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Steph
Student
Forest Grove, Oregon
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What are the biggest challenges you had to face as a nurse?
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3 answers
Cindy Starkweather
Educator Certified Nurse Midwife
2
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Austin, Texas
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Cindy’s Answer
I became a nurse in 1977, and things were very different at that time, so I am going to respond from my experience in 1995 (still awhile ago) when I transitioned through education to being a nurse-midwife. I began my practice in the new role at the same hospital that I had worked for 16 years and a Labor and Delivery Nurse. There had never been any Nurse-Midwives at our hospital. I had to work through setting up protocols and educating doctors and administration as to my role. There were many challenges. My approach was to remember everyone as working with a degree of fear of the unknown, so we discussed many things. As a new nurse you will face a known standard, policies, and inter workings of your unit. I expect your biggest challenge will be when you face something that is different from your training. You will need to know how to respectfully ask for clarification. Don't be afraid to ask.
The fact that you are asking tells me you will be up to the challenge.
The fact that you are asking tells me you will be up to the challenge.
Mary Beth Rosenstiel, RN, DNP
RN, DNP
25
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Gresham, Oregon
Updated
Mary Beth’s Answer
I've been a nurse for many, many years, had many divergent nursing roles, and returned for more education several times. The toughest challenge for me was remaining true to myself and my view of being a truly holistic carer who advocates for those in my care, even if their wants/wishes are different than I and others think is best for them. I'm not there to tell them what to do. I'm there to help them achieve their health goals the best way possible, to listen, provide guidance and knowledge.
Everyone has the right to be in control of their health choices, and knowing ALL the pros and cons involved in each choice. But the CHOICE is theirs always! I've seen nursing devolve into following more allopathic medicine practices where patients are TOLD what they SHOULD do, never being asked what is important to them and their family, what they are able to do, what they can afford to do, etc.
Nurses that can't or won't stand up to medical dogma are no longer nurses, IMO, they are just technicians and doctors handmaidens simply carrying out orders without thought of consequences. When nurses no longer question or challenge medical.interventions,and orders they have lost integrity and the ability to be that last line of protection for the patient in an increasingly complex and complicated healthcare system. The patient has just become a number on a spread sheet with a dollar amount attached to care given.
Nurses were never meant to be just technical care providers. We were meant to be protectors, educators, and healers in our own right We are Holistic care providers...mind, body, spirit.. Forgetting what that means forgetting what nursing is and what you are as well.
Everyone has the right to be in control of their health choices, and knowing ALL the pros and cons involved in each choice. But the CHOICE is theirs always! I've seen nursing devolve into following more allopathic medicine practices where patients are TOLD what they SHOULD do, never being asked what is important to them and their family, what they are able to do, what they can afford to do, etc.
Nurses that can't or won't stand up to medical dogma are no longer nurses, IMO, they are just technicians and doctors handmaidens simply carrying out orders without thought of consequences. When nurses no longer question or challenge medical.interventions,and orders they have lost integrity and the ability to be that last line of protection for the patient in an increasingly complex and complicated healthcare system. The patient has just become a number on a spread sheet with a dollar amount attached to care given.
Nurses were never meant to be just technical care providers. We were meant to be protectors, educators, and healers in our own right We are Holistic care providers...mind, body, spirit.. Forgetting what that means forgetting what nursing is and what you are as well.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Steph, great question!🫡 Being a nurse is amazing, but it definitely comes with its fair share of curveballs. 😏For starters, the long shifts can be a real test of stamina—there are days you’re practically on a marathon fueled by caffeine and sheer willpower. Then there’s the emotional rollercoaster: sometimes you’re celebrating little victories, and other times you're dealing with really tough, heart-wrenching moments that stick with you long after your shift ends.
And don’t even get me started on the paperwork😱—it’s like an extra job on top of all the hands-on care, and it can be a bit of a drag when you just want to help people directly. Plus, keeping up with constantly changing protocols and new tech can feel a bit like running after a cheetah in sneakers. Balancing all this with a personal life? That’s a whole other adventure in itself!
Despite all these challenges, every day brings a sense of purpose that makes it all worth it. It’s the little moments—like a patient’s smile or a thank-you from a family—that remind you why you chose this crazy, rewarding path.
Good luck Steph hope this helped.
And don’t even get me started on the paperwork😱—it’s like an extra job on top of all the hands-on care, and it can be a bit of a drag when you just want to help people directly. Plus, keeping up with constantly changing protocols and new tech can feel a bit like running after a cheetah in sneakers. Balancing all this with a personal life? That’s a whole other adventure in itself!
Despite all these challenges, every day brings a sense of purpose that makes it all worth it. It’s the little moments—like a patient’s smile or a thank-you from a family—that remind you why you chose this crazy, rewarding path.
Good luck Steph hope this helped.