What it takes to be an RN

blink4 · Jul 12, 2011

You and I are in an eerily similar boat. I was also born in '89 (if that's what the number in your name means), diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in eighth grade, and I've wanted to become a nurse ever since. My advice to you is to bring some Vick's to your clinicals. Rub it under your nose any time you might assume you're going to encounter poop soon. I started doing this when I took anatomy in high school, during the dissections.The smell of the Vick's really helps block out other smells. I believe some nurses still do this well into their careers, but personally, I think the smell and dealing with it will be something you will simply get used to over time. There's nothing wrong with being a little disgusted by the smell at first, but I do believe this kind of thing is something you will have to deal with consistently throughout your career. I hope this helps, and good luck to a fellow cancer-survivor :coollook:

allnurses Guide · Jul 13, 2011

If you want it... you can do it.

While what you see and smell can be unpleasant, you know your pts can't help it and that sense of understanding really helps you get through it.

Also, you just tell yourself it is what is and you learn to deal with it.

I have seen people with even the weakest stomach pull through!

You CAN do it.

Don't let it hold you back.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2011

I was born in `89 too & also graduated in `07 :)

When I took a CNA class, I was 19 & thought(at first) that it was going to be the BIGGEST WASTE OF TIME. But I ended up liking it a lot. The smell is something you will slowly become accustomed to. What helps me is (I know this is weird,lol) chewing gum. Sometimes the "taste" of bad smells gets in my mouth, so I chew gum. Or I put a mint in my mouth. Good luck! Things are always a little rough in the beginning, but they'll get better! :)

pedcancersurvivor89 · Jul 13, 2011

@blink4 Congrats to you as well on surviving cancer:yeah:Thanks for the encouragement! Have you begun your journey to become a nurse?

pedcancersurvivor89 · Jul 13, 2011

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll try to keep on pushing! Becoming a pediatric oncology nurse is my goal! I hope I can fulfill it. Its so easy to get discouraged! Have any of you begun RN courses or do you plan to go on to RN? If so what is it like?