What's your favorite thing about being a nurse? (advice)

Published

Hi everyone! I'm a pre nursing student finishing up my last pre req (starting tomorrow actually) and I've been getting nervous as to how I'll do once I'm accepted into the nursing program. I frequently hear from family members who work in the medical setting as LPN's talk so negatively about their positions and the work they do - that it makes me wonder what good things come with the position of RN.

I never truly thought I would work in nursing - I'm actually sort of terrified by having to go to the hospital or being sick. Somewhere along the line I thought it would be great if I could arm myself with knowledge instead of fearing the unknown and face some of these things I'm scared of. That idea coupled with finding myself back in my hometown where I could go to the local community college for nursing, being 26 and wanting to get into a career in the near future - ended up with me deciding to take on this career path :).

I am excited, but anxious - because I am an emotional person and have been told that you need to be "hardened" to be able to work in nursing. So - what are your favorite things about being a nurse? What were your favorite things about nursing school? I feel like I have so many negative people telling me about how difficult school is, how difficult the job is - and no one ever brings up the positives (and I know there must be plenty!).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in VA-BC, CRNI.

So your question is really "What is so great about being a RN vs a LPN?"

Job security in a uncertain future.

I have the authority to make real and decisive changes to my patients care that dramatically affects their outcome.

I am in one of the most trusted professions in the world.

I am a part of the very fabric of society, when I go to work I benefit not only my patients but my community and country.

I get to say big fancy words and people get real impressed "sphygmomanometer"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks! I really have no interest in being an LPN - just those are the only people I tend to come into contact with to talk to about the field. I don't personally know anyone who is an RN - just CNA's and LPN's :)

eta - sorry if i was confusing about that! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.
I am excited, but anxious - because I am an emotional person and have been told that you need to be "hardened" to be able to work in nursing. So - what are your favorite things about being a nurse? What were your favorite things about nursing school? I feel like I have so many negative people telling me about how difficult school is, how difficult the job is - and no one ever brings up the positives (and I know there must be plenty!).
I don't know why people would say you need to be hardened. I mean, you can't be crying at the drop of a hat and you need to be able to roll with the punches, but hardened? I don't think so. You need to be compassionate and smart and thick skinned, and a good sense of humor doesn't hurt either.

My favorite thing about nursing is truly, truly sick patients. I love taking care of patients on ventilators who are getting better despite the odds against them, crashing patients who bring the whole house around them in an effort to save their lives, and the amazing team I work with (who sometimes turn into the same gossipy backbiters that you want to kill, but mostly are awesome). I love when I figure out a diagnoses and the doctor agrees with me, or when I can help a family with end-of-life decisions. I love that I work 3 12 hour shifts and get 4 days off a week, and that I get paid way more than I'm worth because I'm on the weekend program.

Most of all, though, I love that every single day I learn something new, and it's never the same day twice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My favorite thing about nursing is truly, truly sick patients. I love taking care of patients on ventilators who are getting better despite the odds against them, crashing patients who bring the whole house around them in an effort to save their lives, and the amazing team I work with (who sometimes turn into the same gossipy backbiters that you want to kill, but mostly are awesome). I love when I figure out a diagnoses and the doctor agrees with me, or when I can help a family with end-of-life decisions. I love that I work 3 12 hour shifts and get 4 days off a week, and that I get paid way more than I'm worth because I'm on the weekend program.

Most of all, though, I love that every single day I learn something new, and it's never the same day twice.

I hope to say all of the above one day.

Dee

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.
I hope to say all of the above one day.

I hope you can too, because it's the best things about the profession, IMO. There's plenty about it I don't like, and when I'm cleaning up a particularly foul poop or dealing with a confused, combative or simply horribly rude patient I wonder why I ever did it. Yesterday I shot propass all over my face when the NG tube got plugged up. ICK!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nurses rarely complain about boredom.

Rather than watching the drama on TV, come and live the drama.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi there, I can't really answer your question about being a nurse, because I start my nursing program tomorrow, pretty anxious about it, but far as when you apply to the nursing programs make sure you have 2-4 back up schools. About one year ago I applied to my first choice school, got denied, and then had to wait another year just to apply, I didn't get in again to my first choice, but made it into my second choice...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/Subacute.

I'm an LPN. Can't say I love my managment, who does?, but I really enjoy the staff and my patients. I work a subacute unit in a nursing home/ rehab facility. Some of the positives of my job would be 4+ months into being a nurse and I'm charge nurse of 16 patients, 6 of which have g tubes, 8 trachs and 5 on vents. Talk about gettin experience fast! I love when a pt or family member tells me they appreciate me or that I'm a good nurse. I like being able to talk with the docs and actually have them listen to me and even agree with me! lol. Job security is a wonderful thing also. As an LPN in a facility I do about the same things an RN would, actually have one that works the shift after me. As with most things in my life I like to start from the base and move up. I was a cna, now an LPN and plan to get my R in a reasonably short time from now. I think all nurses should go that path but thats my opinion. And I ramble a bit also. lol. Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ortho, Case Management, blabla.

My favorite part is that I often feel like I'm on top of things. Just a simple answer. I mean, if I'm walking down the hallway I take pride in the fact that I'm more or less the top dawg. Got a problem? I solve it. Got a question? Ask me. Your heart is beating at 180 bpm and your blood pressure is dropping? Let me give you some drugs. Need to poo but your doctor said you can't get out of bed? Sorry, here's a bedpan. I love solving problems. Be it a medical issue or social issue. Knock it out. I love that stuff. I enjoy being the "go to guy" Takin care of business.

My favorite part about nursing school?? Haha...nothing. It sucked! I mean, I learned a lot, but it sucked.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion