too sensitive for nursing??

babybear0427 · Jul 2, 2010

I know how you feel....but being sensitive is actually a good thing if you want to become a nurse, you'll be more compassionate and caring and you'll be able to relate to your patients more....i was sensitive too, (still am) but after I got my CNA license and started working, I got used to it....I remember when one of my favorite residents died and I couldn't stop crying but I know she is in heaven and I'm glad I got to meet her even for such a short period of time....I suggest that you get your CNA first and see if you like it....it's a wonderful experience and that's when I decided that nursing was for me....good luck to you!!

One1, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2010

Being compassionate and caring is not a weakness. The nice thing about nursing is that there are so many fields in which you can work. Nursing is not limited to hospitals and assisted living. You could go into community health, education, school nursing, etc. If you are passionate about wanting to be a nurse then get into a nursing school and be open-minded about the different fields that you will be introduced to, and by the time you graduate you will probably have found the field that is a good fit for you.

happy2learn · Jul 3, 2010

I am just like you. I am very caring and compassionate and I know there will be times that my eyes will water up. But there is nothing wrong with that. It is not a weakness. Sometimes, patients want to see your "human" side and see that you really do care. Of course, you don't want a waterfall of tears, but a few tears is okay.

Don't worry about it. I just wouldn't work in Hospice.

bonnett9 · Jul 3, 2010

I am sensitive too. You will find the staff alot of times is more difficult to deal with than sick and suffering patients.

ILstudentnurse · Jul 3, 2010

Being a sensitive nurse can be a very good virtue. A nurse should act with empathy and compassion, that is the humanistic approach to nursing. If your sensitivity gets in the way of you providing care for your patients, then you may want to talk to a counselor about techniques you can use to redirect those overwhelming feelings into an action that benefits your patient.

For example: If your patient is dying and expressing their need for help, you may feel the need to run out of the room and cry. Instead of leaving the patient, redirect your empathetic emotions by comforting your patient, making them feel loved and being the best nurse that you can be :nurse: . *

Intern67 · Jul 3, 2010

hi everyone! i am a very senitive person & i was wondering if i should reconsider pursuing a career in nursing?? i have a kind heart & a passion for helping others but i am not sure if my skin is tough enough for the medical field. is it still possible for me to make a good nurse?

Passion and a kind heart are awesome attributes. Just make sure by "sensitivity" that you don't mean you internalize the patient's experiences. What I mean is don't make their problems your problems or make their struggles your drama.

You have a job to do and a role to play, but that role is not to mine the depths of your emotions in an attempt to experience what the patient and their family are going through.

I find that I am unable to get many members of my friends and family to understand how I can do hospice care. I think it is because they imagine themselves getting lost in the (perceived) stress, tension, and drama. I get a lot of satisfaction providing care and comfort to people and support to their families. They certainly don't need a caregiver blubbering or falling all over themselves wallowing in their feelings to them.

Experience really helps here. You will know if you can handle certain jobs or not.

Good luck!

Cindy 17 · Jul 16, 2010

Hi

it is good if you have a kind hard but you do have to be tough.Nursing is so demanding and you have to be tough. The instructors, espically the clinical instructors are very hard and very snippy and it is not personal but the say that the reason that they are so hard and snippy is because that you are playing with someone's life and you cant blame them for that. I cant tell you how many times that i have gotten yelled at for not knowing the answer, not moving fast enough and etc, We have alot of girls in our program who's skin is not tough enough and they wind up dropping out becuase of the pressure. If you want to enter Nursing school my adviceto you is you better be prepared for the demanding work and you have to be tough. I also think when the instrctors smell fear that when they mess with you the most.

Good luck

healthstar, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2010

hi everyone! i am a very senitive person & i was wondering if i should reconsider pursuing a career in nursing?? i have a kind heart & a passion for helping others but i am not sure if my skin is tough enough for the medical field. is it still possible for me to make a good nurse?

Hi twin, I am the same exact way. I am super super sensitive, I feel sorry for people, I cry for people that I don't even know. I can't handle bad news. In my clinicals, I saw a few people crying because they missed their home and I couldn't hold back my tears. It is okay to cry and be sensitive, who cares what people say. Don't give up nursing because you are sensitive. Sensitive people are more likely to take their job seriously and be there for those who can't help themselves. No that other people won't. I am teaching myself and also taking people's advice to change my sensitivity level, and also be a little strong.