I was about 5 yrs or so into my practice ~tele at the time & I was in many codes etc- my then husband almost cut off 2 fingers with a saw. He came in the house, hand up over his head, gushing blood. I took one look, got dizzy & had to sit down. HE applied his own compression with a dish towel & went with a friend for sutures. I still tell that story & I laugh about it now.

Point is, at the end of the day, most of us are still human.

You will be fine!

[Munch]

You also have to remember when you are in the hospital you are constantly on alert because things going south is a constant possibility. When you are at home you aren't on work mode, you are relaxing with loved ones. Stuff happening at home with family members can catch you off guard. I was at the playground with my sister and nephew and he fell and hit his head. Instead of checking to see if he was even bleeding anywhere I ran him back my sister. I was in Auntie mode at that time..not nurse mode.

[Tencat12]

My 3 year old daughter sliced open her cheek on a coffee table when I was a couple years out of nursing school. I was totally useless. I finally got it together when we got to the ER. Im still a nurwe 11 years later......don't be hard on yourself.

[MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN]

As others have said, it's different when it's a loved one. Many years ago my mom sliced her finger open very badly & was bleeding quite a bit. I had to grab the wall to brace myself, I started feeling woozy, legs were giving out & nearly passed out! Yet I've seen several other people/patients bleed profusely (all strangers or distant acquaintances) & didn't bat an eye. You are much more emotionally invested in your loved one. Go for it.