What is the most difficult part of being a nurse?

The most difficult part of being a nurse is to witness lives being lost sometimes in your own hands.
The atmosphere that you work in is mostly tense and full of suffering
The smell at your workplace may not be the most ideal to be in as it deals with human issues and ailments and can have adverse effects as even fatal diseases can spread in this environment making it a very risky Job.
Sometimes the people associated with some patients can revolt against the hospital and become violent with the staff which is also a very dangerous prospect as there can be criminal actions as well.

Nursing is a great career but like any job, it has difficult moments. It can be hard physically, emotionally and mentally- but I believe it is very rewarding work. When my niece wanted to be a nurse, I took her to the hospital where I work and went around to every nurse that would talk to her. I asked each of them - "What is the Best thing and Worst thing about your job?". The best things varied and included things like - felt like I make a difference, working with people, showing care and concern, having a special set of skills, etc. The worst thing was VERY consistent- they ALL said that the worst thing about their job was the SCHEDULE-- In the hospital, nurses work long shifts- often 12 hours and work nights, weekends and holidays (hospitals stay open 24/7) That being said, I still think nursing is a GREAT career- Best of luck to you

Oh, and by the way, my niece is a nurse at the same hospital I work at--- and she's very happy!