GraceRN8

I have a similar story: my mother has an abuse problem. A few years ago, I talked to my father about my mother's substance abuse (it is nothing new for him because she's had that problem for years). She found out about me talking to him, said I violated HIPAA, and threatened to have me taken out of nursing school. I wasn't even scared because I know I am not the one overseeing her care, which of course there is none because she denies she has any abuse problem. Anyway, my point is, don't worry about it. She'll get over it.

I agree with DeLana RN. I have blond hair for example and would not use that as a weakness because it is how I am made. I know people can gain/lose weight, but that is currently how your body is and you should not feel ashamed of who you are. You are there to be a nurse, whether you are 110 lbs or 200 lbs. And when it comes to taking our own advice, that's something nurses are always working on! I know a lot of nurses, myself included, like chocolate. Well, we tell patients not to eat things that are bad for you, yet I know I eat sweets. So it's not that. It's just helping your patient to do what's best for them. And what's best for them may not be what's best for someone else. Hope this helps :)

I think it's a great idea to work if you can while in school. I worked my senior year as an aide on oncology floor, and that was actually what made me want to go into oncology. It also helped me become comfortable with patients. I had other jobs while in high school and college, but I would say I definitely become more comfortable with people the more hours I spent in the hospital. It does get tricky trying to fit in study time and work time (not to mention classes and clinicals) and you will have very little sleep and few days off, but it is worth it. I promise. I hated feeling tired and not being able to watch TV sometimes, but I am so glad I had that aide job because it was what made me stand out from other new grads. As far as CNA classes, it depends on your state. I know some states do not require a CNA license, but others do. And you will need the recert in CPR/BLS every two years. I hope it all works out for you! :)