Should I become a nurse?

[caresalot]

Hello. I am seeking the advice of any nurses out there who are willing to share their expertise. I am seriously considering a career as a registered nurse and need some help deciding if it's the right choice for me. What I would like to know is why did you become a nurse, what is it like to be a nurse, and what does it take (personality, character, academic ability etc.) to be a good nurse? Thank you so much for any advice/insight you can provide :) I really appreciate it.

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hello Caresalot and welcome to the big family of allnurses :) .

[caresalot]

Thank you for the welcome :)

[rogramjet]

#1 You have to care about people, you must be compassionate.

#2 You must be willing to work long hours under lots of stressful conditions.

It is the hardest job I have ever had. You will go home physically exhausted and emotionally drained. But it is the most wonderfully satisfying job I have ever had.

[MacNurse]

-Ya gotta be adaptable! Anything and everything can and will change in a second! :rotfl:

-Compassion and empathy are huge!

Good luck deciding!

[rogramjet]

-Ya gotta be adaptable! Anything and everything can and will change in a second! :rotfl:

-Compassion and empathy are huge!

Good luck deciding!

One minute you're sitting at the nurses station charting, and then all hell breaks loose and you're running down the hall and starting chest compressions. Everything changes all at once, it is amazing.

[justavolunteer]

A suggestion from a non-nurse (see user name). If you are not sure about nursing, consider volunteering at a hospital near you. It can be as little as 3-4 hours per week. Most places will try & accommodate your schedule. The nurses sure appreciate the help, believe me.