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Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Nurse?
Megan Malugani / Monster Contributing Writer
Although people considering careers in nursing come from all walks of life, many potential nurses share a surprisingly common set of questions and concerns, such as “Can I get into nursing school?” and “Am I crazy to become a nurse at my age?” Two nurses and a nursing professor address wannabe nurses’ frequently asked questions.
How difficult is it to get into nursing school?
BasketballPA123
about 1 year ago
6 comments
You know in your heart if you want to be a Nurse or PA in my case. My Dad was my first patient
in the Emergency Room, so I realized real quick that my profession was about being Gods hands.
You always study to obtain medical knowledge to do the best you can because it's about making
loved ones even your own have a great life. You don't worry about age, respect or being squeamish when people count on you to live.
cuttie
about 1 year ago
798 comments
I was single too with three kid, your first step, should be, checking out some colleges that offer the ADN nursing program. Start with your RN preq.
mitichie
about 1 year ago
2 comments
i work in a hospital taking care of burn patient and is my best job i am 34 and i am thinking of going to school but iam a single parent with 3 kids what is my frist step in going for the RN
gabelovechild
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I am a CNA. I've been working as one for six months and now I am in school to be come a medical assit. I have talk to other medical assit. and they are saying that I should go on and be a RN because of the title and the pay I am still unsure of what I need to do. One thing that I know I am sure of and that is I want more PAY!
mikoandbenji
about 1 year ago
180 comments
With patient to nurse ratio so high at many hospitals, it is very difficult for nurses. When the bean counters come in, the nurses are decreased, leaving an even more skeletal staff. No wonder that so many excellent nurses leave nursing. If hospitals would make conditions better and more fair for nurses, there would be less of a shortage.
mikoandbenji
about 1 year ago
180 comments
With such a critical nursing shortage, they need to find a way to take more nursing students each year.
amanda36
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I need help with passing the nclex for LPN. If there is someone that can help , please i'm willing to listening .
leswooley
about 1 year ago
10 comments
I am a 36 year old single mother of 3. I am currently working full time as an LPN and going to school part time to get my RN. Before becoming a nurse 5 years ago, I worked in a factory working swing shifts every two weeks. That sucked. When I became pregnant with my 3rd child I decided to do something different. I wanted to be a vetrenarian to begin with, but that was unreasonable with three children, and I had heard it only takes 6 weeks to be a CNA. I thought I could to that while on maternity leave from work. When singning up at the school, the counselor talked me into becoming an LPN. Once I began working in an OB department, I never knew you could be so happy at work!!! I love my job, and if any one thinks that they may be interested in this field, they should try it. There are many different areas to work as a nurse, and any one with a desire can find a place, from patient care to teaching. As for those older people wanting to become a nurse, what is wrong with learning something. It is never to late to learn!!!
ohiomom
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I am 28 years old single mother of 3 . I worked up until my first day of nursing school. I LOVE IT! Yes it is difficult but if u have the passion or the desire to become a nure you should give yourself a chance! This is a dream come true. I do realize it will be a stuggle financially, but i have to support my childrens future as well my own.
swipper
about 1 year ago
4 comments
I GRADUATED IN 1993 FROM A LPN SCHOOL DID REAL GOOD IN SCHOOL. CAN'T PASS THE BOARDS. THIS HAS BEEN MY DREAM FOR YEARS AND I JUST CAN'T GET THERE. IS IT TOO LET FOR ME SINCE IT'S BEEN 15 YEARS. CAN ANYONE HELP ME. sneakpeakgun@yahoo.com
cjeank
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Hello, SLewis, I am also a nursing Student at 32 with children, single mom, I took most of my prerequisites for the nursing program at a community college and the Pell Grant funded all of them. I just transferred to a university because I plan on getting my bachelor's and doctorate so I can be one of the nursing instructors...i love nursing and I love teaching too...i found after transferring to the university, that there are more grants and scholarships avaiable at the university level, tuition is higher, but it ends up evening out....check your state scholarship programs, there are specific "Nursing Scholarships" in most if not all states....because you already have a Bachelor's Degree, you are eligible for an Accelerated degree program at the community college an university level, check into what is offered at the schools in your area. Bravo! for getting your CNA, you will learn sooo much working under nurses! I have been a cna at a nursing home and have now been at a local hospital for almost 5 years while going to school for the past few years....GOOD LUCK!!!!
nannurse
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I would like to comment about the comment made regarding working hours "from 7am until midnight". I have been a nurse for over 20 years and have yet to work that kind of slave shift. Nursing is no different than other careers and do have regular hours just like any other job. Any employer that would require a nurse to work from 7am to midnight would find themselves soon out of nurses!
casassy62688
about 1 year ago
288 comments
Good article.....and this makes me want to become a nurse even more! I know what I'm getting myself into and I know that I am very lucky to get to work side by side everynight at work to help others.....it's very rewarding for me!
Account Removed
about 1 year ago
Although nursing programs are full, there are more nurses leaving the career than joining. The reasons are many, but I think it is because nursing is so hard. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, but I only have me to take care of. Nurses have to sacrifice so much for the privlege of being a nurse. You go in to work at 7a, you might not get home until midnight. You probably won't get a lunch break, or even a pee break. The responsibilty is nothing less than another human being's life. You do it for your own reasons, but it does wear on you. This is not whining, this is just reality.
Nurse2Be_2009
about 1 year ago
10 comments
thanks for sharing!