Anotherguy

You have given me a lot to think about so far. I think you misunderstood me on the pills and pillow comment, of course I would love a job where all I did was that, but that's not going to happen. I do appreciate that you are trying to show me the challenges of nursing, I have to ask though if I've struck a nerve in someway. I've read so many different experiences on this forum, some are dangerously overworked, some are enjoying their conditions. I don't have any illusions about Nursing not being a hard job. But of that terrible stress you are warning me of, how much of it is bad work conditions/ lack of laws, union, than inherently being a nurse?

Thank you for the feedback so far, not to sound overly defensive I'd like to inquire about certain points. "I don't think you truly understand the scope of nursing. This is certainly not a field for someone who is only interested in personal gain. I would think it would be very difficult for you to set aside your disdain for the personal (gross, mundane, ordinary) tasks that nurses do and be a nurse that is a good patient advocate." I keep reading that there are suppose to be a great deal of options for Nurses, many specialties, many kinds of work. I personally am aiming to be a psychiatric nurse, helping people with addictions and other mental illnesses. Or perhaps a position in public health helping to educate and prevent infectious diseases. I see those as radically different environments than a nursing home or a surgical wing. I feel I should elaborate though, that I'm not looking for some fantasy where I hand out pills and fluff pillows all day. It's not changing diapers or physical labor that I'm worried about, rather dealing on a day to day basis with people that have severe injuries or facing death isn't something I'm sure I can deal with. And I guess I'm not really sure how to take the money comment either, I'm sure "great" means a lot of different things to different people, but with my first degree I was able to land jobs that paid around 35k which would be difficult to support a family with much less buy a house etc. While the union rates here are 50k+ for 1st years. Thank again though for your feedback so far.

Hi there, I'm a man returning to school considering a career in nursing. I've been browsing the forum trying to get a better sense of what a day in the career for a male nurse is like. I think it's helpful to describe myself a little and my motivations so please bear with me. I see Nursing as a very practical career where I can earn a great salary and achieve a level of professional success I would not otherwise reach. To be honest while I do want to provide people the best care I can, I have no noble calling to save lives and relief suffering if that makes sense. I have some concerns if I can really cut it, for example having to dress someone delicate wound is something I would dread. And while this is naive and selfish, I ideally would like to work away from certain groups such as the elderly or the fatally ill. So I have the following questions, and if you feel I am or am not suited to being a nurse I welcome your feedback on that as well. 1. What are some of the worse things you have face on the job? 2. Have you ever decide on areas you would not work in? 3. What are some of your experiences in non hospital settings and how do they differ? 4. Are you ever squeamish at the things you see and have to do, and if you did, did that pass in time? Thank you for taking your time for reading, and moreso if you replied.