2 answers
Shelby
Student
Rolla, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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How rewarding is being a nurse?
I want to be a nurse when I get older but I want to make sure it's worth it before I put all that effort into becoming one. Is the career completely draining or do you feel better at the end of the day after helping people? Do you even have the energy to be the best you can be?
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2 answers
Joval Webbe, MAT, MSN, RN
Registered Nursing
2
Answers
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Updated
Joval’s Answer
Hi Shelby!
As in any career, you get out what you put in. For some nurses, nursing is not rewarding because they lack personal and professional boundaries. One of the best life lessons that I have learned is that in order to live well, I must live according to my own value system (like when I'm tired, I rest; when I'm hungry, I eat; I frequently spend time with loved ones, I do activities I enjoy regularly and often). When I live according to my values, and also create and sustain boundaries with myself and other people, the rewards are endless!
I work as a community/ public health nurse, and I absolutely love my work, because it beautifully marries the things that I value most-- people, health education, creativity, autonomy, and helping to transform the lives of my clients or patients.
A great way for you to figure out if nursing is what you want to do before you invest your time, energy, money and other resources, is to volunteer at a facility with nurses so you can see for yourself what professional opportunities for nurses exist and how different types of nurses work. Even in the same facility, nurses work very differently! Do you want to be a nurse at an elementary school or work with adults in the operating room or work on a cruise ship or at an insurance company reviewing documentation to determine the patient's care? There are so many options!
The draining part about any career, nursing included, is when we give more of our energy than we have, which leads to burnout. In positions of social services, we are told directly and indirectly that we should give everything we have away to help others and keep nothing for ourselves. Also, some people love working 3 12-hour shifts in a row while others prefer working 8 hour days 5 days a week. So draining to one person isn't draining to another. Which is why it's really important to know yourself (your wants, your needs and your belief system) really well so you can create the boundaries that keep you safe emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
Because I get to do what I am most passionate about, my nursing career is fulfilling and incredibly rewarding. I worked in a few other types of jobs (teaching, project management, curriculum development, data analysis) in different industries (healthcare, military, corporate) before I decided to work as a nurse, and my previous jobs are what helped me decide to become a nurse and what field I want to work in.
Work can be tiring because not all parts can be playful and easy, but I love it! I am energized at the end of the day because I love the work I do now. When I worked in other types of nursing jobs, I was so very drained because I didn't enjoy the work! I make sure I sleep well, eat well, workout, spend time with family and friends, and do things I enjoy. I do that because I know to have the energy and to be the best nurse I can be I must take good care of myself before I can take care of anyone else.
Volunteer with nurses.
Read about different nursing roles or watch videos on YouTube about different specialties to explore your interests.
As in any career, you get out what you put in. For some nurses, nursing is not rewarding because they lack personal and professional boundaries. One of the best life lessons that I have learned is that in order to live well, I must live according to my own value system (like when I'm tired, I rest; when I'm hungry, I eat; I frequently spend time with loved ones, I do activities I enjoy regularly and often). When I live according to my values, and also create and sustain boundaries with myself and other people, the rewards are endless!
I work as a community/ public health nurse, and I absolutely love my work, because it beautifully marries the things that I value most-- people, health education, creativity, autonomy, and helping to transform the lives of my clients or patients.
A great way for you to figure out if nursing is what you want to do before you invest your time, energy, money and other resources, is to volunteer at a facility with nurses so you can see for yourself what professional opportunities for nurses exist and how different types of nurses work. Even in the same facility, nurses work very differently! Do you want to be a nurse at an elementary school or work with adults in the operating room or work on a cruise ship or at an insurance company reviewing documentation to determine the patient's care? There are so many options!
The draining part about any career, nursing included, is when we give more of our energy than we have, which leads to burnout. In positions of social services, we are told directly and indirectly that we should give everything we have away to help others and keep nothing for ourselves. Also, some people love working 3 12-hour shifts in a row while others prefer working 8 hour days 5 days a week. So draining to one person isn't draining to another. Which is why it's really important to know yourself (your wants, your needs and your belief system) really well so you can create the boundaries that keep you safe emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
Because I get to do what I am most passionate about, my nursing career is fulfilling and incredibly rewarding. I worked in a few other types of jobs (teaching, project management, curriculum development, data analysis) in different industries (healthcare, military, corporate) before I decided to work as a nurse, and my previous jobs are what helped me decide to become a nurse and what field I want to work in.
Work can be tiring because not all parts can be playful and easy, but I love it! I am energized at the end of the day because I love the work I do now. When I worked in other types of nursing jobs, I was so very drained because I didn't enjoy the work! I make sure I sleep well, eat well, workout, spend time with family and friends, and do things I enjoy. I do that because I know to have the energy and to be the best nurse I can be I must take good care of myself before I can take care of anyone else.
Joval recommends the following next steps:
John Levesque
Clinical Quality Nurse
83
Answers
Waterville, Maine
Updated
John’s Answer
Joval's insight is absolutely correct. In a career where empathy and compassion for others are key, engaging in personal interests and hobbies can create a healthy equilibrium in your life. The work, irrespective of your role or location, may pose various challenges. However, if you can unwind during your leisure time and days off, it will enable you to maintain your concentration while working and allow you to work for extended periods.
What has been most beneficial for me is the ability to switch between jobs and roles. By gaining diverse experiences and collaborating with various groups of people, I discovered a method that helped me thrive in my profession. Embracing new challenges or roles kept me motivated and invigorated. As a nurse, there's a vast array of opportunities available, ranging from direct patient care in numerous specialties, leadership roles, public health as Joval suggested, and even sectors you might not have thought of like the pharmaceutical industry or medical device and equipment companies. If you're yearning for a change of pace or scenery, nursing offers the flexibility to explore various paths and discover what suits you best.
What has been most beneficial for me is the ability to switch between jobs and roles. By gaining diverse experiences and collaborating with various groups of people, I discovered a method that helped me thrive in my profession. Embracing new challenges or roles kept me motivated and invigorated. As a nurse, there's a vast array of opportunities available, ranging from direct patient care in numerous specialties, leadership roles, public health as Joval suggested, and even sectors you might not have thought of like the pharmaceutical industry or medical device and equipment companies. If you're yearning for a change of pace or scenery, nursing offers the flexibility to explore various paths and discover what suits you best.