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Salvador
Student
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Question
Updated
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What are some negatives and positives when becoming a nurse What are some tips for nursing school?#Fall24
I want to become a nurse when im older but i'm nervous because of how impacted nursing school is. I also volunteer and help out other nurses and some say negative and positive things about becoming a nurse. I would just like to hear other nurses experiences and if they like that field. #fall24
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Is nursing a good career and could it be the right move for you? Nursing, like every occupation, has its advantages and disadvantages. The decision to become a nurse shouldn’t be made lightly. After all, graduating from nursing school is no easy feat, nor is passing the nurse licensure exam. There are many pros and cons of nursing to consider before making a decision.
NURSING PROS
🩺 VARIETY OF WORKPLACES
Many RNs work in hospitals and doctor’s offices. Yet, if you crave a different setting, you could pursue work in a range of different places. You might work at a K-12 school or a university, or you might decide to work aboard an emergency air medical flight.
📅 FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE
Depending on the employer, registered nurses can choose to work on a full-time, part-time or an on-call basis. They also don’t have to stick to a traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule if they don’t want to. After all, several healthcare facilities provide patients round-the-clock care.
💰 COMPETITIVE SALARIES
While salary isn’t the most important factor when deciding on a career, you’ll be happy to hear that nurses make a good living. Plus, you have the potential to earn more than that, depending on where you live, what specialty you enter, and your years of nursing experience.
👏 APPRECIATION
Nursing is a job that receives a lot of appreciation, which can be very rewarding. Doctors, other staff members, patients' families and patients themselves are typically very appreciative of nurses for the care they give. Many people go into nursing because it benefits others by saving patients' lives and improving their health, which is gratifying.
👕 WORK CLOTHES
There are specific uniform requirements for being a staff nurse, which are typically scrubs and comfortable shoes. Some employees like spending very little time getting ready in the morning, which is possible as a nurse. A nurse's dress code allows nurses to wear something comfortable without having to decide what to wear each day.
NURSING CONS
🦠 EXPOSURE TO GERMS
It’s an unfortunate reality of the nursing career that nurses run the risk of exposure to viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms every day. There is also a risk of needlestick injuries.
🌀 EMOTIONALLY DIFFICULT
While nurses have opportunities to save lives, not every patient will live. In addition, patients are people too, and some people can be difficult to work with. You’ll need to have emotional resilience to succeed in this career, and you’ll need to recognize when you need help.
🚨 BE STRESSFUL
As a nurse, you will likely deal with stress on the job. Nursing is physically demanding, and you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet. Nurses must also prepare for mental stress, as they manage many responsibilities. They’re often tasked with caring for multiple patients with complex health conditions, all while handling interruptions and unexpected changes.
📚 EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Becoming a nurse requires pursuing a degree and earning the appropriate state licensing. While it's possible to get some nursing jobs with an associate degree, most positions require a bachelor's degree. This can involve multiple years of expensive schooling, but these programs may properly prepare you for a rewarding career.
🗣️PATIENT ATTITUDES
Although many patients are very appreciative of their nurses, some may be more hesitant to show the same level of appreciation. Nurses may have to help people who are challenging or unappreciative, even if they're being unkind. Thankfully, the amount of kind and appreciative patients can usually outweigh the number of unappreciative or challenging patients. Even if the patient is unappreciative, nursing is still a rewarding job because you're improving their health or making them comfortable regardless of how they treat you.
NURSING PROS
🩺 VARIETY OF WORKPLACES
Many RNs work in hospitals and doctor’s offices. Yet, if you crave a different setting, you could pursue work in a range of different places. You might work at a K-12 school or a university, or you might decide to work aboard an emergency air medical flight.
📅 FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE
Depending on the employer, registered nurses can choose to work on a full-time, part-time or an on-call basis. They also don’t have to stick to a traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule if they don’t want to. After all, several healthcare facilities provide patients round-the-clock care.
💰 COMPETITIVE SALARIES
While salary isn’t the most important factor when deciding on a career, you’ll be happy to hear that nurses make a good living. Plus, you have the potential to earn more than that, depending on where you live, what specialty you enter, and your years of nursing experience.
👏 APPRECIATION
Nursing is a job that receives a lot of appreciation, which can be very rewarding. Doctors, other staff members, patients' families and patients themselves are typically very appreciative of nurses for the care they give. Many people go into nursing because it benefits others by saving patients' lives and improving their health, which is gratifying.
👕 WORK CLOTHES
There are specific uniform requirements for being a staff nurse, which are typically scrubs and comfortable shoes. Some employees like spending very little time getting ready in the morning, which is possible as a nurse. A nurse's dress code allows nurses to wear something comfortable without having to decide what to wear each day.
NURSING CONS
🦠 EXPOSURE TO GERMS
It’s an unfortunate reality of the nursing career that nurses run the risk of exposure to viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms every day. There is also a risk of needlestick injuries.
🌀 EMOTIONALLY DIFFICULT
While nurses have opportunities to save lives, not every patient will live. In addition, patients are people too, and some people can be difficult to work with. You’ll need to have emotional resilience to succeed in this career, and you’ll need to recognize when you need help.
🚨 BE STRESSFUL
As a nurse, you will likely deal with stress on the job. Nursing is physically demanding, and you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet. Nurses must also prepare for mental stress, as they manage many responsibilities. They’re often tasked with caring for multiple patients with complex health conditions, all while handling interruptions and unexpected changes.
📚 EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Becoming a nurse requires pursuing a degree and earning the appropriate state licensing. While it's possible to get some nursing jobs with an associate degree, most positions require a bachelor's degree. This can involve multiple years of expensive schooling, but these programs may properly prepare you for a rewarding career.
🗣️PATIENT ATTITUDES
Although many patients are very appreciative of their nurses, some may be more hesitant to show the same level of appreciation. Nurses may have to help people who are challenging or unappreciative, even if they're being unkind. Thankfully, the amount of kind and appreciative patients can usually outweigh the number of unappreciative or challenging patients. Even if the patient is unappreciative, nursing is still a rewarding job because you're improving their health or making them comfortable regardless of how they treat you.
Lucy Iwuagwu
Nursing and midwifery student
44
Answers
Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi
Updated
Lucy’s Answer
Nursing is a highly rewarding but demanding profession, so it’s natural to feel both excited and a bit nervous. One of the most fulfilling aspects of nursing is the ability to make a direct, positive impact on patients' lives. Nurses often build strong bonds with patients and their families, offering comfort, care, and emotional support during some of life’s most challenging times. The field also provides a variety of career paths, from bedside nursing to specialties like pediatrics, emergency, or critical care, and even leadership roles in healthcare. Additionally, nursing is in high demand globally, making it a stable career with numerous job opportunities and room for growth.
However, nursing has its challenges. The job can be physically and emotionally taxing, as nurses often work long hours, spending much of their shifts standing or moving. They also deal with life-and-death situations regularly, which can lead to stress and burnout, particularly in high-pressure settings like intensive care or emergency departments. Nursing school itself can also be demanding, as you’ll need to quickly absorb a vast amount of information and balance both practical and theoretical learning.
To succeed in nursing school, time management is essential. Creating a study schedule and prioritizing assignments can help you keep up with the workload. It’s also helpful to seek support by joining study groups or connecting with mentors. Building relationships with peers can make the journey feel less isolating and provide support during tough times. When it comes to clinical experience, use every opportunity to ask questions and learn as much as possible; observing different settings and techniques will build your confidence and help you adapt to the realities of nursing. Since the field can be intense, developing a self-care routine is crucial to prevent burnout. Find ways to relax and recharge, whether through hobbies, exercise, or quality time with loved ones. Nursing environments are often unpredictable, so building adaptability will help you stay calm and think critically in unexpected situations.
Overall, while nursing presents its challenges, many find it immensely fulfilling. Volunteering, as you’re doing now, is a fantastic way to gain a realistic view of the field. Listening to the experiences of other nurses will also help you develop a balanced perspective. If you’re passionate about helping others, nursing can be a challenging but profoundly impactful career.
However, nursing has its challenges. The job can be physically and emotionally taxing, as nurses often work long hours, spending much of their shifts standing or moving. They also deal with life-and-death situations regularly, which can lead to stress and burnout, particularly in high-pressure settings like intensive care or emergency departments. Nursing school itself can also be demanding, as you’ll need to quickly absorb a vast amount of information and balance both practical and theoretical learning.
To succeed in nursing school, time management is essential. Creating a study schedule and prioritizing assignments can help you keep up with the workload. It’s also helpful to seek support by joining study groups or connecting with mentors. Building relationships with peers can make the journey feel less isolating and provide support during tough times. When it comes to clinical experience, use every opportunity to ask questions and learn as much as possible; observing different settings and techniques will build your confidence and help you adapt to the realities of nursing. Since the field can be intense, developing a self-care routine is crucial to prevent burnout. Find ways to relax and recharge, whether through hobbies, exercise, or quality time with loved ones. Nursing environments are often unpredictable, so building adaptability will help you stay calm and think critically in unexpected situations.
Overall, while nursing presents its challenges, many find it immensely fulfilling. Volunteering, as you’re doing now, is a fantastic way to gain a realistic view of the field. Listening to the experiences of other nurses will also help you develop a balanced perspective. If you’re passionate about helping others, nursing can be a challenging but profoundly impactful career.