Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Nurse?

89 Comments

Am I strong enough to withstand the job’s physical demands?

Nurses who work in hospitals need a certain amount of strength and stamina to help lift patients and survive long hours and occasional night shifts. Working three 12-hour shifts a week in the cardiac step-down unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, Nicole Lehr, RN, BSN, says her schedule “can be a little straining on the body, but you have four days to rest and adjust.” Krejci notes that many new technologies and lifting techniques help decrease the amount of physical stress nurses experience. And many nursing jobs – such as those in call centers and community health clinics – are less physically demanding to begin with.

Would You Survive Your 1st Year as a Nurse?

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.

Am I too squeamish?

If you have to ask, job shadow a nurse for a day or sign up for a “future nurses” camp like the one offered at Marquette’s College of Nursing. How you react to TV medical dramas can also be a clue as to whether you’re cut out for nursing. “If you watch ‘ER’ and say, ‘oh, my gosh, that looks terrible,’ then nursing is probably not for you,” Lehr says. On the other hand, you don’t have to adore working amid blood and guts, either. “There are so many different specialties within nursing where you can avoid that cliche of hospital blood everywhere,” she says. In fact, some of Lehr’s fellow nursing students fainted the first time they were exposed to lots of blood during training. “They stayed with [nursing school] and did just fine,” she says.

Does the profession afford enough respect?

“I think sometimes people still do not understand that nursing is an autonomous, independent profession,” Krejci says. “Sometimes people misperceive nursing and don’t understand the professional nature of nursing.” Before becoming a nurse, Lehr worried that the profession’s reputation was unglamorous and that “society looks at nursing as grunt work.” Lehr’s concerns have proved to be largely unfounded, and she says she gets only positive feedback when she tells people she’s a nurse. The rewards she derives are also greater than she expected. “I get rewarded by helping people,” she says. “Making a little sick child smile makes it all worthwhile.”

Read the original Career Advice article on Monster.com.

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KEILEIABROWN

almost 4 years ago

2 comments

Well I have been out of high school for almost 20 years and math was never my strong suit and I only had to take your basic science classes. So now I have taking two science classes the both killed me and I'm a pretty good student I have gotten A's and B's in other subjects. So if and when you take this classes if you know your not strong in these areas get a tutor go to study groups. As I have to take these classes again and will follow my own advice.
simbacell

almost 4 years ago

4 comments

I have been an LVN for more than a 5 years, I completed all my prerequisite and I am in waiting list for numerous schools, now my prerequisite it's more than 5 years old and many schools don't accept , I am so tired of looking for RN schools, private schools it's 70,000 dolllars and I can't afford, I don't trust those online courses, please let me know what other option I have.
navynurse74

almost 4 years ago

2 comments

In order to apply for grants, including the Pell, you need to fill out the Free Application for Student Federal Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ (beware of other sites that charge you...FAFSA is free!). This is an application for both grants and student loans. Best of luck! :)
jeana3333

almost 4 years ago

2 comments

i am going to a community college for nursing. i received a pell grant which they will help you. when you receive a pell grant there are other state grants that you automaticaaly get. these are grant that you dont pay back
DebIam4591

almost 4 years ago

2 comments

I'm 54, have had the 25 year corporate career - but as a teenager I had always wanted to be a nurse...this was helpful - now if I can find the money through grants. I'm currently unemployed and would need to go to school full-time to make it. If anyone knows of a "real" site that I can go to for applying to such grants - please let me know. Thanking you all in advance.
kdkerchoo

almost 4 years ago

2 comments

I just graduated from a BSN program and I am 55. I left my well established life in San Francisco, California, 2 years ago, to attend nursing school in New York. Why? Because there were too many nursing school applicants in and around San Francisco and I wanted to increase my chance of starting school asap. It paid off. It was challenging learning all of the information and I felt I was surrounded by young student brains that were like sponges, but experience prevailed. I had years of exposure and working in various positions with all kinds of people that you can not learn in a school. I am admired by my family and friends for pursuing my dream and reaching my goal. Don't let anyone discourage you from your dream....no matter what age you are.
bselwell

almost 4 years ago

4 comments

Hi everyone, I was just accepted at my local community college's RN program and I will be 49 this October. Age has its advantages and disadvantages. I took an on-line Pharmacology course this summer (really fast) and at least knew about a lot of the medications because of my age!
It is great to hear about all the other people who are pursuing this career, of all ages. There is a woman in the program I am starting in who is 58. It is never too late until your dead!
Randy2346

almost 4 years ago

2 comments

I am a 63 year old male. Work as a CNA and have a certificate in phlebotomy. I was just accepted into the community college LPN program starting in August '09. My co-workers and patients are happy for me and expect me to do well.
bridget66

almost 4 years ago

10 comments

Hi all, I am 42 and in the last few classes of my prereqs before I can petition to nursing school. I just have Microbiology, A&P 1, A&P 2, and maybe nutrition left to take. I was 41 when I started and I have 3 kids who are 11, 9 and 5. My lab partner is 54 and she does not feel too old. It's all a state of mind and having confidence in your abilities. I am not great at math but it's been a long time since I was in high school or my first round of college and it's coming back. Study groups help and do not take yourself too seriously! Good luck to you all.
TrufflesLPN

about 4 years ago

2 comments

I am 49 and I am a certified MA and Phlebotomist. I would love to get my LPN License, but I am scared since I am terrible at math. It has been my problem all my life. Should I do this, I will be 50 in July. Please advice
Rbarratt

about 4 years ago

2 comments

I am turning 43 in a few months and am at crossroad in my career. I was laid off from my job last January 2008 and have been giving serious thought to going back to school for nursing. I had the opportumity to take care of my godmother for 10 years and loved every minute of it. She was 89 when she passed. I am currently doing a lot of research in the nursing field. I know it is a hard job to do, but I am sure the rewards outweigh the negatives.
live2nurse

about 4 years ago

2 comments

I just made 40, and have about 6 semesters before applying to nursing school. All the testimonies are so encouraging to me. I decided to take the route of being a Registered MA, and it's given me 16 years of confidence to pursue my dream of becoming an RN. It's great knowing there are so many others out there in my age bracket who KNOW that maturity in life experiences will definately put us at an advantage. I look forward to hearing how WE all make a great difference in our community. Good Luck and God Bless!
swimnutt1523

about 4 years ago

746 comments

I am a CNA, I am not yet a nurse and It would b rude to those who are RN or LPN's to introduce my self as a nurse, but all as I know is I love my job and wouldn't not ever trade it for anything I am a work in progress I'd love to be a nurse and am going to go to college to get my RN as soon as there is an opening in the nursing program. I work extremely hard at what I do, and am determined to be a trauma nurse, I have been a caregiver for seven or so years and enjoy every minute of it !!!! I give kudos to all the nurses out there
dbrodie205

over 4 years ago

2 comments

Alio,
I am 49 and have been a MA for two years. I am now attending a great on-line university, it is called Kaplan University. I am attending school to get my BS in Health Science working towards being a Physician's Assistant. They offer many degrees in the Health Field. I have attended two other on-line university and I have found Kaplan to be the best. I hope this helps you in reaching your goal to go back to school without having to rearrange your life. Kaplan's phone number 1-866-522-7747 if you are still searching. Also you may e-mail me if you have any questions. dbrodie205@msn.com
Wishing you the best,
Debra Brodiie
lmiller

over 4 years ago

2 comments

I am 40 and am in my last year of nursing school. I questioned my being too old when I started, but you are never too old if it is your true passion. I also have small children and I had my son 5 days before we started this last semester, but I knew that finishing this last semester would be worth going back so soon. If its what you want go for it and don't look back!!