trying to decide whether to pursue nursing - less than supportive boyfriend

[shepherdgirl]

Hi! I'm totally new here, and am still trying to decide whether to pursue nursing (RN). It really appeals to me (although I do have a few reservations) and I really get excited about it. My reservations are as follows: I haven't really taken science classes since high school, although at that time I took advanced courses and did well in them, it is still a little outside my comfort zone at this point. Also, I worry a little about cleaning poop. I have big dogs, so I don't imagine its anything I can't handle, but I sometimes do gag, and I feel like that would be inappropriate in front of patients. Does it get easier, and does everyone worry about this? Worse, lately because of my own medical issues I get pretty nauseated with different smells sometimes, but I am really hoping that's temporary. My last and biggest obstacle is that my boyfriend is really not on board. We've been together for over four years, and I'm pretty sure that as soon as we have our finances a little better we will get married. On one hand, he tells me that if nursing is what I want to do, he doesn't want to stand in the way (for the reasons that who knows if he'll always be around, and doesn't want me to have resentments or regrets), but on the other he says that he's not sure that he will be able to handle the close physical contact with other guys. His reasons are that 1) he would feel jealous (couldn't handle the mental images, etc.), 2) he feels like it could affect his feelings of intimacy with me. I know him, and this really could happen. The thing is, I'm not even interested in working with men; I'm interested in neonatal, labor and delivery, or women's health, none of which involve guys. Its really the part of getting through school that could be problematic. Has anyone had problems with jealous significant others/spouses in relation with nursing? Also, if I decide to pursue nursing, how often would these type of issues come up (bathing patients, helping in the bathroom, urinary catheters, etc.) in a typical BSN program? Daily? Thanks for any and all input!

[shepherdgirl]

Hey everyone! Thanks for the many, many supportive replies. Its so great to know that there are people who have been through similar things. I do feel like I will have to hold his hand through it all, and ya'll have given me really good advice as to some ways to make him feel more comfortable (introduce him to people I work with so that its less unfamiliar to him, try to give him a better description of what nursing entails, etc.). I totally see how its apples and oranges as far as the intimacy stuff; its just hard to make HIM see that. I tried to push the comparison with the gynecologist visits (when I'M the patient), but he just doesn't seem to see it as the same thing. To be totally honest, he does have a different threshold as to what is appropriate between a man and a woman in other circumstances, but he also trusts me and isn't the type to check up on me, grill me about what I do, etc. I feel more confident that this is an issue we can work out after hearing from you guys, and I also feel better about the gross stuff knowing that nurses don't have to be robots. I really appreciate everyone's input! And if anyone is in a similar situation, I would be more than happy to provide support as much as I can! I feel like such a leech on this board because since I'm not even in school yet, I don't have much good information for anyone! Anyway, thanks again!

[natalia13]

hey everyone! thanks for the many, many supportive replies. its so great to know that there are people who have been through similar things. i do feel like i will have to hold his hand through it all, and ya'll have given me really good advice as to some ways to make him feel more comfortable (introduce him to people i work with so that its less unfamiliar to him, try to give him a better description of what nursing entails, etc.). i totally see how its apples and oranges as far as the intimacy stuff; its just hard to make him see that. i tried to push the comparison with the gynecologist visits (when i'm the patient), but he just doesn't seem to see it as the same thing. to be totally honest, he does have a different threshold as to what is appropriate between a man and a woman in other circumstances, but he also trusts me and isn't the type to check up on me, grill me about what i do, etc. i feel more confident that this is an issue we can work out after hearing from you guys, and i also feel better about the gross stuff knowing that nurses don't have to be robots. i really appreciate everyone's input! and if anyone is in a similar situation, i would be more than happy to provide support as much as i can! i feel like such a leech on this board because since i'm not even in school yet, i don't have much good information for anyone! anyway, thanks again!

dont over stress yourself about situations. the site is here to help individuals and thats what were doing. so dont be to concerned about all the stresses in life. stress is there to help us work harder under rough situations so its not necessary a bad thing unless you are feeling it 24/7. and wiht your boyfriend dont worry to much about it, if cares for you he will accept and get off that jealously mindset and not stop you from doing what you want to do. with not knowing if you want to doing nursing, like i have mentioned before try volunteering it would be a good start. you know its not all that bad, i think its becasue you are young you are feeling grossed out, its just apart of life. try not to look at the "gross" stuff and think of the good things.. of how you will change peoples lives, help heal... i know im in the right career becasue i look forward to going to work. its exciting and is different everyday!

and i feel great!!!