6 answers
Kamauri
Student
Plum Branch, SC
4
Questions
Updated
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Will I actually like being a nurse or will I hate it??
I feel like if I do it, I won't like it seriously. I don't want to do a career I don't like
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6 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
81
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hi Kamauri,
You won't really know how much you'll like being a nurse until you actually try it. However, you can start by considering some important qualities that make a great nurse:
1. Empathy and Compassion: Being able to understand and share the feelings of patients helps you focus on their needs. Compassion drives you to ease their pain and suffering, building trust in your relationships with them.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Nurses often work under pressure and need to make quick decisions. Using critical thinking helps you apply your knowledge effectively. Mistakes can be serious, and caring for many patients increases the chance of errors, so noticing small details is crucial.
3. Integrity and Advocacy: Good nurses have strong morals and act with honesty. They focus on standing up for their patients, who rely on them to make decisions in their best interest.
4. Willingness to Learn: Healthcare is always changing, so you need to be open to improving and expanding your skills and knowledge.
5. Ability to Handle Pressure: You must stay committed to helping patients, even in tough situations.
Besides these qualities, you should enjoy science, like working with people, and have a strong desire to help others. If you're in high school, consider volunteering at a local hospital to see what a nurse's daily life is like. You might also look into getting a CNA certificate through training programs at community colleges, vocational schools, or even some high schools.
Remember, many people change careers. This might mean going back to school or learning new skills, but it's important to keep learning and set goals for yourself.
You won't really know how much you'll like being a nurse until you actually try it. However, you can start by considering some important qualities that make a great nurse:
1. Empathy and Compassion: Being able to understand and share the feelings of patients helps you focus on their needs. Compassion drives you to ease their pain and suffering, building trust in your relationships with them.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Nurses often work under pressure and need to make quick decisions. Using critical thinking helps you apply your knowledge effectively. Mistakes can be serious, and caring for many patients increases the chance of errors, so noticing small details is crucial.
3. Integrity and Advocacy: Good nurses have strong morals and act with honesty. They focus on standing up for their patients, who rely on them to make decisions in their best interest.
4. Willingness to Learn: Healthcare is always changing, so you need to be open to improving and expanding your skills and knowledge.
5. Ability to Handle Pressure: You must stay committed to helping patients, even in tough situations.
Besides these qualities, you should enjoy science, like working with people, and have a strong desire to help others. If you're in high school, consider volunteering at a local hospital to see what a nurse's daily life is like. You might also look into getting a CNA certificate through training programs at community colleges, vocational schools, or even some high schools.
Remember, many people change careers. This might mean going back to school or learning new skills, but it's important to keep learning and set goals for yourself.
Jeanne Robicheaux Hill
Registered Nurse
4
Answers
The Woodlands, Texas
Updated
Jeanne Robicheaux’s Answer
Everyone that has already answered has offered incredible, invaluable advice, and they come from different fields, thereby covering different perspectives which is awesome!!
Here is one suggestion that I would strongly make to you and that is incredibly relevant to the time that we are living in-
Please DO NOT rely heavily on social media content as a navigator in your consideration of nursing as a career. Examples of social media content would be Instagram, facebook, and possibly youtube. I have seen multiple posts or reels lately which BASH nursing as a career, and the tragic part is that they are easily accessible and convenient to watch, especially when they are short reels featuring a current nurse who may be extremely unhappy- at the current moment. I am not seeking to water down their frustration with their current work place or struggles with " Burn out" - as a veteran in the work force for over 12 years, I can understand why they may have concerns. However, many people exploit social media to the point where I think it is unnecessary and therefore can damage the image of whatever content is being discussed- in this case, nursing. Personal opinions are sometimes heavily influenced by anecdotes-- and social media or online content only exacerbates this issue. The fact that you are seeking professional advice from this forum this is a testimony that you are striving for a concrete, fundamental understanding to your question, kudos to you for this! It is true that you will not know in most definite terms how you FEEL about a career until you begin to pursue it and then also actively start it.
Feelings and emotions also come and go; some days I enjoy my career more than other days- a positive outlook, a hardworking ethic can go a long way- this is the other piece of advice that I would offer to you. I hope you find what you are looking for.
Here is one suggestion that I would strongly make to you and that is incredibly relevant to the time that we are living in-
Please DO NOT rely heavily on social media content as a navigator in your consideration of nursing as a career. Examples of social media content would be Instagram, facebook, and possibly youtube. I have seen multiple posts or reels lately which BASH nursing as a career, and the tragic part is that they are easily accessible and convenient to watch, especially when they are short reels featuring a current nurse who may be extremely unhappy- at the current moment. I am not seeking to water down their frustration with their current work place or struggles with " Burn out" - as a veteran in the work force for over 12 years, I can understand why they may have concerns. However, many people exploit social media to the point where I think it is unnecessary and therefore can damage the image of whatever content is being discussed- in this case, nursing. Personal opinions are sometimes heavily influenced by anecdotes-- and social media or online content only exacerbates this issue. The fact that you are seeking professional advice from this forum this is a testimony that you are striving for a concrete, fundamental understanding to your question, kudos to you for this! It is true that you will not know in most definite terms how you FEEL about a career until you begin to pursue it and then also actively start it.
Feelings and emotions also come and go; some days I enjoy my career more than other days- a positive outlook, a hardworking ethic can go a long way- this is the other piece of advice that I would offer to you. I hope you find what you are looking for.
Susana Abena Appiah
MIDWIFE
80
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana Abena’s Answer
Hi Kamauri, thank you for your question.
It’s absolutely normal to feel uncertain about such a big decision—choosing a career in nursing is a huge commitment, and it’s okay to have doubts. Here are a few things to consider that might help you figure out if nursing is right for you:
Explore the Role
Try to learn as much as you can about what nursing really involves—both the rewarding parts and the challenges. Maybe shadow a nurse, volunteer in a healthcare setting, or talk to nurses about their daily experiences.
Reflect on Your Motivations
What draws you to nursing? Is it helping people, job stability, the science, or something else? Knowing what motivates you can clarify if nursing aligns with your values and interests.
Consider the Challenges
Nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding. It’s not always easy, but many nurses find the meaningful moments with patients make it worthwhile.
Start Small
If possible, take an introductory course or do part-time work related to nursing before fully committing. This way, you get a taste without jumping in headfirst.
It’s Okay to Change Paths
Many people try a career, realize it’s not for them, and find something else that fits better. You’re not locked in forever—you have time to explore and adjust.
If your heart says you might not like it, trust that feeling and explore other options too. But if you’re still curious, gathering real experience could help you decide with confidence.
It’s absolutely normal to feel uncertain about such a big decision—choosing a career in nursing is a huge commitment, and it’s okay to have doubts. Here are a few things to consider that might help you figure out if nursing is right for you:
Explore the Role
Try to learn as much as you can about what nursing really involves—both the rewarding parts and the challenges. Maybe shadow a nurse, volunteer in a healthcare setting, or talk to nurses about their daily experiences.
Reflect on Your Motivations
What draws you to nursing? Is it helping people, job stability, the science, or something else? Knowing what motivates you can clarify if nursing aligns with your values and interests.
Consider the Challenges
Nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding. It’s not always easy, but many nurses find the meaningful moments with patients make it worthwhile.
Start Small
If possible, take an introductory course or do part-time work related to nursing before fully committing. This way, you get a taste without jumping in headfirst.
It’s Okay to Change Paths
Many people try a career, realize it’s not for them, and find something else that fits better. You’re not locked in forever—you have time to explore and adjust.
If your heart says you might not like it, trust that feeling and explore other options too. But if you’re still curious, gathering real experience could help you decide with confidence.
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
40
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Christine’s Answer
It's difficult to say whether or not you will like it but Cheri has given some excellent thoughts on things you should consider. I think you need to do some reflection on what you will value and try and determine what you will enjoy doing. My nursing career has evolved out of direct patient care and much of that was because I wanted to try something different, but I will say the lessons I did learn working in acute care were things I still carry with me even now. Wishing you well on your voyage of self discovery.
Kianna Warner, DNP, AGPCNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
2
Answers
Waltham, Massachusetts
Updated
Kianna’s Answer
Hi Kamauri,
Try shadowing different nurses and talking to them about their jobs. Why do you want to be a nurse? What do you hope to achieve?
Here's some advice from a nurse: Nursing often involves direct interaction with patients, which can be challenging if you're introverted. You'll need to think quickly at times, which some find exciting but others may find tough. Nursing jobs can be fast-paced, making time fly for some but feel exhausting for others. The good news is there are many types of nursing roles. I'm a nurse practitioner working at a college, and I enjoy the stable pace. There are inpatient roles (hospitals) and outpatient roles (think schools, clinics, rehabs, etc), Talking to different nurses and shadowing them can help you find what suits you best.
Good luck with your future!
Try shadowing different nurses and talking to them about their jobs. Why do you want to be a nurse? What do you hope to achieve?
Here's some advice from a nurse: Nursing often involves direct interaction with patients, which can be challenging if you're introverted. You'll need to think quickly at times, which some find exciting but others may find tough. Nursing jobs can be fast-paced, making time fly for some but feel exhausting for others. The good news is there are many types of nursing roles. I'm a nurse practitioner working at a college, and I enjoy the stable pace. There are inpatient roles (hospitals) and outpatient roles (think schools, clinics, rehabs, etc), Talking to different nurses and shadowing them can help you find what suits you best.
Good luck with your future!
Gina Jones
RN
1
Answer
Queen Creek, Arizona
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Hi Kamauri! Nursing as a career has so many different options! So really there is an area for everyone from bedside, to work from home all the way to IT and legal Nursing! To get into the field there are entry level positions like being a CNA- certified Nursing assistant or PCT- patient care tech which would allow you to get a closer glimpse prior to committing to a Nursing program. I hope this information helps!