When did you first feel like a nurse?

akcarmean, LPN · Oct 24, 2004

I felt like a nurse before I even became one. I care for my MIL who is a diabetic and eventually lost both legs. Then I had a premie baby and have kids with all kinds of health problems. So I was luck and had some experience before I became a nurse. You will find a time that will stick out for you. I just love being a nurse and wish I could do more than per-diem right now. But hopefully I will soon:rolleyes:

Dixiecup · Oct 24, 2004

Been a nurse 16 years, still don't feel like one!

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Oct 24, 2004

I know you're officially a nurse when you pass your boards. But when was it that you actually felt like a nurse? Is there a specific instance that stands out in your head? Was it a more gradual realization?
...Jennifer...

Granted I graduated in 1976 but the first time I was called "Nurse Smith", I knew for sure I was a real nurse!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Oct 24, 2004

Hoilding a scared pt.'s hand while she was receiving anesthesia, telling her we were here for her, we would take excellent care for her, and 2 weeks after her surgery (uterine ablation), i received a thank you card in my name, and this lady said she'd "never received such caring and compassion before" and said "you're an excellent nurse". And 3 weeks later, she was schedule for a lap chole, and asked for me to at least be in the room again. THAT was a great feeling.

allele, LPN · Oct 24, 2004

Been a nurse 16 years, still don't feel like one!

I've only been a nurse for 5 years, but I was gonna say the same thing, still don't FEEL like one! LOL I'm not sure why though. I just feel like I do many nurse-like tasks, which I know sounds weird. I don't know if there'll be one defining moment where I feel like a nurse, or if it will come with more experience. I still have so much to learn! :)

purplemania, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2004

when I made a clinical decision without anyone's assistance and was confident in my decision.

Genista, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2004

Ditto to Purplemania's response.

nursemary9, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2004

Hi

You know, I started nursing school in 1966. In about my second year, I felt like a nurse; In those days we really did most of the care for the patients when we were students--we even had a good sized patient load. Thru many years I felt like a nurse--like I was making a real difference in people's lives--I even felt like a nurse during the 10 years I worked in Psych.

Your thread really made me think & my DH & I were discussing this. At first we were kind of joking about this, but then it made me sad. :crying2: You know, it's about the last 8-10 yrs. or so, I no longer feel like a nurse--I feel more like the Maid or a Waitress!! I am no longer respected by patients, Doctors or our Managers. That is really sad!!

Mary Ann

GAgirl · Oct 24, 2004

The first time I had to carry nine patients with no NA. :uhoh3:

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Oct 24, 2004

The fall of my senior year, when my mom tripped on the stairs and knowcked out her front tooth and split her lip up to her nose. She got really loopy and unsteady from the pain meds, and had insanely itchy rashes from the antibiotics, and couldn't eat anything but shakes. I moved in for a week or so and put everything I'd been learning to good use. I felt like a nurse for the first time, and was glad I had all this knowledge.

catlady, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2004

I graduated in 1985, after having done some other things. Nursing was never my career goal. It amazes me that it has turned out to be my career. I still feel like a pretender.