Should I become a nurse...?

manda314 · Mar 30, 2011

Most of us really want to be nurses so we're a weird people to ask. My career counselor introduced me to a few alternatives I'm still considering if this nursing thing doesn't work out. Laboratory Technologist is calm and in demand. Technician makes less money and is even calmer. If you want to test the waters, volunteer or take a csa course. :) :) :)

savagetrojan · Mar 30, 2011

How do YOU feel about it? Where is your HEART? Where is your head? Being a nurse isn't just a job. If you are looking at the money you really need to look elsewhere. I can't speak for everyone but most of us don't take our breaks, always work short handed, have a very demanding "consumer" and usually have bosses with unrealistic demands due to the fact that their bosses have unrealistic demands. Being a nurse is something that has to be in your heart, not just your head, and not about your wallet/purse. Most of us do this because we felt compelled in some way, the same way a teacher wants to teach, a carpenter wants to build, etc. If you are smart you will do some soul searching before committing to a nursing program.

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2011

Well I want to be very honest with you I think many areas in the medical field are going to be stressful, so that may be an issue but there also areas that are not as stressful. If its what you really want to do there are areas of less stress that you could try to find a job in after you graduate. I think if you are doing sometyhing you really love in any field or profession that the more you love it the less stressful it seems.

Mom/Nurse2b · Mar 30, 2011

I have a very weak stomach-borderline IBS, but have always wanted to be a nurse. I really had to weigh my options and I've decided that I will have to weather my stomach aches because I want to be in this field that badly. It is up to you to decide how much you're willing to sacrifice for this or any career field you choose.

savagetrojan · Mar 30, 2011

Depending on your definition of stress there are jobs in the field that don't require missed breaks, dangerously short staffing, such as school nursing, physician office(I know they work short too and I don't mean to insult anyone), home health(the case load can be heavy but going from house to house isn't quite as stressful as having call bells going off, patients coding, etc. As long as you are pursuing your RN the sky is the limit but that magical first year of experience is going to be a challenge but if you want it you will survive it and be able to move on.

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2011

People go into nursing for all different reasons but most have a compelling reason or a passion. I find nursing school pretty stressful but I get over it pretty quickly and use exercise to help cope with some of the more stressful days. I would try working as a nurse assistant or at least do the training before going through all the work and $$$ of taking pre-requisite classes unless you feel a real pull in the nursing direction.

wondern, ASN · Mar 30, 2011

I'm entering a college program which gives me general pre-health preparations for entering health-related fields. I was considering doing nursing but after reading some of posts on here, I'm thinking of running in the opposite direction. . .
So, I need some advice. Should I do nursing? Or no? If not, do you guys no other fields that have adequate pay and are in moderate demand? I have fibromyalgia, so stress-factor on a job can be a big thing for me, toooo much stress can literally leave me in excruciating pain. I know you guys are not guidance counsellors but I was just hoping for some advice. . .
Thanks

I would say of course it's your choice but nursing is very stressful and demanding. In addition to working short staffed most of the time, and not because all the staff aren't there always, but some like to pick and chose when they pitch in, and get by with that via unsupportive, unprofessional 'good ole gal' management.

Nursing can be rewarding at times but all in all it can also be a stressful rat race with never enough time to take care of your patients the way they really deserve at times or you would like to take care of them. Then to top it off you have to learn to let snotty comments and 'better than thou' attitudes roll right off your back like a duck. How many times have you heard that one? I know that is life in general, but it seems even more prevelant sometimes among really educated people trying to do the right things the right ways in taking care of other people, possibly even saving their life. Naturally situations can be very stressful, heart-wrenching, too.

Then, after you really find your niche and your comfortable and your cruising along you get an unethical manager who targets you and all is for naught. So I, personally, would say resoundingly, if you have fibromyalgia, NO, don't do it. Sorry if I wrecked your dream. I don't think you would've asked if you didn't want the truth.

This is only my story. I'm sure many are sick of my negativity towards nursing right now. I just feel like nurses need more authority to do their jobs in many places. When your techs are out smoking and you can't get a break, something is wrong. When your manager writes you up for complaining about it to the employee directly and professionally, something is wrong.