23 answers
Emerson
Student
Apex, North Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
1851 views
How do I know if I have the stomach to be an RN/work in critical care?
I consider myself a person with strong tolerance to the sort of unsightly things you find in hospitals, but I know the ICU can be a place that tests anyone. What if I fully dedicate myself to becoming a nurse, only to realize I can't handle the gore?
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23 answers
Kara Dray Porter
Risk
3
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kara’s Answer
I would recommend volunteering in a healthcare facility! Maybe get certified to be a CNA and try it out - see what you think. :-)
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
737
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Emerson,
That is a very understandable concern. I know, I wouldn't be able to be a nurse or physician. But if you go through nursing school, it will be part of your training to get used to the gore. You wouldn't be the first (or last) one to faint or throw up the first time. But generally, your developing skills and professionalism will help you to tolerate the sights and smells over time. You will learn to focus on the medical task at hand.
Of course you need to get through school, but you don't have to find employment in an ICU. You can choose a specialty that is less "gory".
It might help you to shadow or volunteer at a hospital for a while to see if nursing is for you. If you ultimately decide against nursing, consider some of the many other healthcare professions, e.g. medical imaging or laboratory medicine. I left some links for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/
https://nurse.org/healthcare/full-list-healthcare-careers/
That is a very understandable concern. I know, I wouldn't be able to be a nurse or physician. But if you go through nursing school, it will be part of your training to get used to the gore. You wouldn't be the first (or last) one to faint or throw up the first time. But generally, your developing skills and professionalism will help you to tolerate the sights and smells over time. You will learn to focus on the medical task at hand.
Of course you need to get through school, but you don't have to find employment in an ICU. You can choose a specialty that is less "gory".
It might help you to shadow or volunteer at a hospital for a while to see if nursing is for you. If you ultimately decide against nursing, consider some of the many other healthcare professions, e.g. medical imaging or laboratory medicine. I left some links for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Thank you! I appreciate it.
Karolina Nesmejanova
Undergraduate Student, Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Outreach Volunteer
9
Answers
Gainesville, Florida
Updated
Karolina’s Answer
Hi Emerson,
This is such a thoughtful and honest question, and it's important to reflect on before committing to a path like nursing, especially in critical care. The ICU is indeed a space that can challenge even the most experienced healthcare providers, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. Believe it or not, there are many resources, like YouTube videos of real procedures or documentaries that can help you get a sense of what you might encounter. Exposing yourself to these can give you a better understanding of how you personally respond to medical situations involving blood, trauma, or other intense visuals.
But more importantly, try shifting your mindset from “I’m afraid of the gore” to “This person is in pain, and I have the opportunity to help them.” When your purpose is rooted in helping others through some of the hardest moments of their lives, your focus shifts. The messiness becomes part of the mission—not something that holds you back, but something you grow through.
It’s also worth noting that resilience in healthcare doesn’t come overnight. It builds over time, through experience, mentorship, and reflection. There will be smells, fluids, broken bones, and emotional cases, but with the right mindset, support, and commitment to your purpose, many nurses find that their ability to handle it grows with them.
You don’t have to be 100% fearless to get started! You have to be willing to learn, adapt, and care deeply. That’s what makes a great nurse.
Wishing you clarity and courage as you continue exploring this path!
Karolina
This is such a thoughtful and honest question, and it's important to reflect on before committing to a path like nursing, especially in critical care. The ICU is indeed a space that can challenge even the most experienced healthcare providers, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. Believe it or not, there are many resources, like YouTube videos of real procedures or documentaries that can help you get a sense of what you might encounter. Exposing yourself to these can give you a better understanding of how you personally respond to medical situations involving blood, trauma, or other intense visuals.
But more importantly, try shifting your mindset from “I’m afraid of the gore” to “This person is in pain, and I have the opportunity to help them.” When your purpose is rooted in helping others through some of the hardest moments of their lives, your focus shifts. The messiness becomes part of the mission—not something that holds you back, but something you grow through.
It’s also worth noting that resilience in healthcare doesn’t come overnight. It builds over time, through experience, mentorship, and reflection. There will be smells, fluids, broken bones, and emotional cases, but with the right mindset, support, and commitment to your purpose, many nurses find that their ability to handle it grows with them.
You don’t have to be 100% fearless to get started! You have to be willing to learn, adapt, and care deeply. That’s what makes a great nurse.
Wishing you clarity and courage as you continue exploring this path!
Karolina
Carmen Decker
Nurse Practitioner
16
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Carmen’s Answer
A lot of people ask this before / when starting nursing school, Emerson! I have been a nurse for 25 years and have worked in both the ICU and ER for years, and deployed as an Army nurse taking care of trauma patients. I have also worked as a clinical instructor for a nursing school and I think you'll know the answer before you've invested a ton of time and money. :) Having the aptitude for it doesn't mean you'll be comfortable with trauma or "blood and guts," just that you are able to continue to provide good care to patients in those challenging situations. I don't think anyone likes gore, which is generally reflective of significant injuries or serious decease processes, but critical care nurses are compelled to care for patients in those situations.
There is some great advice to read through, including recommendations for shadowing / volunteering, which is an outstanding opportunity for exposure and familiarity before you even apply for nursing school. Personally, the most "gory" injuries are the least bothersome to me, because I am actively engaged in assessment and immediate interventions.
And, as others have said, you can be a great nurse who doesn't do well in "gory" settings. We NEED good nurses to take care of patients in a variety of healthcare settings!
There is some great advice to read through, including recommendations for shadowing / volunteering, which is an outstanding opportunity for exposure and familiarity before you even apply for nursing school. Personally, the most "gory" injuries are the least bothersome to me, because I am actively engaged in assessment and immediate interventions.
And, as others have said, you can be a great nurse who doesn't do well in "gory" settings. We NEED good nurses to take care of patients in a variety of healthcare settings!
Aaleyah Ford
Developer
3
Answers
Lake Mary, Florida
Updated
Aaleyah’s Answer
Hello! As an RN, you have many exciting paths to explore. Consider shadowing RNs in the ICU to see if it interests you. If not, there are also rewarding opportunities in nursing homes, hospice care, and other areas. Keep exploring until you find the right fit for you!
Kristin Crist
Technical Architect
3
Answers
Freeport, Illinois
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
It's hard to predict how things will affect us. Usually, we have a sense of whether we'll be okay. I was fine with seeing injuries but struggled with poor hygiene. I chose not to work in medicine because I was often let down by patient progress. Many patients don't follow medical advice, whether they can help it or not. It's tough to see people get worse even with proper guidance. I admire those who stay in the field despite these challenges.
Susan Gross, ICF-PCC, PHR, SHRM-CP
Staffing Manager
8
Answers
Cape Coral, Florida
Updated
Susan’s Answer
I think your question is great - as how awful would it be to do all the school work only to find out you don't like the profession once starting! I think the best way to explore is to talk to people/nurses in the field (network with them via LinkedIn), as well as see if you can get an internship in a hospital - which would expose you to the "real life" of this profession.
Jane Croft
Program Management Office
3
Answers
Eaton, Colorado
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hello Emerson!
The good news about healthcare - if the clinical or nursing job end up not being the best fit for you, there are other different jobs within healthcare and hospitals that you could get into and still be in healthcare. Every hospital or healthcare organization needs radiologist, phlebotomist, nurse assistants, human resources, information technology, pharmacists and a whole lot more!
Try your path and be open to other opportunities that you find best fit if the gore is too much!
The good news about healthcare - if the clinical or nursing job end up not being the best fit for you, there are other different jobs within healthcare and hospitals that you could get into and still be in healthcare. Every hospital or healthcare organization needs radiologist, phlebotomist, nurse assistants, human resources, information technology, pharmacists and a whole lot more!
Try your path and be open to other opportunities that you find best fit if the gore is too much!
Chiara Corso
Senior Manager
3
Answers
Annapolis, Maryland
Updated
Chiara’s Answer
Hi Emerson, this is a great question, and I think the other respondents have provided some great insight. I want to unpack it a little bit further:
1) You ask, "What if I fully dedicate myself to becoming a nurse, only to realize I can't handle the gore?" It's completely okay - and sometimes even ideal - to try out a career path and realize it's not for you! Your education and experiences can translate to new career paths. Nurses work in many different settings beyond critical care, and there are many careers where a clinical background can come in handy (public health, health policy, healthcare administration) - even if critical care ends up being 100% the right fit for a long time, you have many different paths in your future should you wish to pursue them. Things change. People change! And that's great.
2) You might want to explore opportunities to dip a toe into the field, just to gather more information. For example, I know a few people who have volunteered in medical settings, as a medical scribe for example, to gather more information about what it's really like to work in that field.
3) People are extremely capable of developing new skills, adapting to new situations, and building resilience. If you start nursing and the gore is too intense when you're brand new, you might find that your colleagues have tips on how to get a stronger stomach, or that your employer has behavioral health resources that can help generally with all of the intense experiences you might experience in that setting. If you're not a pro at handling gore on your first day, that doesn't mean that you won't be able to develop the skills to handle it in the future.
Wishing you the best in your future! Nurses are so important to our society, as are people who work in all sorts of fields related to health care. Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll make a big difference to other people and their health.
1) You ask, "What if I fully dedicate myself to becoming a nurse, only to realize I can't handle the gore?" It's completely okay - and sometimes even ideal - to try out a career path and realize it's not for you! Your education and experiences can translate to new career paths. Nurses work in many different settings beyond critical care, and there are many careers where a clinical background can come in handy (public health, health policy, healthcare administration) - even if critical care ends up being 100% the right fit for a long time, you have many different paths in your future should you wish to pursue them. Things change. People change! And that's great.
2) You might want to explore opportunities to dip a toe into the field, just to gather more information. For example, I know a few people who have volunteered in medical settings, as a medical scribe for example, to gather more information about what it's really like to work in that field.
3) People are extremely capable of developing new skills, adapting to new situations, and building resilience. If you start nursing and the gore is too intense when you're brand new, you might find that your colleagues have tips on how to get a stronger stomach, or that your employer has behavioral health resources that can help generally with all of the intense experiences you might experience in that setting. If you're not a pro at handling gore on your first day, that doesn't mean that you won't be able to develop the skills to handle it in the future.
Wishing you the best in your future! Nurses are so important to our society, as are people who work in all sorts of fields related to health care. Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll make a big difference to other people and their health.
Liz Desmond
Resource Management
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Liz’s Answer
I think that you should talk to someone who's currently in the field to get the real real. I don't think anyone really loves gore, but if you are interested in this you should keep on it!
I think that if you pursue this career, that you will learn so many techniques during your training and while in school, to overcome your concerns.
I think that if you pursue this career, that you will learn so many techniques during your training and while in school, to overcome your concerns.
Kristi Sutherland
Recruiter
1
Answer
Melbourne, Florida
Updated
Kristi’s Answer
Having a daughter nearing the end of her Nursing program at school, you will find out quickly if you have the tolerance for it, lots of bodily fluids to work with. More importantly the program itself is one of the more difficult to pursue, with the timelines, amount of information to know and remember, constant testing with a near 100% average requirement. If you have the gumption to see it thru I think seeing the "gore" will get easier each time and soon enough you wont even be bothered by it. It is a very rewarding career path with the ability to build on an RN degree into NP or Anesthesia, MD.
Sony Dalapati
Consultant
1
Answer
Washington, Washington
Updated
Sony’s Answer
Hi Emerson!
That's a very real feeling to have, especially since the ICU and even the hospital-setting in general can be both emotionally charged and mentally challenging. When I started exploring all my career options, medicine really called out to me but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to stomach seeing the different medical procedures and people going through emotional distress.
The best way I learned what I could and could not face is by exploring adjacent opportunities to expose myself to a hospital environment and meet active nurses/doctors by volunteering at a hospital in high school and then eventually becoming an Emergency Medical Technician on my college campus. At the end of the day, I felt as though I had nothing to lose by volunteering my time, and if I ever found I couldn't handle it or it was 1 step too far, I could always end my volunteering or ask my fellow EMT to step in for me. I would suggest exploring similar opportunities near you, and continuing to have conversations with professionals in this environment to understand how they are able to handle seeing "the gore".
At the end of the day, I found out some stuff makes me pretty queasy but the more and more I was exposed to it, the easier it got to keep a level head. As someone said earlier on this thread, resilience in healthcare doesn't come overnight. Baby steps!
That's a very real feeling to have, especially since the ICU and even the hospital-setting in general can be both emotionally charged and mentally challenging. When I started exploring all my career options, medicine really called out to me but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to stomach seeing the different medical procedures and people going through emotional distress.
The best way I learned what I could and could not face is by exploring adjacent opportunities to expose myself to a hospital environment and meet active nurses/doctors by volunteering at a hospital in high school and then eventually becoming an Emergency Medical Technician on my college campus. At the end of the day, I felt as though I had nothing to lose by volunteering my time, and if I ever found I couldn't handle it or it was 1 step too far, I could always end my volunteering or ask my fellow EMT to step in for me. I would suggest exploring similar opportunities near you, and continuing to have conversations with professionals in this environment to understand how they are able to handle seeing "the gore".
At the end of the day, I found out some stuff makes me pretty queasy but the more and more I was exposed to it, the easier it got to keep a level head. As someone said earlier on this thread, resilience in healthcare doesn't come overnight. Baby steps!
Matt O
Full Stack Developer
6
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hello Emerson,
I'll try my best to answer this question. I have a younger relative who is a nurse / RN and I've seen some potential negatives or things to consider before someone should take on this responsibility/career.
First is understanding work life balance, and having proper processes in place for resting, relaxation, re-energizing. The next thing is that I would suggest finding some kind of program or opportunity that can introduce you to or given insight about the nature and culture of working as an RN. It can seem like it can take a toll if not properly managed.
I'll try my best to answer this question. I have a younger relative who is a nurse / RN and I've seen some potential negatives or things to consider before someone should take on this responsibility/career.
First is understanding work life balance, and having proper processes in place for resting, relaxation, re-energizing. The next thing is that I would suggest finding some kind of program or opportunity that can introduce you to or given insight about the nature and culture of working as an RN. It can seem like it can take a toll if not properly managed.
Emiliano Keough
Tech Enablement Consultant
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Emiliano’s Answer
Hi
My wife is an ER doctor, and one thing she did that helped her with this same question was shadowing in the ER. Shadowing or volunteering in the ER, ICU, or even with an EMT is a great way to gain firsthand exposure and will give you the opportunity to see if it's something you can handle. The job can be extremely mentally challenging, but I can tell that it's very rewarding. If you think you can do it, go for it. Even if you go through all the training and then decide it is not what you want to do, there are plenty of other opportunities that you will find along the way in your healthcare training.
My wife is an ER doctor, and one thing she did that helped her with this same question was shadowing in the ER. Shadowing or volunteering in the ER, ICU, or even with an EMT is a great way to gain firsthand exposure and will give you the opportunity to see if it's something you can handle. The job can be extremely mentally challenging, but I can tell that it's very rewarding. If you think you can do it, go for it. Even if you go through all the training and then decide it is not what you want to do, there are plenty of other opportunities that you will find along the way in your healthcare training.
Tyler White
Account Executive - Tech Sales, Real Estate Investor, Coach
29
Answers
Springville, Utah
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Great question.
I echo what everyone else said about the volunteer work. That will help give firsthand experience on if you are up to the task.
Also, I'd recommend equally considering your desire to learn about the nursing coursework material. The thought of "helping people" or "getting paid to help people feel better" is prevalent, but ignores other things that are important - do we want flexible work? What does work life balance look like? Out of meaning, autonomy, impact, growth, and connection, what are the areas that are most important to me?
I like where you are thinking and excited for you to try things out. Best of luck!
-Tyler
I echo what everyone else said about the volunteer work. That will help give firsthand experience on if you are up to the task.
Also, I'd recommend equally considering your desire to learn about the nursing coursework material. The thought of "helping people" or "getting paid to help people feel better" is prevalent, but ignores other things that are important - do we want flexible work? What does work life balance look like? Out of meaning, autonomy, impact, growth, and connection, what are the areas that are most important to me?
I like where you are thinking and excited for you to try things out. Best of luck!
-Tyler
Keysa Patterson
Psychiatric Care Technician Advanced
2
Answers
Appleton, Wisconsin
Updated
Keysa’s Answer
Hi Emerson!
You would not be going to school and getting your Bachelor in Nursing for nothing. There are so many areas in the nursing field to switch to if you can not handle the gore of something that may freak you out or your stomach can’t handle. Try to write down some other nursing jobs beside critical care. There’s Psychiatric, Neonatal, working in Family or Internal Medicine just to name a few. I believe that you will find the right the right area that you’ll love and not just doing something because you have your BSN. Good luck to you!
You would not be going to school and getting your Bachelor in Nursing for nothing. There are so many areas in the nursing field to switch to if you can not handle the gore of something that may freak you out or your stomach can’t handle. Try to write down some other nursing jobs beside critical care. There’s Psychiatric, Neonatal, working in Family or Internal Medicine just to name a few. I believe that you will find the right the right area that you’ll love and not just doing something because you have your BSN. Good luck to you!
Jeanne Robicheaux Hill
Registered Nurse
4
Answers
The Woodlands, Texas
Updated
Jeanne Robicheaux’s Answer
Karin is correct. No one has a perfect stomach for healthcare, but you can acclimate to the gore throughout your career!! I would highly recommend becoming a nurse aide for the floor. They are such excellent resources for the nurses, but they also are able to see so much as they are assisting us!
Kristal Zoemy Calzada Borrero
Certified Nurse Assistant
2
Answers
Auburndale, Florida
Updated
Kristal Zoemy’s Answer
I understand how you feel! I am a CNA in FL and I was a nursing student too. Definitely working as a CNA or as a Home Health Aid is the best option to be sure if that's something you want to do. In my experience, it is not the same to care for a family member. Most of the times nursing school is too expensive to give it a try and decide after clinicals.
Cecily Black
2
Answers
Updated
Cecily’s Answer
Hi Emerson!
I have been an ICU nurse for years and I am about to finish my education as an ICU NP. I totally understand where you are coming from. I agree with previous answers about shadowing, not only will you get to see some things firsthand, it also gives you a great foundation for experience that can out you ahead both in the classroom and in the job market once you graduate. I was a patient care tech on a neuro ICU floor when I was in school and that experience was truly invaluable. Be careful not to let fear make your decisions for you. When I was in school, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it as a nurse because I second guessed if I was smart enough to succeed; but I just went in thinking "I am going to head this direction and if its not meant for me, something will stop me". You would be surprised at how well that can work.
Being a nurse is way more about your heart than your stomach.
All of us ICU nurses have things we don't love about the job, but you get used to it and it's so small compared to what we are actually focused on. There is something really special about being there to support someone on what is most likely the worst day of their life, and that is what matters. There will come a point in your career where blood is just blood, no biggie, because what matters is the person in the bed. Also, if you hate it you can always decide to work in another specialty that fits you more. Not every nurse works in a hospital, there are primary care positions, home health, school nurses, even beauty clinics for things like botox or IV fluid. You can find what works for you!
My final piece of advice is just no matter what you chose to pursue, try and establish a solid support system and don't be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. We have all been there and you would be surprised at how many people will support you.
I hope to see you out there someday! You've got this.
I have been an ICU nurse for years and I am about to finish my education as an ICU NP. I totally understand where you are coming from. I agree with previous answers about shadowing, not only will you get to see some things firsthand, it also gives you a great foundation for experience that can out you ahead both in the classroom and in the job market once you graduate. I was a patient care tech on a neuro ICU floor when I was in school and that experience was truly invaluable. Be careful not to let fear make your decisions for you. When I was in school, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it as a nurse because I second guessed if I was smart enough to succeed; but I just went in thinking "I am going to head this direction and if its not meant for me, something will stop me". You would be surprised at how well that can work.
Being a nurse is way more about your heart than your stomach.
All of us ICU nurses have things we don't love about the job, but you get used to it and it's so small compared to what we are actually focused on. There is something really special about being there to support someone on what is most likely the worst day of their life, and that is what matters. There will come a point in your career where blood is just blood, no biggie, because what matters is the person in the bed. Also, if you hate it you can always decide to work in another specialty that fits you more. Not every nurse works in a hospital, there are primary care positions, home health, school nurses, even beauty clinics for things like botox or IV fluid. You can find what works for you!
My final piece of advice is just no matter what you chose to pursue, try and establish a solid support system and don't be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. We have all been there and you would be surprised at how many people will support you.
I hope to see you out there someday! You've got this.
Eddie Markie
Talent Acquisition
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Eddie’s Answer
Great question! It is important to be honest about this aspect of nursing and whether it is right fit for you.
If it is a concern - I highly recommend becoming a Radiologic Technologist because it:
- Only requires an Associates Degree like an RN
- It pays competitively and often the same as RN pay at most health systems (CA)
- Rad Techs are in very high demand which enables job security & ability to choose where you want to live/work
- No bodily fluids but you still help provide needed care to vulnerable people
- Normal working hours - only a few Rad Techs work night shift compared to RNs
If it is a concern - I highly recommend becoming a Radiologic Technologist because it:
- Only requires an Associates Degree like an RN
- It pays competitively and often the same as RN pay at most health systems (CA)
- Rad Techs are in very high demand which enables job security & ability to choose where you want to live/work
- No bodily fluids but you still help provide needed care to vulnerable people
- Normal working hours - only a few Rad Techs work night shift compared to RNs
Kyla Remigio
CNA/ PCT/ PCA/ Nurse Extern
13
Answers
Converse, Texas
Updated
Kyla’s Answer
Good news, critical care nursing is a broad field with many different specialties, and not all of them are super gory or trauma-heavy. Units like Lung Rescue ICU, Medical ICU, Med-Surg ICU, Cardiovascular ICU, Neuro ICU, Pediatric ICU, and Neonatal ICU all have their own unique focuses, and depending on the unit, the day-to-day unit can vary a lot. Some are more procedure-heavy, others are more medically focused, and not all are constantly dealing with blood and trauma.
A lot of the more intense or "gory" cases typically come through the Emergency Department or trauma units during the initial stabilization. By the time they get to the ICU, things are often a little more controlled, though still critical, of course.
If you're unsure, I highly recommend volunteering, shadowing, or working as a tech/CNA in a hospital setting, especially in the ICU or ED if you can. It's the best way to see what you're really comfortable with before committing fully. And even if you start out in one unit and realize it's not for you, most hospitals allow internal transfers after 3-6 months.
And don't worry, nursing is NEVER a waste! It's one of the most flexible, high-demand careers out there. There are nurses working in everything from clinics and schools to informatics, case management, research, and even remote roles. If critical care doesn't end up being your forever home, you'll have plenty of other options. Stay open and you'll find the right path for you!
A lot of the more intense or "gory" cases typically come through the Emergency Department or trauma units during the initial stabilization. By the time they get to the ICU, things are often a little more controlled, though still critical, of course.
If you're unsure, I highly recommend volunteering, shadowing, or working as a tech/CNA in a hospital setting, especially in the ICU or ED if you can. It's the best way to see what you're really comfortable with before committing fully. And even if you start out in one unit and realize it's not for you, most hospitals allow internal transfers after 3-6 months.
And don't worry, nursing is NEVER a waste! It's one of the most flexible, high-demand careers out there. There are nurses working in everything from clinics and schools to informatics, case management, research, and even remote roles. If critical care doesn't end up being your forever home, you'll have plenty of other options. Stay open and you'll find the right path for you!
Roxanne Unwalla
Talent Advisor
4
Answers
Long Beach, California
Updated
Roxanne’s Answer
Hello!
Nursing offers a wide range of opportunities once you finish nursing school. You don't always have to deal with the intense situations like in an ICU. You could work as a school nurse or in an outpatient clinic, where things are usually calmer. There are also roles in health plans, like being a case manager or working in utilization management. At the health plan where I work, we hire many nurses for tasks like prior authorizations and handling appeals, which don't involve bedside care. You might even consider getting a master's in case management, which keeps you away from the more intense medical settings. Explore the many fields in nursing and find what suits you best!
Nursing offers a wide range of opportunities once you finish nursing school. You don't always have to deal with the intense situations like in an ICU. You could work as a school nurse or in an outpatient clinic, where things are usually calmer. There are also roles in health plans, like being a case manager or working in utilization management. At the health plan where I work, we hire many nurses for tasks like prior authorizations and handling appeals, which don't involve bedside care. You might even consider getting a master's in case management, which keeps you away from the more intense medical settings. Explore the many fields in nursing and find what suits you best!
Elyse Crotty
Certified Surgical Technologist
33
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
Nurses can work in many different environments. Become a nurse first and the explore different work environment that might suite you. Here is an example: a nurse that works an IV spa may never really see a lot of blood, while a nurse that works in the OR may never really have much patient interactions. It totally depends on what you are interested in/what suites your lifestyle.