Why do you want to/did you become a Nurse?

[BunnyBunnyBSNRN]

Hi all!

Maybe this topic has been covered before, but I'm new here.

The reason I'm asking is two fold;

1. To get to know some of ya'll (yes, I'm from Texas)
2. Because I think I've got an odd reason (shrug).

Anyway, the reason I want to become a Nurse is b/c I had horrible care/treatment many years ago - on two different occasions - and witnessed horrible care to a patient while working in a hospital on at least one occasion. I want to make sure that my patients receive better. Is that strange?

Hope to hear from ya soon!

[Kathyz]

You may want to volunteer at your local hospital. That would be a great place to start.

I've never had any nursing experience. I am in the process of getting my BSN. I think that people need to be "cured" both physically and mentally. I have a master's in counseling psychology (mental) and I feel I could use that along with a nursing degree (physical).

There is such a high demand for nurses and the job opportunities are limitless (hospitals, nursing homes, insurance companies, teaching). Plus I love the hours (a few 12 hour days). I'm 37 and have worked a few jobs and know that helping people is what it's all about.

I commend you. In high school all I knew is that I wanted to go away to college, get my degree, and get married and have kids. Good for you. And good luck!!

[Nurse-To-Be-Joy]

I'm not a nurse, but I want to be one because I want to help people AND get a good paycheck in a career that has a variety of options. I recommend that you get a job in a hospital or do volunteer work in one. Get a feel for what nurses do. Good luck!

[stpauligirl]

Kathyz said:

You may want to volunteer at your local hospital. That would be a great place to start.

I've never had any nursing experience. I am in the process of getting my BSN. I think that people need to be "cured" both physically and mentally. I have a master's in counseling psychology (mental) and I feel I could use that along with a nursing degree (physical).

There is such a high demand for nurses and the job opportunities are limitless (hospitals, nursing homes, insurance companies, teaching). Plus I love the hours (a few 12 hour days). I'm 37 and have worked a few jobs and know that helping people is what it's all about.

I commend you. In high school all I knew is that I wanted to go away to college, get my degree, and get married and have kids. Good for you. And good luck!!

I think volunteering in a hospital is a GREAT way to explore if you would like nursing ?

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

Definitely volunteer or shadow a nurse. Make sure this is what you want to do.

Good luck

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I started nursing (pre-req's) right out of high school, knowing I wanted a job in healthcare. One thing that I found great about the field is there's so much variety. Med-surg, peds, OB, doctor's office, hospital, the possibilities are endless. You get bored in one field, you just go to another one. What other job has this much variety?! :)

[Galore]

For all of you who recommend volunteering, how have you gotten into it? I'm close with someone who works in HR at a large hospital here, and she told me volunteers are not allowed on the floor at all, they can only work in the gift shop or hand out cookies in the ER waiting room, simple things that won't give you any knowledge or experience about actual nursing. Are other hospitals more flexible?

[edogs334]

Get your CNA (Certified Nurse's Assistant) and work in a nursing home or hospital. You'll be able to gain actual patient care experience if you take this route. Most hospital volunteers cannot do any patient care skills; they can only transport patients and hand out cookies/magazines. Contact your state board of nursing (part of the state government in most cases) to see who runs the nurse aide registry in your state. The nurse aide registry of your state should also have information on who provides CNA training in your area.

[Golden_Clover]

I did some floor volunteer work at a level 1 Trauma Hospital. I was with an occupational therapist though. She did allow me to help with ADLs and patient therapy sessions. Very interesting, and it really made me realize that healthcare was the direction I wanted to go. I didn't go with a nurse, but I did get interaction with them, doctors, PTs, patients, and charts. You might want to contact the hospital volunteer department and see if any other departments has a volunteer position open. It is a truly eye-opening experience. Best of Luck!

Clover ?

[rkim525]

Yeah, like others have stated try this summer to shadow a nurse, volunteer, or take CNA classes. I think that if you really see what nurses do that it will help you decide. Plus if you go into school then decide you do not want to become a nurse. There are so many jobs in the medical field that may interest you. I graduated in 2003 and took CNA courses that summer. The courses really helped me to decide that I wanted to become a nurse. Plus CNA license, depending on the school you are going to may better your chances into getting into nursing school. Best of luck.

[hTx87]

Thanks for all the advice...

I also wanted to ask..I am kind of a shy person but once u get to know me then I'm not shy and I wanted to know if this is going to hold me back being a nurse..If a needs to be outgoing or something.

[rkim525]

I spent one of my summers doing the CNA program and volunteering in a hospital. I am a shy person too. However, those two experiences made me break out of my shell a lot. Working in the medical field you have to learn to speak up for yourself and the patients. I know it might be scared trying these new experiences for the first time...but just tell yourself that you can. I have noticed through going through nursing school that I am not as near as shy as I used to be. Good Luck!!

[hTx87]

What are the bad side to nursing.