mjobrien

Realistically it's not so much the fear of coworkers lol, I've had many amazing coworkers and some really good groups over the years. I think I just struggle most with the fact that I will inevitably be surrounded by A LOT of women. Don't get me wrong, I love women and a lot of the people I'd consider my closest friends are in fact of the opposite sex..but I just find it difficult to constantly relate, especially when you're the only guy. Apart from that, I have good social skills but I do find it hard to express sympathy and to come off as honestly empathetic. I feel like this is a very important factor in care taking. It's not that I don't care, I do, but expressing it is different lol. I am thinking I'm just a better fit for a lab.

I should rephrase as I see that struck nerves..I was referring to more specifically during lunch breaks and down time, etc. Maybe it was just the settings that I was a CNA in, but a lot of what I heard apart from health talk was trash talking, bad mouthing and just overall gossip amongst the nurses, LPNs, and RNs alike. About eachother, about their significant others, about the higher ups. I'm sure it was just the facility I was working in, but I've been having a hard time shaking my experiences there from my mind. I meant no personal offense. As far as the shoe in thing goes, there's not much of a waiting list at all. Class size of 25 and only about 10 predicted to actually apply. I wasn't trying to sound arrogant there, but there truly is just not a whole lot of competition lol. I guess more of what I dislike though is the variables that come with human interaction, especially when your job depends on it. You just don't know who's going to have a problem with what patient wise, especially as a male. I've spent time working construction and I've spent time working as a CNA and I can honestly say I prefer the quiet, sometimes monotonous work of the construction to the constant bicker and drama I experienced around me in that nursing home. I just like the idea of being able to show up, work quietly and efficiently, and still make a difference. I don't mind the idea of research though. There are many things I could look at after completion of the lab tech program.

Hello everyone, I am turning to this forum for advice and input regarding potentially one of the most significant decisions of my life. Currently I have completed two years of college in working for prereqs to enter the nursing program. The program itself is two years for the RN, and is quite vigorous once admitted. At this point, I'm a shoe-in for entrance as I've passed all the required pre reqs, but recently a microbiology professor of mine has been talking to me about pursuing a somewhat different path. She has been talking about the great need for medical and clinical lab technicians, and how the pre reqs for this program are the exact same as the nursing. I have expressed concern before about my original decision to become a nurse, for a few reasons. One being the fact that over the years I have become less of a people person, and I honestly can't see myself sitting around and listening to the gossip and girly talk of the majority (not all) of my female coworkers (I'm a male). To me, a better fit seems to be sitting back in a lab, quietly and diligently working away doing my own thing, but still what I love. I've always been a bit of a geek at heart, and thoroughly enjoy discussing medical literature and new studies with likeminded people. It seems to be a good fit for me, but I am uncertain on the wages. I understand RNs do quite well, and although its not the main deciding factor, money is always influencial, especially in today's economy. It helps that the college is here in my home town, and I've been able to live here with my parents though. Really has cut down on the senseless and crazy high rent I would be paying if I was out on my own. But I understand, and look forward to the day when I'll have to move out. I just want to be ready and be able to support myself. If anyone has any input on this, or any real life experience it is much appreciated. Thank you all.