Should I become a nurse?

[librarian2nurse]

Hello everyone,

I need some advice.

Who I am: I am in my early 20s and currently employed in a university's medical library. I am 3 semesters into a Master's of Library Science (9 semesters to go...). I interned in a major library throughout my college years, and now am an entry-level reference librarian. However...

Since I was 14, I have been interested in nursing. I did not pursue it because I pursued an academic talent I have always had - foreign language. I utilized foreign language in my library internships and first reference librarian job, but now I'm just left with the librarian aspect.

I had a crisis of conscience when I was about to graduate from college and about to start applying to library science programs. I seriously looked into Accelerated BSN programs, got my BLS/CPR certification, and was going to abandon my library career. But, I changed my mind, being afraid of ending my "story" as a young librarian.

Now, I am reconsidering. In this job in a medical library, I am constantly dealing with med students, PAs, PTs, and hospital staff. I vicariously live through the titles I help people find, the research I assist them with... everyday I am confronted with my long-standing interest in being a nurse.

So now, I turn to you. Nurses, nursing students - have any of you encountered a similar situation to mine? What made you get into nursing? What advice would you give me? Have any of you left a career? Any regrets? What do you enjoy about nursing? What do you despise? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

I suggest shadowing multiple nurses in multiple settings, checking your desired job market, etc , before making any decisions. Only you will know what will work best for you. Good luck!

[loriangel14, RN]

The thing about learning is it is never too late. Even if you didn't do it now you could pursue nursing at a later date. I went back to school at 38. Not saying that you shouldn't do it now but don't feel that if you finish the other degree that you can never change your path. Maybe try getting some exposure to what nurses really do. I would ask the folks that you are assisting at the library if they could help you arrange a shadowing opportunity so you could get a peek at what nursing is really like. Best of luck whatever you decide.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If I were you, I'd complete the library science degree since you are so very close to finishing it. While you are working on the library science degree, continue to research the nursing profession. Don't make any rash decisions now.

Good luck to you!

[librarian2nurse]

I've actually just started the library science degree. I'm in my third semester and I have nine more semesters to go...

[Libby1987]

Your experience in researching medical topics is nothing related to the working conditions and duties of a nurse, unless it was in a field of research. You need to know what a day and a long hard week in the shoes of a nurse looks and feels like.

For people who think they want to be a nurse, the feelings should be in the direction of wanting to be in service to customers who are not happy to be a customer, HARD work, increasing task expectations, problem solving on your feet with limited resources..

I love it, but it's not because I only have an interest in helping people and health science. I love it because 1) I've survived the overwhelming learning curve and I'm good at my trade. 2) I thrive in a challenging environment. 3) I like people, I want the interaction, even the very difficult personalities.