Will I like nursing?

[aldu]

I know this may sound like a stupid question...How do I know that I will like nursing? How did you know that Nursing was what you wanted to do? What helped you to make the final decision? I just took the TEAS V today and scored a 84.7, so getting into a nursing program isn't the problem. I plan to apply for the summer semester at the technical college I attend for the ADN program. I just want to be sure that nursing is something that I will enjoy, before I decide to take the time in school and go that route. I have always been fascinated by diseases and sick people. I live with my grandparents, who have raised me, that are getting up there in age and their health is deteriorating. My grandpa is a diabetic and recently had his leg amputated (after having some of his toes cut off before). I loved watching the home health nurse come and clean his wound. I even changed the dressing some for him the days she didn't come. My grandma has cirrhosis of the liver, which I find EXTREMELY fascinating, and it's not even from drinking. That's the crazy part. She has an autoimmune disease and it was actually triggered by her taking Amiodarone (a medicene for afib)! I feel like living with them and helping to take care of them is an amazing learning experience. I wouldn't have it any other way! But back to actual nursing...I have heard some people say that if you want to go into nursing for the job security and money, then you shouldn't. This is what sparked my interest, but it isn't the only reason I want to go into nursing; I feel that it is just an extra perk. When I started thinking about it, I thought I would be good at nursing. I am pretty sure that cleaning up vomit(I've done this at work before anyways for $2.13 an hour LOL), changing bed pans, and the other "gross things" nurses have to do wouldn't bother me. Any suggestions on how I can be sure this is the career path I want to take? I am considering working as a CNA part-time. However, if I choose to hold off until the fall for entering the ADN program, I would be able to work more as a CNA (about 30 hours a week) and still keep my current schedule waitressing.

[Cherry02]

I think you'd like it. Maybe you can shadow a nurse or something. That would definitely help you decide whether it is something you'd like or not.

[zoe92]

I highly recommend job shadowing a nurse at your local hospital. This will help you see what types of duties you will be required to do. If you have your CNA and like being in the health care field and closely interacting with patients, that is probably a good sign that you will like being a RN as well.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

It sounds like you're in a good position to enjoy being a nurse. Not many people "enjoy" or "find fascinating" the things nurses do, LOL.

I agree with PPs; see if you can shadow a nurse, and definitely try out being a CNA. It'll give you a taste of what you'll see/smell every day when you come to work.

[smatrang001]

I was th opposite. I didn't feel like nursing would be something I would like. I went back to school to get my ADN. Competed against students for a spot, got a spot and still didn't know if I wanted to be a nurse. I did it because I needed a more flexible career with my husband in the military. Well, even at the beginning in first level I still didn't know if I wanted to be a nurse. But it wasn't until I applied my knowledge halfway through the semester in clinicals that I realized I LOVED it. So your fascination will only further in nursing. Good luck!

[Compassion_x]

Working at a nursing home as a CNA has confirmed for me that I still want to be a nurse.

[doxielover304]

Looks to me like your heart is in the right place to be a nurse... but honestly, I think you already know!! Taking care of your grandparents is a pretty good indicator that you enjoy helping people and you find that diseases and stuff are interesting. I don't think you need anything else to tell you if you want to be a nurse or not. Just listen to your heart and soul. It will lead you in the right direction. Good luck!