pbrain

I had similar fears. I was afraid that someone's life would hang in the balance and that I would choke. That has since happend and of course I didn't choke. I and my team did everything right but we still lost the patient. If this fear is debilitating I have a couple of tips or things you can try. You can call a local hospital and speak to the Dean of Nursing and ask if you can shadow a nurse for a couple of days. They are usually very helpful in assisting people who are interested in the field. That might qualm you fears a bit and help you to decide. You can also go into other areas of nursing such as radiology, phlebotomy or even medical billing where the pressure of life/death may not be so constant. It has been my experience, and I have seen this in several hospitals/homes. If a "code" happens, you will not be acting alone. People, other nurses, supervisors, CNA's, etc. will be responding to the code with you. Whatever your worst fears are, you will not be acting alone. With all that said, the biggest challenge in nursing today is FINDING A JOB. They are just not out there in Ohio. I would love to know where this nursing shortage is because I haven't seen it. Look at the job market before you decide. I have been a nurse for 3 short years and it is horrible out there to try to find a job.