It’s the time of the year when high schoolers begin to make some decisions about college and careers. We certainly hope nursing is something you have been thinking seriously about. Here’s a few things to consider in making your decision…. Before You Decide to Become a Nurse.
9 Comments
jenniec
Excellent pointers for anyone considering the nursing profession! Like the author says, it’s important to know beyond any doubt that this is the profession for you. Don’t just base your decision on a “feeling.” Try and get a taste of hospital life by volunteering at a local healthcare center. You could also request a nurse for some shadow sessions, provided the hospital allows it. Interview any nurses you may know to find out the good, bad and the ugly about the job. Only after you are a 100 percent convinced that nursing is your calling in life, go ahead and enroll in a nursing program. You could either join a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program or a two-year Associate degree in Nursing.
dgdsgfsdfg
I think there are a great career facilities and money in the field of nursing. A nursing person should be compassionate and helpful as nurses have to take care of patient. So before deciding to enter this profession we should really aware of these things.
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Courtney
I found this blog extremely helpful; not so much for me but younger sister. I am a nursing student about to graduate soon, and my sister was planning on following in my footsteps. She got into the same nursing school as me, and even took her first couple of classes. After her first semester of it, she began to question whether this decision was right for her. I found this blog and showed her the link about things to consider. After a lot of thought and discussion with me and my parents, she did ultimately decide that this was not the profession for her. I was saddened by her decision because I truly believe nursing is a rewarding career, but as the link explains it is not for everyone. And better that she decide now while she is still young and able to change majors so easily, rather than after she is already finished school and in the workforce.
nmedley3
Nursing for me is a second career. I decided to attend nursing school with many reservations, but today I am proud to say I am happy I chose nursing. I can honestly say that I think I have found my niche. I have always been a very caring and compassionate person; nursing is another way for me to take care of others. I am very excited about my future career as nurse. I am looking forward to being a patient advocate.
Lauren
I am a forth term nursing student graduating in December. When I was looking at different careers I always came back to something in the medical field. I never wanted to become a physician because they always seemed cold and unapproachable. The nurses I met during my childhood were always easy to talk to and compassionate. I am so glad I chose nursing as my career but there are some things I was never told until after I was in the program. I always thought that nursing was going to be a stable career because of the nursing shortage and the baby boomers retiring, since they will be needing assistance and medical care. Now that I am almost done with the program I am finding that even though hospitals need nurses, they cannot hire them due to poor economic times. This does make me nervous the closer I get to graduating.
I am glad that I chose this field of work though and have learned a great deal of information about therapeutic communication and compassionate care. One big idea that nursing school has engrained in me is that as a nurse, you must be able to push aside your personal beliefs and judgments. You do not have to agree with the patient, but as a nurse you have to respect his/her beliefs and wishes. Being able to make a trusting bond with others and standing up for your patients rights and medical wishes is a immense duty.
Clare
I don't think the public necessarily knows what the profession of nursing entails- especially high schoolers. When I started college, I pursued a BS in biology because I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field. I did not even consider nursing. I had no idea how much responsibility they really have, how many interventions are evidenced based, and how much the patient really depends on their nurse. Let's say the patient is doing poorly- the nurse is the one intervening, calling the resident, relaying what she sees, and making recommendations. The nurse is the first line. I also really like the role of patient advocate the nurse assumes for her patients. I realized this after my first degree, therefore I went back to get my second BS in nursing. I could not be more excited, except if I was already getting my advanced degree in nursing instead of a second bachelor's. I think we as nurses need to do a better job educating young students on professional nursing as a career as well as all of the opportunities for advacement- NP, CRNA, DNP, CNS, etc. We need to promote our profession and teach the public.
Amber
Nursing is much more than I thought it was since beginning the nursing program in college. I am a nursing student graduating in July, and it has been more dedication and hard work than I ever imagined! I always wanted to be in the medical field and at one point considered becoming a physician…I quickly changed my major to nursing when I realized how much more one-on-one time you get with your patients and how much, as a nurse, you can do to change their lives. Nursing not only is about giving and caring for the sick, but making a connection with others, taking a stand on what is right, and having great responsibility. We do much more as nurses than I believe many people recognize, but to me that's ok, because the only thing that truly matters at the end of the day is the evidence-based care I give to my patients and making a difference in their lives.
Faye
I am a nursing student and when I was deciding on a career, I knew I wanted something medical, but I was not sure what exactly. Now that I am almost done, I can honestly say nursing is not what I expected it to be, it is so much more! I have learned that in order to be a nurse you must be compassionate, patient, and willing to care for your patients unconditionally. Another thing that I think many people forget is that nurses must have the ability to put their thoughts or beliefs aside for a moment and care for their patient. We, as nurses, need to remember to be curious rather than judgmental! 🙂
peny113
Before deciding to enter the nursing profession, one should really be aware that nursing career is a great privilege as well as a great responsibility, eh. I have a lot of friends who are RN, and honestly some of them have regrets on their chosen career, though many of them of course are happy as nurses.