maddyb

Hi all! I just wanted to thank everyone who replied to my post. I am really unsure how to proceed! On the one hand I think I would really like nursing because I really like helping people, I am very patient, organized, I love science and problem solving, etc. But then there is the whole issue regarding blood, etc. In my lab position, I handle all kinds of gross stuff, but I fear it will be different when someone is actively bleeding in front of me!

Julia, I was thinking about about doing an accelerated program as I do have all of the prereq., but to be honest with you, I am worried that a year will not be enough time for me to get used caring for patients, plus maybe I will need time to learn to deal with blood, etc. Does that sound like maybe I am not cut out to be a nurse? I am a people person, I care about helping people heal, get healthy, etc. but is that enough? How did you feel about blood before you became a nurse?

Before you started school did blood, etc. bother you at all? I have asked a few nurses about the blood factor and they say you just get used to it, that most people are bothered by blood and in normal life you don't have a chance to learn how to deal with it, but in school you will. Good luck in school!

Hi everyone! I am 34 years old, married, no kids. I have a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology. I currently work in a lab, but previously worked in the clinical research trials dept at a local hospital. I discovered that I am very interested in clinical research trials and medicine in general. I was laid off due to funding shortages, or I would still be there. Anyway, I have been contemplating going back to school to become a nurse, and i would like to get into the research side eventually, but i am wondering if i could handle the blood and bodily fluids aspect of the job! When I was younger i worked in a nursing home, so I saw, heard and smelled alot (if you know what i mean;) ). In all of the A&P classes I took I never had a problem with dissecting anything, while some of the nursing students in my labs were so grossed out they didn't do any of the dissection. I did a two day job shadow at the hospital with one of the nursing managers, but I couldn't get a good idea of what exatly the job entails. We just went into patient's rooms to check Blood Pressure, bring meals or just to say 'Hi". The hospital would not allow me to see anything else, they say i need to be a nursing student. How can I figure out if I can handle the blood, etc. I deal well with stress and fast paced environments, as the lab I work in now is chaotic. Any advice and or insight would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!