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What are the ups and downs about being a nurse ?
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Adrian’s Answer
I believe a major advantage of being a nurse is learning to care for others and becoming the knowledgeable helper that many families need. However, a drawback is the lengthy, demanding process to become a nurse, as well as the student loans that come with it.
Thank You!
Mariam
Updated
John’s Answer
I've answered this question elsewhere here, so I'll just put it here too...
Nursing is a field that can be variable with respect to schedules, experiences, working conditions, and challenges. After 25 years as a nurse in ER's, ICU's, and now working in the disability insurance world, I can tell you that I've almost never been bored. There are lots of times when we work short handed because staffing is a challenge. There are days when patients, families, or visitors can be verbally or even physically abusive. There will be times when you feel put upon by your employer because they will always want you to do more with less.
But...... There will be times when you are a part of life entering the world, or have the opportunity to support families as their loved ones exit this world. It can be profound and humbling and there may be days when you are light as a feather and feel like the world is full of possibilities. There will also be days when you will question humanity and your place within it. There is no end to what you can experience in the role and if you want to be a part of living and not just observing life, then nursing is a great way to go. Having friends in the field or a partner who does similar work can be very helpful as it will make communicating about your experiences and feelings much easier.
Always remember this - advocate for yourself. Your employer will not look out for you, so be sure you negotiate for salary and benefits, as well as the schedule you prefer. You may not get everything you want, but you should always ask.
Finally.... There's a great Jimmy Buffett song called, "He Went To Paris" and it recalls the life of an old man. One of the lines is about how the man describes his life to a younger person and it goes, "Some of it's magic, and some of it's tragic, but I had a good life all the way...". I'm not sure anything better captures the role of a nurse. Hopefully your journey will be filled with more of the good than the bad - it's why most of us are still here.
Best of luck to you. Enjoy the ride.
Nursing is a field that can be variable with respect to schedules, experiences, working conditions, and challenges. After 25 years as a nurse in ER's, ICU's, and now working in the disability insurance world, I can tell you that I've almost never been bored. There are lots of times when we work short handed because staffing is a challenge. There are days when patients, families, or visitors can be verbally or even physically abusive. There will be times when you feel put upon by your employer because they will always want you to do more with less.
But...... There will be times when you are a part of life entering the world, or have the opportunity to support families as their loved ones exit this world. It can be profound and humbling and there may be days when you are light as a feather and feel like the world is full of possibilities. There will also be days when you will question humanity and your place within it. There is no end to what you can experience in the role and if you want to be a part of living and not just observing life, then nursing is a great way to go. Having friends in the field or a partner who does similar work can be very helpful as it will make communicating about your experiences and feelings much easier.
Always remember this - advocate for yourself. Your employer will not look out for you, so be sure you negotiate for salary and benefits, as well as the schedule you prefer. You may not get everything you want, but you should always ask.
Finally.... There's a great Jimmy Buffett song called, "He Went To Paris" and it recalls the life of an old man. One of the lines is about how the man describes his life to a younger person and it goes, "Some of it's magic, and some of it's tragic, but I had a good life all the way...". I'm not sure anything better captures the role of a nurse. Hopefully your journey will be filled with more of the good than the bad - it's why most of us are still here.
Best of luck to you. Enjoy the ride.
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
I fully enjoy seeing and caring for my patients. I have worked in an assisted living facility. It requires you to be able to learn the routine of the people who you are caring for. You also need to be able to do all types of wound care and documentation. If a doctor comes to visit you may have to go with them to see the patients. Some days they will see them on their own depending upon why they are there. If you get a job in a doctors office most often they will have you take the blood pressure and weight it also depends what type of doctor you are working with. It's not easy to have many people who have to get their medicine at the same time. A good thing is nurses are always needed everywhere. That makes it easier to find work if you have to move. Tuition is not cheap.. I had to go part time because it requires alot of prerequisites before the first nursing course. This way I could still have an income and I only took a few classes at a time. I paid for my classes as I took them this way I didn't have any loans to pay. It took me longer but it was worth it. The interest rate is low now if you need a loan maybe you can pay it off quickly. I also learned that the jobs I applied for didn't care what college I attended but that I passed my boads exam. If you can find a community College it may not cost you as much as a university. I hope this helps you and good luck. Kathy
Updated
Timothy’s Answer
I've been a dedicated nurse for 45 years, and my journey began with my Army service. If you're hesitant, consider entering nursing step by step. Start as a CNA, then progress to an LPN, and finally, become an RN. Each role is significant and valuable.
Nursing demands dedication, selflessness, and a genuine desire to serve others. It's a noble and fulfilling career, but it's not something to be taken lightly. The path to becoming a nurse involves education and hard work, but once you've completed your training, a world of opportunities awaits you.
Nursing is an incredible and versatile field, offering diverse work environments and experiences. You can work in any department within a hospital, provide home care, or even explore opportunities in industry or education. Your nursing career is only limited by your imagination, so embrace the possibilities and make a positive impact on countless lives.
Nursing demands dedication, selflessness, and a genuine desire to serve others. It's a noble and fulfilling career, but it's not something to be taken lightly. The path to becoming a nurse involves education and hard work, but once you've completed your training, a world of opportunities awaits you.
Nursing is an incredible and versatile field, offering diverse work environments and experiences. You can work in any department within a hospital, provide home care, or even explore opportunities in industry or education. Your nursing career is only limited by your imagination, so embrace the possibilities and make a positive impact on countless lives.
Updated
Lorraine’s Answer
Hi Miriam,
I have worked as a nurse since 2000. I would say the "Ups" are as followed:
1. Helping others
2. Job security
3. Opportunities for advancement
4. Constant learning. I started my education in community college obtaining my prerequisites and then transferred to a university to obtain my BSN. I then completed my MSN/FNP, and currently close to completing my doctorate in nursing.
Additionally, I would say the "Downs" ar as followed:
1. Long shifts, I recall working 12+ hour shifts during graveyard, weekends, and holidays
2. Emotionally demanding, nurses often deal with patients who are suffering or going through a difficult time
3. Workplace stress due to difficult patients and heavy workloads
I have worked as a nurse since 2000. I would say the "Ups" are as followed:
1. Helping others
2. Job security
3. Opportunities for advancement
4. Constant learning. I started my education in community college obtaining my prerequisites and then transferred to a university to obtain my BSN. I then completed my MSN/FNP, and currently close to completing my doctorate in nursing.
Additionally, I would say the "Downs" ar as followed:
1. Long shifts, I recall working 12+ hour shifts during graveyard, weekends, and holidays
2. Emotionally demanding, nurses often deal with patients who are suffering or going through a difficult time
3. Workplace stress due to difficult patients and heavy workloads