The road to a nursing career can be long and arduous, and if you want to succeed, you have to put a hundred and one percent into your studies and training. So before you go right ahead and get started, better make sure that nursing is the right vocation for you. That way, you know you'll be there for the long haul.
Nursing school is no place for the weak! Nursing school programs are intense, time-consuming, exhausting...and also very expensive. So before you commit to a nursing school program, here are some questions that you should ask yourself. This way, you don't realize only halfway through the program that you were never meant to be a nurse.
Realistically, honestly, how high is your tolerance for blood, vomit, bodily fluids, exposed internal organs, and other generally gross sights, smells, and situations?
As a nurse you will encounter all of those things. At some point in your nursing training, and even when you will be licensed already, you will need to assist in cleaning up urine, mucus, feces, blood, and vomit. It isn't that you have to enjoy this, but if you simply cannot handle any of this stuff, nursing is not for you.
Can you cope with extreme stress as well?
People's lives depend on your answer. If you break down when multiple
trauma patients are rushed towards you in the E.R. or when a woman in
labor is facing complications, again...think of other career options.
How disciplined and self-motivated are you?
You will have huge amounts of memorization, constantly, throughout your schooling experience. If you fail any of your classes, this could cause the school to expel you, right in the middle of the school year.
How much time do you have on your hands?
Take stock of your current situation. Can you really devote at
least 80% of your time to nursing studies for however long it takes you
to get that degree? Do you have childcare, living expenses, and school
expenses adequately covered so that you are able to give nursing school
your all?
Do you possess excellent people skills?
Not good, excellent. Remember that patients you face may be in their worst moods. They are scared, physically uncomfortable, possibly in a lot of pain. You will also need to talk with their family members, who may be frightened and worried, and may direct their stress at you.
If you think that you can handle all of the above, then you have your answer...you will make an excellent nurse!
If you think you are ready to become a nurse, visit us to learn more about all the nursing school programs available to you today. Then visit your state board of nursing to make sure the school you choose is accredited.
