Calling All Nurses!!?

Some days it is a great profession, and other days you will wish you were anything but a nurse. The important part about finding what you are meant to do in life is finding what makes you happy more days than not. I live by the idea that as long as you have more better days than bad ones, then its still a productive career. I am not trying to discourage you anymore than you are at this point, just giving a thought of mine.

I have worked med-surg, emergency, and psych nursing all in the past. I am currently a labor and delivery nurse and truely feel it is most rewarding experience to be a nurse especially in this dept. Nothing beats helping or assisting with the delivery of a new baby to a family!!! Of coarse there are times where I wonder why the heck I went into this profession-but the only times I wonder this is from the mandatory overtime or crazy busy nights with no help or working holidays/weekends. Otherwise, if you enjoy helping others and enjoy expanding your learning, nursing is for you. Good luck with your decision!

I am a new nurse. I feel like you definitely should pursue it if you feel that its something you want to do. It is definitely not a piece of cake but the rewards and fulfillment you get from not only accomplishing your personal goals but making a difference in someone elses life makes this career priceless!! I look back while i'm leaving work in tears, bc I just remembered I forgot to do something or things got a little crazy and busy through the night, and I smile!! I smile bc this was something I wanted and I prayed for and I truly feel like I am here for a reason, so I rest up and pray a little harder and put a new smile on my face and clock in again!!! Go For It!!!!! You'll know if it isnt for you, when you start attempting the classes.

I have been a nurse for 30 years and have also wondered sometimes why I did it but I think you find that in any profession. If you want a career where you can make a difference in someones life this is it. It may be a simple sponge bath to ease a fever to CPR in an emergency. The rewards are everywhere just some days they are harder to see. Another great advantage is that you can change the area or type on nursing fairly easily when you need a change or want to try something different. But it is tough, you have to have a backbone. There are times when you have to advocate for a patient that will test your committment to them. Never forget you may hold their life in your hand. I have also taught nursing school. I have seen those who are entering for the wrong reasons. If at some point you know in your heart you have chosen the wrong path, get out. Believe me, the patient and family can tell!! God bless and I hope you join us in the journey.

If you are being called to serve others, Nursing is a great carreer. It is not a job where you get tons of positive feedback or appreciation showered upon you. The rewards come from knowing, not being told, that you are doing your best to ease pain, suffering and promoting optimum health and functioning. The frustrations are many due to feeling the time constraints of not being able to do all you would like. It takes a lot of strength, confidence, knowledge and compassion to be become a nurse. Caring and compassion are at the top of my list for qualities it takes to be a nurse. Just about anyone can learn the book part of becoming a nurse. I will have to admit that you will have to learn to deal with "crap". In 30 years of nursing I have experienced this when dealing with other nurses, doctors, the very patients and their families whom you are attempting to help, and the list goes on. There are, however, diplomatic and effective ways to deal with all of this. Best wishes as you make your decision. Nursing is an excellent and exciting carreer, limitless in possibilities.