Starting to doubt nursing....

ohgreat · Nov 20, 2009

I think this thread would be more effective for you if it was posted in a General Nursing forum rather than in the Student section. More experienced nurses frequent those threads rather than the ones focused on students. Just a thought.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 20, 2009

I love nursing. For one thing, there are multiple ways to practice my profession, which means I can move around as I change and grow.

I recommend a personality test. http://www.keirsey.com/sorter/register.aspx

When I did my graduate work on Kiersey's research I found that most nurses are "Guardians". You might find that your personality is better fitted for another profession. I do not think any education is wasted and all your parents want is for you to be able to take care of yourself when they are not around. As for careers - try the most likely to suit you. You are not making a lifetime commitment. Once you get in the work force you might change your mind, but so what. You will have LEARNED what is best for you and that is the education your parents want for you, I imagine. Good luck.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 20, 2009

Moved to the general nursing discussion forum

MedSurgeMess · Nov 20, 2009

1. underpaid + overwork.
2. really really really stressful career.
3. people don't give you respect (coworker + patients)
4. screw up schedules (ruined your social life)
5. there are many more but it seems like my thread is getting long...
i have a few questions for nurses.

for all that we do, they could never adequately compensate, and it's definitely not for those who don't tolerate stress well. as far as rudeness, society in general is getting very rude....hopefully, someday we'll see a change! for those who are wanting an active social life, nursing may not be for you, especially during school...

1. do you like/hate your job? why?.love my job, it fits my personality

2. do you recommend nursing career for students? why?

it really depends on your personality, goals, and motivations-that's a whole different thread

3. do you regret going into nursing career??

never!

4. is it true that there are variety of nursing jobs in one hospital?? yes

for example if you hate your area/floor you can pick a different one in the same hospital and have totally different experience?? be aware that there may be educational/experience/seniority requirements within that particular facility or branch of nursing

please please answer these questions from the bottom of your heart. i'm so depressed right now. right now i just want to rip my b*lls out with my bare hands cuz i don't feel like i'm a man anymore. i don't know since when have i become this indecisive and so low in confidence

talk to a career counselor at school to see if that helps, perhaps some career testing? i think sometimes these situations come from not being where you should be....just some food for thought, but good luck with your future. it's so hard when you just can't seem to figure out what's right for you.

missdixie023 · Nov 20, 2009

WOW! If you go into nursing because you think your pay will equal the amount of work you put in- you are crazy. People don't (or shouldn't) become nurses because of the money. They become nurses because they enjoy helping people.

It's stressful because you have someone's life in your hands...what can be more precious than that?

You don't become a nurse expecting to be appreciated by everyone. Some people will appreciate what you do, and some people will not- but it's like this in other professions as well.

Most of the nurses I know make their own schedules, 8 hour shifts or 12 hour shifts. I don't think it gets much better than that.

Like an instructor of mine told another student: If you aren't ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN you want this, then it might not be the career for you.

nyteshade, BSN · Nov 20, 2009

I really feel for you here, so I'll take some time out an answer as honestly as possible.

1. DO you like/hate your job? why?

It's a love/hate thing. I love the knowledge. I hate the politics. I hate the cat fights at work. I love when a patient says, "I'm glad you're working with me again." I hate when the reason they say that is b/c the other nurses did something so dumb, it's mind boggling. I HATE working for someone else, and making THEM rich.

2. DO you recommend nursing career for students? why? Depends. Some people are born knowing they will be nurses, it kinda grows on others, and well, you wonder why some nurses are still even around...I can't really say why though...

3. DO you regret going into nursing career??

No, again, I enjoy the science aspect, and I prefer working alone, and thinking. In nursing, I like the fact that there are many, many different work enviroments. Now, I've become more interested in working for myself...

4. Is it true that there are variety of nursing jobs in one hospital?? for example if you hate your area/floor you can pick a different one in the same hospital and have totally different experience??

That is true, BUT some nurse managers do NOT like to give up THEIR staff...meaning it totally depends on the people. But, yes in theory you could apply for a transfer into another unit, and have a WAYYY different experience. But, everything depends on the people.

I hope this helps. If you are not liking this path, major in what YOU want, not what anyone else wants.

want2banurse35 · Nov 20, 2009

many pre-nursing students feel your pain:icon_hug: so you are not alone in your doubts. I have had several of my classmates questioning their decision to go into nursing especially since new grads are having a tough time finding jobs. One of my friends quit the programs not long after she started. I was talking to another girl yesterday in the library who was in a nursing program but dropped out as well. It doesnt mean you are a failure, it just wasnt your niche. Many people change their college majors many time during their college years. So dont be so hard on yourself:redbeathe

Dinith88 · Nov 20, 2009

Here is a short summary of my situation.
Currently I'm a third year student at Orange Coast College. In my first two years I wanted to become pharmacist then on the third year(this year) I decided that the career is not for me. I picked Computer Science at first and actually took one class and I do not like it at all. Afterward I've been looking into Nursing career ever since(6 months already). I don't want to let me parents down and I feel like the longer i stay in this school the more they disappointed in me.
Just today, I typed in "I hate nursing" in google just to check out the cons for this career and to my surprise there are so many that actually starting to worry me. I've already do many research and here are some of the cons I've found:
1. Underpaid + Overwork.
2. Really really really stressful career.
3. People don't give you respect (coworker + patients)
4. Screw up schedules (ruined your social life)
5. There are many more but it seems like my thread is getting long...
I have a few questions for Nurses.
1. DO you like/hate your job? why?
2. DO you recommend nursing career for students? why?
3. DO you regret going into nursing career??
4. Is it true that there are variety of nursing jobs in one hospital?? for example if you hate your area/floor you can pick a different one in the same hospital and have totally different experience??
Please please answer these questions from the bottom of your heart. I'm so depressed right now. Right now I just want to rip my ***** out with my bare hands cuz I don't feel like I'm a man anymore. I don't know since when have I become this indecisive and so low in confidence.

You want the negatives?

IF you EVER make it into the profession you will find yourself in certain situations that will make you question and/or doubt your career/life choices.

You will find yourself elbow-deep in muck (for lack of a better term)...spattered with vomit and snot. You will be disrespected

by lay-people, doctors, co-workers, the media (whether it is overt, covert, unintentional, whatever)... One mistake and you can kill someone (stressful?)...and it's 'always' the nurses fault. You WILL be overworked and underpaid...you WILL have a messed-up schedule (if you work in a hospital or ECF...and most of us do). You will resent the fact that you're underappreciated by too many people. You will obtain a college degree and enter a profession that is (by it's very nature) 'subordinate' to and 'dependant' on Doctors (whether or not it's a good or bad or STUPID thing)...You will come to realize that all the nay-sayers, burnouts and bah-humbugs really DO have legitimate points....

(ok, some days i feel a wee burnt...)

BUT...there're REAL and rewarding POSITIVE aspects as well (i'm sure you'll be informed/showered with them if you keep asking this question)...but i'll let others list those... :)

Good Luck...

jessiern, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2009

1. do you like/hate your job? why?

that is a difficult question for me, and anyone that has read many of my post can assest that even i do not know the answer to that. i love the idea of nursing, and what i feel in my heart nursing is meant to be. i hate what it has become. nurses are taken advantage of by every member of the healthcare system, including patients because most of us are martyrs that do not demand better for outselves. my own husband admits to having a lack of respect for nurses until we started dating and he really paid attention to what i did on a daily bases.

i also feel that the "costumer service" aspect of healthcare has ruined nursing. we spend so much time kissing ass, that we do not have time to provide quality healthcare. from my experience, we spend most of our time trying to please the costumers looking for a bed and breakfeast experience, and the actual patients that need nursing care often fall through the cracks.

i went into nursing to help others. i wanted to make a difference in others lives, like nurses in hallmark movies, but that isn't life. we are the scapegoat for every problem the patient perceives, and upper managements punching bag. i rarely feel like i really help anyone, but when i do, that's when i love it.

2. do you recommend nursing career for students? why?

not to most. i feel nursing takes a very strong person, and i just don't see most people i interact with as strong enough...including myself.

3. do you regret going into nursing career??

no, i didn't like the person i was before nursing. i was shy, and pathetic. nursing has changed me for the better, and forced me to be a stronger and more confident woman. nursing helped me find the most wonderful husband i could imagine. i have memories, good and bad, related to nursing that i would not trade. but do i want to still be doing this in 5 years? no, i don't.

4. is it true that there are variety of nursing jobs in one hospital?? for example if you hate your area/floor you can pick a different one in the same hospital and have totally different experience??

i work at a small facility with a waiting list a mile long of nurses trying to get off the floor. at the moment, other places just aren't hiring. but, i am sure that will change, expecially with all the older, experienced nurses reachign retirement age.

tewdles, RN · Nov 21, 2009

Your first two career choices do not necessarily require close physical contact with people. Nursing does...for the majority of us. People throw up on us some times, they bleed on us. We have to look at their pee and poop. We deal with sick and crabby people everyday. I like to help people, so I don't mind those things too much...as long as they don't make it too personal. If these things bother you, you might not like nursing. Nursing is a hard job to do "just for a pay check". You might want to see if you can volunteer for a few hours in a hospital. It will give you good insight in what you like and dislike about nursing. Good luck.

thongvo89 · Nov 21, 2009

I love nursing. For one thing, there are multiple ways to practice my profession, which means I can move around as I change and grow.
I recommend a personality test. http://www.keirsey.com/sorter/register.aspx
When I did my graduate work on Kiersey's research I found that most nurses are "Guardians". You might find that your personality is better fitted for another profession. I do not think any education is wasted and all your parents want is for you to be able to take care of yourself when they are not around. As for careers - try the most likely to suit you. You are not making a lifetime commitment. Once you get in the work force you might change your mind, but so what. You will have LEARNED what is best for you and that is the education your parents want for you, I imagine. Good luck.

I took the test and turned out I'm an Idealist. What kind of careers can I become wit this?