What is your opinion of nursing and positive illusions?

[jwalker03]

Let's just start by saying that I am but a mere nursing student but I genuinely am curious about this subject. We all hear that nursing school is the hardest thing in the world and that nursing is so much harder than other professions. Now I have no doubt that nursing school and the nursing profession is hard but let us not get too carried away or embellish the truth. Is this not the same thing that other majors and professions do that irritates most people. This leads me to ask; why do the majority of people think that they (almost WANT to) have it worse than others? With that being said-

1) Do you all think that the majority of students and nurses are utilizing positive illusions?

2) If so what do you all think could be some of the reasons for doing so?

3) If so what would you say are some of the positives and negatives to these?

4) Are the ways in which nurses view themselves any different than other professions? (i.e. there are many professions where many members have a sense of illusory superiority; I'm sure you all can think of at least one)

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

What do you mean by "positive illusions"?

[jwalker03]

Unrealistic positive views like exaggerated beliefs of control, and unrealistic beliefs in self. We all do it, but some more than others. I have begun to notice that in the nursing field it tends to be more common. I’m just curious as to what others think about this; bad, good, benefits, anything really. It is almost as if a lot of people in this profession that I’ve noticed (and please don’t shoot me for this) are narcissists. Now I know this is not the case because the role requires a person to have at least a shred of self-less attributes.

Now before I get stoned at least give some input. Whenever students or nurses talk about nursing they portray it as if it is the most difficult profession. Hell I had a vehicle mechanic recently talk to me as if his job was equal to that of a theoretical physicist and I couldn’t possibly understand. Now I understand that nursing is difficult and there are many other difficult professions, but why feel this need to broadcast one’s profession as more difficult or superior to another’s.

I guess what I’m really asking is what is the point of this in not only nursing but all professions? Who cares how difficult or ****** your job is? I feel that when professions begin to broadcast themselves as superior to others they come across as insecure; almost like a sort of inferiority complex. How often do you hear or see posts that talk about MDs and their arrogant, ego-driven ways; ICU is harder than Med-Surg; no med-surg is harder; those psych guys don’t do anything; no night shift really does nothing. Its like a ******* disease. Is this not the same thing? Is this not the “being a mother is the hardest job” argument? I’m I the only person that thinks about this?

What I’m try to say is that I’m super excited to be going in to such a wonderful profession but these things make me embarrassed. If people do what they love why do they feel the need to exaggerate their beliefs of control and self? I’d love to hear some psych nurses’ thoughts on the matter.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Let's just start by saying that I am but a mere nursing student....

Unrealistic positive views like exaggerated beliefs of control, and unrealistic beliefs in self.... I have begun to notice that in the nursing field it tends to be more common. I'm just curious as to what others think about this; bad, good, benefits, anything really. It is almost as if a lot of people in this profession that I've noticed (and please don't shoot me for this) are narcissists. Now I know this is not the case because the role requires a person to have at least a shred of self-less attributes.

Now before I get stoned at least give some input. Whenever students or nurses talk about nursing they portray it as if it is the most difficult profession...

What I'm try to say is that I'm super excited to be going in to such a wonderful profession but these things make me embarrassed. If people do what they love why do they feel the need to exaggerate their beliefs of control and self? I'd love to hear some psych nurses' thoughts on the matter.

Actually, you are not even a nursing student, but someone who has been accepted into a program that has not yet begun.

I find your hypothesis to be very odd, and unsubstantiated in fact. I don't recall anyone describing nursing as the most difficult. It is very challenging, has specific barriers to entry, and is not for everyone. In the same way that being a CPA, farmer, or firefighter isn't for everyone.

Nursing should be an evidence based discipline. Do you have any evidence to back up your claims?

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Actually, you are not even a nursing student, but someone who has been accepted into a program that has not yet begun.

I find your hypothesis to be very odd, and unsubstantiated in fact. I don't recall anyone describing nursing as the most difficult. It is very challenging, has specific barriers to entry, and is not for everyone. In the same way that being a CPA, farmer, or firefighter isn't for everyone.

Nursing should be an evidence based discipline. Do you have any evidence to back up your claims?

Thank you....!

,moved for best response

[Zara, RN]

I'm not sure what you are asking. But here I am speaking for my self.

Let me start with saying that there's no other profession in the world where the total needs and well being of a person is in your hands before anyone else's. That's why you first see a nurse in the ER. Not a doctor. We are the ones doing the initial assessments. We are the eyes and ears and brains before doctors touch.

Our knowledge is extensive and covers physical and psychosocial well being and so much more. You are the first to deal with patients who have vomited, have diarrhea, pain, fall, fall with a fracture, allergies, admissions, discharges. And the moment between life and death, yes that's us nurses. That's my everyday!

You are the main bridge between the sick and his physician. If that doesn't burden you at times of frustration when all of the above mentioned things are occurring then I don't know. Somehow these situations i tackle everyday make me strong and it builds confidence for me. For those nurses with personality disorders this can easily become narcissism.

I know that no one else can do what I do as a nurse. Remember nursing is not for everyone. A mechanic does not go to school and take responsibility of sick patients lives. My everyday, every minute, every second thinking at work saves lives. Everyday I am learning something new. Everyday!

I love nursing. I am proud of my title.

[jwalker03]

See I knew this would happen. Since I haven't started yet am I inferior or am I not allow to ask a question? I'm confused. All I am saying is that I have noticed a trend in the way that people talk about a subject (whether it be here, at school, or at the hospital that I volunteer) and was interested as to what others thought. Seeing as we can't discuss this without people's feelings getting involved and you took this as a personal attack MrChicagoRN, I'll just keep my questions to myself.

[jwalker03]

I appreciate your post Zara and I understand where you are coming from. I'm not trying to undermine any task or duty that you perform. I'm just curious as to why you would say that "no one else can do what I do as a nurse". That's what I'm talking about. If that were the case then who do you work with? Why do nurses act as if no one else can do what they do? When I talk to current nurses and the conversation gets around to me STARTING nursing school in the future (for you MrChicagoRN) I get this almost condescending response of "this will be the hardest thing you'l ever do in your life. Ever. Period". I'm trying to find out why THAT is? It doesn't take a person experiencing it to understand that that is simply not true. Maybe I should go back to creeping as a guest until I've completed school rather than asking questions.

[SionainnRN]

See I knew this would happen. Since I haven't started yet am I inferior or am I not allow to ask a question? I'm confused. All I am saying is that I have noticed a trend in the way that people talk about a subject (whether it be here, at school, or at the hospital that I volunteer) and was interested as to what others thought. Seeing as we can't discuss this without people's feelings getting involved and you took this as a personal attack MrChicagoRN, I'll just keep my questions to myself.

Oh my. If you are this easily offended you're going to have a very hard time in nursing school. You came on here and said we were a bunch of narcissists and wonder why some people got defensive. No one attacked you, they just pointed out that you're not even in nursing school yet, so you may not have the experiences to truly understand what being a nurse entails. Try not to take things so personal and realize that when you post on a forum you can't control the answers. Good luck in nursing school.

[Everline]

To be honest, I've never heard anyone saying nursing school is the "hardest thing in the world". It's difficult for a lot of people, me included. And I can say, without exaggeration, it is one of the hardest things I have done in my life. Call me a narcissist with "positive illusions" if you would like.

The nursing students I know are far from having "unrealistic positive views" and even farther from having "exaggerated beliefs of control". The people that I know are hoping and praying they can pass Med Surg III. I mean really.

I would be interested in how you view this thread when you are about to graduate from nursing school and when you are working your first year as a nurse.

Still not sure what "positive illusions" are...

[Zara, RN]

No one is criticizing you for not being a nursing student yet, it is simply a fact that is being stated.

Nursing can be emotionally difficult. In fact, it is probably one of the most emotionally demanding jobs that a person can take on.

You might have a better perspective on this subject after you finish nursing school, pass boards and find a job you like.

[jwalker03]

I'm not offended I was just curious and it seemed like me not being a student yet made my question invalid. I asked before I realized that the people that would be likely to answer it probably doesn't even apply to haha.