Too compassionate...

Published

Hi Everyone,

My name is Shonda and I am a married 38 yr old mother of two. Right now I am in school fulltime and I am considering nursing as a career choice. I have always been interested in the medical field but I never acted on it. Nursing seems like a wonderful career but I wonder if now I am too old. I know that it is very stressful and I also know that nursing school is no joke. My best friend states that she believes that it takes a special kind of person to be a nurse and she does not know if I have what it takes. She believes that my compassion for people may be my down fall, not to mention dealing with death and sickness on a daily basis. I would like to know is there a such thing as being to compassionate when it comes to being a nurse? I would also like to know if perhaps I am too old to consider nursing at this point in my life? And finally, how did you know that you had what it takes to be a nurse?? I welcome any and all responses and I look forward to hearing from you.:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

hello and

welcome4.gifto allnurses.com!!!!

we are very happy to have you with us.

you are never too old. many many many go into this field and are much older than you. do not let that deter you.

as for being "too compasionate". i see that as not being a problem either. i would say that could only factor in if being too compassionate led you to break the law which i seriously doubt is remotely possible.

to answer the question, "how did you know you had what it takes".......that is a question where upon you will receive many different answers for it's different for everyone. some may still be wondering and they've been in practice for years.

we wish you much good luck with your decision to become a nurse. stay here for wonderful support and let us know how you do along the way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for your encouragement and I definately plan to stick around on this site not only for the words of wisdom but also because of the vast amt of useful information.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
welcome.gif to allnurses!
Up Vote Up Vote ×

welcome to the board

you are certainly not too old, people of all ages are advancing t their education

too copassionate?? that is a difficult thing to judge, as a nurse you have to maintain a professional view in order to 'be there' for pt and fly

good luck in whatever yo decide

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Welcome to the site and I would concur with everyone else never to old

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

Welcome to Allnurses.

Since you're asking a specific question, I'll move this to the general forum.

First, you are not too old. 38 is not old, end of discussion.

You have to be able to manage your compassion. You can't be too involved and emotional. You have to be able to leave other people's problems behind when you return home to your life and your own stresses and problems.

But you can't be a robot either. Having compassion and empathy for others is the number one trait to nuture in ourselves as nurses.

Good luck. I think you have exactly what it takes to be a good nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health Care,LTC.

:grpwlcm: I have to agree with the other posts. Good Luck and keep us posted on what you decide.

angie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

heck no, you're not too old.

there's currently a thread w/a poster asking if mid-50's is too old...

as for compassion in nsg?

yes, it's helpful and desirable.

but you'd be amazed how quickly it can fly out the window, after a couple of stressful days on the floor.

heh.

kinda kidding.

as w/everyone else, you'll find what works for you.

some days will try your compassion:

other days, you'll be flooded w/it....and wish you weren't.

nsg can and will, touch your soul, like no other profession.

best of everything to you.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thank you so much for your encouragement and I definately plan to stick around on this site not only for the words of wisdom but also because of the vast amt of useful information.

One thing you do have to learn is how to not take your patients home. Maybe this is what your friend means. I have had patients that have broken my heart, people whose names I have forgotten but whose faces I cannot. I have had patients teach me so many things about myself. I've had patients who weren't there the next day because they'd passed away overnight. I've had patients tell me things I don't think they've ever told anyone else.

And while you can care - and it's okay to cry sometimes - you can't take it home. You can take it home to let it go (because you can't always do that at work), but you have to let it go. Their pain and problems can't become yours. Remembering them is fine - I even think it's important. But you can't let them crawl in you but so far.

Perhaps that's what your friend meant but didn't say very well.

I think you could do it. I worry about others as much as anyone, but I can do it - so I know you can. :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I got my nursing license at the age of 42...nope, you are NOT too old!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice.

Good Lord, if 38 is too old then I'm positively ancient...

NO you are not too old to go into Nursing. I started last year at 44.

I don't believe people are too compassionate. The hard part is not bringing it home to you. There will be days you love it, days you hate it. You will cry one minute, and laugh the next.

I always tell people it's like the Peace Corps.. it's the toughest job you will ever love.

Welcome to the board... the people here are awesome! :D You will get so much support and advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion