Too Sensitive to be a Nurse?

Nurse Nini · Aug 3, 2006

I don't have much that I can tell you, as I'm not a nurse yet..but my opinion is... You can't let someone else tell you how you will handle a situation.

Don't let them scare you away from this. If they do, you may realize down the road that you really wanted to do this, and you may be very resentful. You are the only one who knows what you can handle. Never let anyone tell you that you need to change. That is something that has to come from inside of you.

I cry when I read books too, and when watching certain movies, but that doesn't mean that I can't handle anything. I am a very strong-willed person, but I am sensitive too. (Don't know if you are a Grey's fan, but when they killed off "Doc" on the season finale I cried like a baby!)

I'm sure you have thought of situations that may happen in nursing, people dying, people coming in and living when they may be better off dying, problems with babies...etc... you should know whether or not you can handle those things. Don't let anyone talk you out of anything!:nuke: Just go ahead and take your classes and see for yourself!

I wish you good luck!

reese19 · Aug 3, 2006

Hi,

I can relate to what you're saying. But first, I want to commend you for choosing a career such as nursing at a young age. You'll have the stability and security you mentioned. I, on the other hand, graduated from college at 21 years old with a degree in communications; I could not find a good job. I found "interesting" jobs ... TV promo producer ... public relations coordinator ... BUT, these jobs did not pay anything (believe it or not), and they were not fulfilling. I never felt as though I was making a difference.

Now, 8 years, one marriage, and 2 kids later ... here I am, going to nursing school! :) My sisters became nurses in the past few years, as well as my brother- and sister-in-law. They all love their profession and are paid very well. And they are fulfilled in the sense that they leave work every day feeling like they touched lives and made a true difference.

But, getting back to the "sensitive" issue ... When I said that I was going to nursing school (this past May), my mother-in-law said that I was too sensitive to handle it. She said that I should just go be a teacher! Well, I HAVE taught school (high school seniors), and I would have to say that it's not for softies either! ha ha! ANYWAY! I talked to my sister, who has worked in several areas of nursing. I asked her about the "sensitive" issue, because she knows good and well that I am truly sensitive. She said that she, too, had these fears when she first started nursing school; she was scared that she could not handle the issues such as pain, death and even blood. But she said that you learn step-by-step how to deal with issues that arise, and that she really surprised herself with how well she dealt with everything.

As a matter of fact, many people who I've told that I'm going to nursing school have said that I would be a good nurse because I'm "kind" and "caring". A friend of our family has been a nurse for years (and by the way, she is also a very soft-spoken, sensitive woman ... and ALSO a successful nurse). She really encouraged me to pursue nursing.

Anyway, do not be discouraged. You may be sensitive, but that will probably make you a better nurse in so many ways. In school, you will learn how do deal better with certain issues.

And take it from me, no career out there is free of harsh issues. Hey, I've worked in a TV newsroom! -- those people are SHARKS! :)

Best wishes!!!

Alli

onexmorexgirl · Aug 3, 2006

aww i wanted to say thanks for the replies :) they are making me feel a bit better.. i was so distraught last night, when they both talked to me about it.. i mean im used to one of them talking me out of it.. but two? i felt like i was being attacked, and hearing that i wasn't good enough. i know that isn't what they meant though.. they are just concerned about me.. but still. it's hard to keep my goal of nursing in sight, when it seems like everyone important to me tells me not to do it.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 3, 2006

it's hard to keep my goal of nursing in sight, when it seems like everyone important to me tells me not to do it.

i know. and despite your disorder, at your age, wanting and needing others close to you to support your decisions is important. if it helps any, read the posts of people who at your age were talked out of doing this and are now back in school.

if you need their support now to pursue this goal, you won't make it because you won't get them to change their minds. if you are anything like the rest of us, after listening to them you will be back 5-10 years from now kicking yourself for not making the right choice in the first place. so, ignore them.

they may change their minds when you are working as a nurse or they may not. it does not matter because you are the only one who has to live your life. good luck.

casi, ASN, RN · Aug 3, 2006

First off, your boyfriend and his mother aren't nurses and aren't experts on what makes a good nurse. I'm not a nurse either, but I'm on the path to get there. What I have noticed about nurses is they are all different and from all different backrounds and levels of sensitivity.

Movies and books make me cry. Certian movies scare the crap out of me. As a CNA the first time I lost a resident I was close to, I went to his viewing and when I left I bawled like a baby. Does that mean I'll make a bad nurse? No. I've noticed a lot of posts lately in the general nursing section about crying over deaths and whatnot and it seems that the general view is that it's okay to do.

My mom claims I'm introverted and just waaaaay to shy. In situations I am, but as a CNA I am outgoing. I know what my residents need and I get it done or if it's something I can't do I make sure that someone who can do it will.

As you grow you'll change. For now you just need to step up to those who say you can't do it and prove them wrong.

ukstudent · Aug 3, 2006

Only you know what you can handle and you can only know that when you have something to handle. Until then it is all speculation. Get your CNA and work for a bit. If you can do handle doing that then go full steam becoming a nurse. As others have said you will grow in your abilities. The point of gong to nursing school is so that you can be slowly introducted to harder and harder situations, learning how to cope with them. Good luck in becomming the nurse that you should be.

maureenlynn · Aug 4, 2006

I know EXACTLY what you're going through! My mother-in-law also told me that I'm too soft to be a nurse, but she was a hospice nurse for 20 years. But the truth is, the only way you can be sure is to try. Only you know what you can and cannot handle. In my opinion, if you feel so strongly about becoming a nurse, and it really seems you do, you need to go for it. I know in my heart that nursing is what I've been put here to do so I made the decision not to let anyone tell me different, and you should do the same! I believe that any job is going to be tough at first for someone that is sensitive and shy (and trust me, I am very sensitive and shy, too!!!!), but as you get more and more experienced, it will get easier and easier. I also think that being sensitive will help you to be a more compassionate nurse. Once your boyfriend and his mother see how passionate about this you are, I'm sure they will support you!! Please don't give up your dream! Like someone posted before, if you don't do this now, you will always wonder what it would have been like if you had just followed your heart and did what YOU KNEW you could do. Good luck!!!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 4, 2006

You have to be real tough to be a nurse. Not only are there sad stories, pain and suffering, but there are other issues with tough demanding patients, families, doctors, and coworkers.

It's not for the faint of heart for sure.

I think in some ways you're going to have to toughen up. But that doesn't mean your basic personally of caring, compassion and feeling need to change.

hsfarrara · Aug 4, 2006

I too suffer from an anxiety disorder. The first thing to do (if you haven't already) is to speak with your Dr. and get a plan together for treatment. I've been taking anti-depressants for a few years now. I feel much more confident(but that also comes with age!) and I'm not twisted with worry or anxiety attacks anymore!!!!!!!

If nursing is what you want to do, DO NOT let anyone tell you otherwise. No one knows you better than YOURSELF! There are so many fields out there to be had. Take obstetrics for example, you could help bring new life to the world. Or work in a Dr.'s office caring for patients. Your life is what YOU make of it, not what others think you should make of it. Try not to be scared of death, etc. because as I said there are many different options out there! It's not all doom and gloom.

Smile and be proud of your choice to become a nurse. You'll gain so much from your education, and no one can ever take that away from you! Good luck to you sweetheart.

KungFuFtr · Aug 4, 2006

In the good words of Richard Bandler...

"Who's Driving the Bus?

whodey99 · Aug 8, 2006

I started out of high school to become a nurse but wanted to go hang out with my friends instead of go to class. So I ended up on academic dismissal for a year, which I do not advise. When I decided to go back I went for accounting and it's not fulfilling and not paying what I expected. So if you think you want to be a nurse, do it now before your in debt for school loans that for something you aren't satisfied with. Then you have to worry about going back through school to do what you wanted to do in the first place.

Another suggestion is to lurk on the other nursing boards to see what they are complaining about in their jobs and to see what they are praising about their jobs. If YOU (not your boyfriend or his mom) decide that the bad out weighs the good, then don't do it. The best thing to do is talk to nurses and see what they say.

By the way, most women (including nurses) that I know cry at movies, and other things. It's not a fact of being too sensitive, it's a fact of knowing what you're getting into. You're going to be upset by something or some one no matter what career you choose, but will they have the same benefits (personally and professionally) as being a nurse? That's what you have to ask yourself.