jphume

am i a chicken? i'm been working on my pre-req's to enter the medical profession as a nurse and i've got to say that i'm really bothered with what i've been reading/hearing. the latest two reports that have been released to predict the spread of the h5n1 (avian flu) show devastating losses - particularly among those in the healthcare profession. i've got a wife and two kids and although i know everyone will be at risk the thought of putting my family is freightening. i tend not to be an alarmist by nature so i don't think i'm worrying for no reason. anybody else have any thoughts on this? :wink2:

What makes nursing school so hard? Would like to hear from those who are currently going to or who have been through nursing school - what made it the most challenging for you? Please be specific.

I have to admit that small details are not my strong point. I'm really good at the "big picture" but sometimes overlook details. I really would like to pursue nursing as a career. Should this be a warning sign? I think I would be very nervous about messing up a dosage or not reading every detail correctly. I recognize that there are a lot of extra safeguards put in place to prevent mistakes but I guess I just am being very cautious. My perception (however wrong it may be) is that all nurses are detail freaks. Is this true? My question is: Are there any nurses out there that don't have a propensity for details that have overcome that obstacle?

Do PA's get more respect? I understand that fundamentally both NP's and PA's are extremely simililar (don't want to start that debate). However, is there an unspoken perception (that nobody talks about) that PA's are more respectable? Are there any NP's that feel unfairly treated compared to PA counterparts? I'm just trying to get a grasp on reality - right or wrong.

I'm having trouble deciding which area of healthcare would be most advantageous for me to get some work experience in. I eventuallly would like to work in Critical Care. Becoming an EMT-IV would give me great experience but becoming a CNA would allow me to see an "up-close and personal view" of the nursing world. Would also like this healthcare experience to help set me apart from other applicants as I prepare to apply for nursing school. :wink2: