Should I Go Into Nursing

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Hey everyone! I'm new here and I just had some questions to ask you. I'm 26 and I'm still trying to figure out which career is right for me. Nursing has been coming up in my mind off and on for a while. Thing is I'm not sure if it's for me or not.

I love helping people. I've been told I'm a very caring, encouraging person. On the downside I'm not sure if I could handle the school work first of all. I have many friends who are nurses so from speaking to them I know it's very difficult. I'm horrible at Math and Science also which I know I would have to take. Besides the school work I don't know if I could handle the work itself. It's not really the blood and stuff that bothers me it's more of giving people shots and bathing patients (especially of the opposite sex). (I'm a female) I know that would be very weird for me. I'm also a very emotional, senstive person and I've heard that patients can "get out of hand" and yell and try to hurt you etc. So, I'm not sure if I could handle that either.

I do know that I want to make a difference in people's lives and help as best I can but I just don't know about this nursing thing. . .I've also thought about the Vet Tech program since I adore animals. Don't know if anyone on here does that but thought I'd throw that out there. Thanks so much!

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

i'm 65, never too bad to look at and i have never had a patient get out of hand. with your super nurse suit on your no is the most powerful no on this earth.

my answer to your query. yes you should become a nurse. there are so many forks in the road in nursing, if one doesn't suit, then another will. go for it.

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have you tried volunteering at a hospital? Before I went into nursing, I wasn't sure if nursing was for me so I volunteered at a hospital for a few months and absolutely loved nursing (i do have other reasons to become a nurse besides that particular experience). But anyway, I thought it wasn't for me either because I'm terrible at math and sciences but I went for it because I was determined. Nursing school is tough, no joke. But if you put your mind to it, you'll manage. It is also important to form study groups or ask for help if you don't understand anything. Go to office hours if you need to. I was surprised at how well I did at school because the material learned was just so interesting to me.

As for giving shots and bathing... you will get used to it. Your first time will be scary but after awhile, you'll be okay with it :) I know exactly how you feel and have overcome it. Everything comes with experience :o

Hope that helped

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

Why don't you get a job as an certified nursing assistant? That was the advice I gave my husband 15 years ago when he wondered if nursing were right for him. He followed my advice and shortly there after he made plans to go to nursing school. He's never regretted his decision and has had a job.

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I think you should volunteer at a local Hospital or Vet Hospital, too so you can figure out which way to go. Good Luck!!!:p

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I'm 29 years old and also going through a career change. I just finished my pre-req's and am in the process of applying to nursing schools. I understand your apprehension, I have the same fears as you do. So I decided to volunteer at a hospital. I finish training this weekend and will start next week! I heard nothing but great things about this volunteer/intern program. The people already in the program tell me that it only solidified their choice to go into healthcare.

There are SO many avenues in nursing, I am sure you will find something you like. And don't limit your search to just hospitals. You can work at a doctor's office which is less stressful. discovernursing.com has some great information on nursing careers.

As for the science courses, they can be tough, but if you have the motivation, it isn't as hard as you think! I find the best students in class are the motivated ones. And you don't need straight A's to get into a nursing program. I'm not sure how the nursing programs are in your area, but the community colleges here have pretty low academic requirements to be accepted (too low in my opinion). 2.0 GPA + 67% teas score (and then acceptance is by lottery). That is VERY low and EASY to obtain.

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nursing is hard? compared to what? what other jobs have these nurses had that say that? nursing is not a hard job compared to so many other jobs.

nursing school is not hard, it's time consuming. classes required for nursing are basic (low level college classes), if you want to pass, you will.

you say you like "helping" people, if so, washing a man's noodle will not bother you too bad, because it is needed for them to get better, that's part of "helping" them.

yes, patients/customers can be verbally and physically abusive, again what jobs are people comparing nursing to, many jobs have those same pitfalls. nursing is not a dangerous job compared to so many others.

nursing is a good job, don't listen to the nurses that are wimps and whiners.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

lol, at the responses, they don't paint a true picture, and that's not fair to you. It will be the hardest most thankless thing you ever have done, and at your best you will fall short of making a difference, because there are so many people that you can't please.

If your strong enough to find personal satisfaction, without ever being thanked, acknowledged at your finest moment of giving everything you have... it may be for you.

For me, I try to find my purpose every day.. some day's I don't, many of those... and the times it makes a difference it sustains me.... to find that balance is exhaustingly difficult... but For a select few it makes us whole.

This isn't an elite club, we pay a very high price personally, with our family and our social life, and we carry heavy burdens once we clock out and always question our judgements and care... it is the most difficult and rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.

But my family has always been affected by my nursing, many days, I have nothing left to give to them, and they are neglected while I heal from my experiences, that I could never burden them with... this is not unique to ICU.

choose wisely, because nursing school will be the hardest thing you've ever done.. and if your ill prepared for being a "nurse", you'll be back at school in a year, with large loans and a heavy heart.

Despite what "DUDE" says, this isn't whining, this is a day in the life as a nurse, those that don't see that, don't hurt and care.

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You shouldn't let anyone tell you yes or no on such an important decision. As others said, volunteer or job shadow to see if it's something you'd like. It's a huge financial commitment to make in this day and age - you need to decide for yourself.

I also love animals - I wish I had gone in that direction..alas the money is much less, but after all these years I finally figured out that job satisfaction is hugely important - a huge chunk of our lives are spent at work.

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just go for it! you'll never know until you try...trust me you'll eventually get the hang of it... ^__^

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Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm actually looking into a CNA program just to see if it's something I would to do. I never know unless I try I don't guess. Thanks again for all the responses!

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