To be a nurse or not to be a nurse?

[lindsayk28]

Recently, my life has taken a turn in a very different direction. Im now left trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I am considering nursing school. Ive always been interested in the human body/anatomy but I've never really had the burning passion to be a nurse. I haven't known all my life that a nurse is what I want to be. At this point in my life, I have decided on it because it is something that I have somewhat of an interest in and basically I am doing it out of necessity. I need a job that will pay my bills so I wont have to rely on family to help me forever.

So, I guess my question is, do you think its possible to survive nursing school if its not something that you have that insane passion for? Im basically doing it because its a job, and I dont have many other options.

Thanks for the help and opinions.

[BelleNscrubs04]

I am passionate about having a "good career". To me that is something that doesn't make me miserable, that is somewhat challenging, that does good for others or the world at large, and yes! that will help my family and myself to have a better financial life. I'm applying to the nursing program for next fall. If it turns out that I find I am passionate about nursing, then what a wonderful surprise (and bonus) that would be. I am passionate about literature and writing, but also about paying my bills. I am confident that you don't have to be "passionate about nursing" to be a great compassionate, patient advocating, nurse. That is what I hope to be.

[kenpochic]

If your just doing it to pay your bills please dont become a nurse no offense. A nurse who doesnt like her job is everyone nightmare. your patient and your co-workers.you dont have to have a burning passion like its your dream come true but yes you should have the strong desire to help people. thats strong desire to help people will come in handy when you have to clean someones catheter and clean them cause they went to the br all over themself. or if someones so sick they accidently vomit on you. so ya you do need a desire to take care of people, a strong one. nursing is not meant to be about the paycheck

[kenpochic]

And that strong desire will come in handy when you have to spend tons of time studying. nursing school is pretty much your life. there are no off days. its a way of life

[BelleNscrubs04]

You don't have to be "passionate about nursing" to have a strong work ethic, good charachter, and compassion. I have a "strong desire" not only to be a nurse but to be a great nurse however that doesn't mean the same thing as being passionate about nursing. I'm not doing it only for a paycheck, but pay is one factor otherwise I wouldn't be a nurse I'd be a volunteer. As a mother I have found that I am capable of dealing with and cleaning up all kinds of human waste. Nursing is a career that I think will be a good fit for my goals, values, and personality. I'm aware of what is involved in both nursing and nursing school as I have several close friends who are RNs. Nursing isn't my dream, it's my goal.

[gallatea]

Look at your needs; our passions don't always pay the rent.

I don't mean to sound negative just realistic. Times are tough these days.

Good advice. I wasted probably 100K + on my "passion" to earn a master's degree in my field and then teach in it. NOT. Bad economy and 300-500 applicants for every 1 position, usually that goes to the person with the most inside connections (seen it over and over again where I went to grad school). Yes, they interview lots, but they pick who they like/know, fit obscure "needs" and it's not about choosing the applicant that is more qualified.

Luckily I also love biology and healthcare. So I spent yet another 2 years doing prereq's to get into nursing school. And I start in a few weeks - luckily got in on my 1st try. It's not so much that I've wanted to be a nurse all my life, but I am attracted to many things that they do, what they stand for and the flexibility of the profession.

There are so many areas you can go into. Don't let anyone sway you with negative talk like "oh the hours." If you don't like one specialty area, you can switch if you're flexible about pay, location, learning new things. Also, in this day and age, and in the future generations it will be taken for granted many people will make career changes 2-3-4 times in their life. There will be no more "pick a profession for life" at 18 type of situations with technology and fields always changing.

All you can do is try and be inquisitive. Try being a CNA (can become one in 1 term at a college or 2 months at a nursing home) and move around to different floors to see what a nurse actually does if you're that doubtful. I worked in an ER as a telemetry technician 15 years ago, and what those nurses did totally distorted my stereotype of what I "thought" nurses did, i.e. be subservient, take orders, change bedding & bedpans. They were so much more than that. I also have a bit of doubt about anyone whom hasn't worked with nurses, that states "they've always wanted to be a nurse because their aunt or mom was one" or whatever warm and fuzzy romantic notion they have about what stories they've heard or seen in movies/tv. I guess the bottom line is you need to see for yourself. What you *think* a nurse is, may not be the case for the good or bad.

And there is nothing wrong with wanting to explore new territory and be a responsible citizen with a JOB. We don't all have to be starving artists and writers. =) But variety is the spice of life. I used to teach at a university during grad school and after, and I saw so many students that hated a subject at one point, then down the line, I find out they specialized in it! They didn't need to be a "I've wanted to be a ____ since I was born" type at all to be successful. Just go check it out for yourself, but realize the opinions of a senior nurse vs. a junior one, one in ob/gyn vs. nursing home, one working for the govt. in a univ. clinic 9-5 or an office will be VASTLY different. You can even be a traveling nurse and see the world. It's all up to you. And a nursing career is also a great springboard to other opportunities like teaching, administration and being a nurse practitioner.

As for happiness, I guess that has to come from within no matter what job you choose.

[Nicole_Boots]

I can totally relate to what you are saying --- I am also trying to decide if nursing is right for me. I have a bachelor's degree in a totally DIFFERENT field (Theatre - which I treasure, but it doesn't pay the bills) and am thinking about going back to school.

I am not a passionate "I HAVE to be nurse, it is my calling" kind of a person, but I know I am smart and realistic about what the profession entails. However, I am passionate about making a difference in the world in my own way, and having a stable future and a career that I enjoy.

This is not to say that once you start the schooling, you won't wake up and decide that it is now your calling.

I say, research the profession, where you think you will best fit, and if you believe you are committed enough to go through the schooling.

Now I think I will try to follow my own advice....!

Good luck and best wishes on whatever you decide!