So You Want to Be a Nurse?

This is a tutorial for those thinking about the nursing profession. I feel as if after 27 years in the nursing profession, I certainly have a point of view, as well as some input when it comes to what it takes to be a nurse. There are ten very important things to take into consideration before you sign up, and jump in, so here goes.

Are you afraid to get your hands dirty?
In other words, do you mind wiping butts, getting in there with wounds that are infected, seeing the unimaginable? Make sure you can handle these things. Take a class as a Certified nurses aide, and work that job for a while. At the very least, it will make you respect the C.N.A. that works under you when you get your degree.

Are you sick at the sight of blood? Do you become nauseated easily and throw up at the drop of a pin?
Are you in it for the money?
The money is good, but it isn't THAT good. This rings much more true if you work for a non for profit agency. There are ways to make more money, so remember your heart must be in it, otherwise you aren't much good for anyone.

Speaking about your heart....do you think you can save the world?
Accept the fact that you can't. Don't even try. The best we can do as nurses is save a little part of it, for the time being.

Do you want to be in management or middle management?
Just because you have the initials RN or LPN after your name does not qualify you for management. The very worst managers I have had have been nurses. Make sure if this is the course you want to pursue, you take management and business classes as well. It wouldn't hurt to have a degree in both. Management skills very rarely come "naturally".

Don't worry that death might make you cry. If you didn't cry, you would be far from human. Our job is to provide good health care, not to be unfeeling and uncaring robots.

Don't ever believe you know everything. Learning is a constant process. You may learn something new every day from a patient, another nurse, or a C.N.A.

Always trust and respect your C.N.A. judgement. If they feel as if there is something wrong with a patient, check into it immediately. They are our eyes and ears, and spend countless hours at the patient bedside. They know these patients as well as they know their own children. Listen to them, investigate what they have to say, and allow them input. They are part of a team.

Be a professional. Don't show up to work late, don't call in without good reason, and dress as if you are there to do a job. Remember the reason you are there, and don't come to work impaired or hung-over. There is no excuse for that, you know your schedule, drink around it if you must! If wearing whites, remember bleach doesn't cost all that much. Wear your identification. Wear comfortable yet professional shoes. The wrong shoes can cause you a world of back pain.

Remember nursing can be very tough, very stressful, and very competitive. There are still nurses out there that eat their young. There is no excuse for it, so don't be a doormat. Remember to never do this when encountering a young new nurse. They have a lot to learn, but remember you don't know it all, so don't try to tell them you do.

If after reading this the reality has sunk in and you aren't sure you are cut out for nursing, explore other opportunities such as social work, x-ray technician, physical therapist, massage therapist, dietician, or another satisfying healthcare career. Nursing isn't for everyone, but for the special few we still have room for you!!