"Some people aren't meant to be nurses!"

Nurses General Nursing

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Has anyone else noticed that this is frequently said at AN? Is this the new catch phrase in nursing when talking about other nurses whom we dislike?

It's used to describe seasoned nurses who hurt the feelings of new nurses. It's used to described new nurses who tend to be more sensitive. It's used to describe nurses who like to complain about patients who are annoying or manipulative.

When people are out of arguments or just don't like someone, they say "Then get out of nursing!" or "Some people shouldn't be nurses" or "Some people aren't meant to be nurses".

Just a little pet peeve of mine.:smokin:

here's something positive....go steelers!

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

and on the flip side of this argument i am tired of people assuming that any and everyone can become a nurse. when people fail at premed or biology/physic majors the next thing is "i'll JUST become a nurse". no one says "i'll just become a doctor or a lawyer" why??? because the schooling is intimidating and you have to devote a lot of time if you want to be successful. well unfortunately, people find out that nursing is not a piece of cake either and then nurses are criticized for not being supportive enough. i think this career is taken too lightly and then when people are told the truth or experience the truth their feelings are hurt. i am not meant to be many things and its ok because people are entitled to their opinions. i believe in being supportive, but sometimes being honest with people doesn't help if they aren't ready to listen.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I think there is enough room in nursing for each of us to bring our own unique perspective into our nursing practice. While the Nursing Process may be universal, the way I nurse may be very different from the way a colleague practices. And that is just fine, IMO.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

Yes, this thread is a complaint thread, yep.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.
I think there is enough room in nursing for each of us to bring our own unique perspective into our nursing practice. While the Nursing Process may be universal, the way I nurse may be very different from the way a colleague practices. And that is just fine, IMO.

I totally agree. I guess the point of my thread is to ask the members of this forum to refrain from saying "Some people aren't meant to be nurses" at the drop of a hat. People are sometimes so dismissive of one another, and that's hurtful.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, corrections, +.

Ok not to hijack...but I wonder jls if you mean "not MEANT to be a nurse" is aggravating because these same people may feel that "nursing is a calling?" That ranckles me. It demeans the profession because it makes light of the hard work and determination it takes to achieve licensure. Oh one has to be called to it. Bright articulate people wouldn't be "called" to a career they would chase a degree and life that was fascinating to them. That whole "calling" thing its archaic. Nursing needs bright dedicated professionals. Not martyrs who feel "called" because they feel the need to be selfless and subservient.

Change the image. There is alot more to nursing then holding a cold washcloth to someones forehead and wiping butt; but the public doesn't see that. How many of you have had people tell you they could never do what you do? It is not because they believe nursing challenging and fulfilling, with endless avenues of opportunities; it is because they really haven't a clue about the Science of Nursing and see you as little more than handmaidens to MD's.

I love nursing. What do I love? The detective work. The putting together of s/s, of figuring things out. Of being able to effect change. The ever expanding knowledge base. Am I a people person? Mmmm not so much. Was I called to nursing? Hmm no trumpets here. It is a demanding career that demands sharp minds who can react quickly under pressure. And thats for me.

Wow. Didn't realize how much I disliked the phrase "its a calling." Sorry in advance, one for the typing, and two if my rant offended you, you will be pleased to know I feel better.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I agree. Not only is it completely dismissive of another person's point of view, but it's also a copout.

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

As one who believes Nursing was my calling, it was never about making money. It was not about having steady employment. It was something that from the time I was very young, knew it was what I wanted to be. Because of that it has gotten me through the best and the worst of days in nursing.

I also agree with JLS take of the use of the term " some shouldn't be a nurse. It so often is just used in a judgemental fashion.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I think there are a lot of people in nursing who should not be, for many reasons. It's not bad to say so if it is true. There are others who are in school that may need or want to reconsider. That is not bad to say, either. I knew of a few in my class who I knew would have trouble in nursing, and did, sadly.

But many more are in nursing who should be, and I am glad for it. I also think nursing is a calling for some; and they make wonderful, caring nurses!

For me, it was a pragmatic and wise choice that had nothing to do with any kind of spiritual calling. But I am a good nurse, nonetheless, compassionate and caring as well as one who has a very thick skin.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Critical Care.

I think that's an awful thing to say too, I guess just a catty response. It implies that we think we are better than someone else. It's human nature to judge.

I don't think it matters at all who is "meant to be" a nurse, it's what kind of nurse they turn out to be.

I wondered if I was meant to be a nurse a lot when I was choosing my major. And occasionally still do while getting up at 4am to get ready for clinicals, lol. I hope I turn out to be a good one!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

That you care says you likely will be a great nurse!

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Specializes in Operating Room.
Has anyone else noticed that this is frequently said at AN? Is this the new catch phrase in nursing when talking about other nurses whom we dislike?

It's used to describe seasoned nurses who hurt the feelings of new nurses. It's used to described new nurses who tend to be more sensitive. It's used to describe nurses who like to complain about patients who are annoying or manipulative.

When people are out of arguments or just don't like someone, they say "Then get out of nursing!" or "Some people shouldn't be nurses" or "Some people aren't meant to be nurses".

Just a little pet peeve of mine.:smokin:

jlsRN, I agree with you. I've seen that accusation leveled at way too many people on here also. I mean, for things that don't really affect patient care. Are you overweight? Then you shouldn't be in nursing! Do you smoke? Ditto. Do you sometimes like to use "naughty" words?:nono: Well then, watch out..because the Prissy Brigade is going to say that you shouldn't be in nursing. God forbid, you expect to be fairly compensated and expect that your NMs and coworkers act like decent human beings instead of rabid wolves..you will be told you shouldn't be a nurse, because you are lacking the martyr quality and are in nursing for the money.(where is this "money" they all speak of, BTW!:bugeyes:)
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