I want to become a nurse, but I'm terribly fearful of hurting or even killing someone. Is this normal, or should I think about another career? I want to enroll in school next summer for my prereq's, but I wonder if I can overcome my fear. Does anyone have any advice? Thank you so much.
Amanda
 |
|
|||||||||||
 |
||
search realityrn
sign up for weekly cartoons, tips, and blog posts
Register to win a pair of RX Medical Silver Fox Crocs
|
|
|
 |
October 29th, 2007 at 11:01 am
Check out the past Reality Unscripted blog “I Fear Making a Deadly Mistake.” This speaks to some of your fears.
Melissa Parks
October 30th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I suggest becoming a nursing assistant first. This helps a lot of people decide if nursing is for them. It can be challenging, very physical and helps immesley with being comfortable with paitient care. Also you see alot of what nurses do….Most people have no idea what it’s all about until they experience being around it.
October 31st, 2007 at 7:19 pm
I feel completley different about that. I think working as a CNA first isn’t anything like becoming a nurse. But it would introduce you to the medical field. As a CNA you hand all the responsibility over to the nurse. You have to make sure you can handle it. You will be the one that is responsible. But all of us felt the way that you did when we were new. You will get over that feeling as you get more experienced.
November 1st, 2007 at 7:53 am
Thank you all so much for your input. I feel a lot better knowing that I’m not alone with my fears. I think that I’m going to go for it. I keep praying for guidance and I always keep coming back to nursing. I want to help people and I believe that being a nurse is what I’m supposed to do. Thank you so much for all of your thoughts.
God bless all of you for all your hard work and caring. I hope that I can become one of you.
November 3rd, 2007 at 5:39 pm
I also think that being a CNA first is a great idea. You may or may not enjoy the health care field. As a CNA I knew that I loved the field but wanted to do more, so I went to nursing school. I will graduate in 5 months. It helps to remember that there are endless possiblities in the nursing world. If working on the floor (ie med-surg) scares you try something else like a doctors office. Remember nothing in life is forever, start something, see it through, if you don’t like it do seomthing else. Good luck to you.
November 5th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
It is only normal to have some fears, hopefully education would lessen your fears. The career ladder approch to nursing is a wonderful way to entry the nursing profession. I agree being a CNA first is a great idea. As a CNA you will gain insight into the world of nursing. I started out as a medical assistant (that might be another option for you) and next I became a LPN and next a RN.
Good Luck.
http://dianej.wordpress.com
November 6th, 2007 at 8:25 am
Amanda,
I had the same fears… I am now in my pre reqs for nursing! I have been a CNA for 4 yrs and I wan to be able to do more for my patients so I decided nursing was for me. Its a hard road but i believe it is going to be WELL worth it in the end!
Good Luck
November 7th, 2007 at 7:52 am
Hi there I’m starting at Manchester University in May 2008 studying for a diploma in adult nursing and I also have the exact same fears so your not the only one! I also keep doubting myself for example I keep thinking I’m not smart enough to do this course what if I struggle with the drug calculations etc because my maths isn’t to clever! I’m a qualified dental nurse and have always wanted to be a nurse. I didn’t feel like this before I was told I’d got on the course but I’m giving up my job to do this. My husband and I have two children under two years and a big mortgage to pay and I’m worried I’m going to fail the course and let them down. Sorry for ranting on but I needed to get it off my chest and find out if anyone else out there feel’s or has felt the same as me!
November 7th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
To this day, I go to work with what I call a healthy fear. I understand that I need to be on my toes and not be afraid to ask questions. To me, nursing is like motherhood…nobody can put it into words until you experience it yourself. I love what I do beyond words and I will be honest…i always pray before going on a shift. I was a home health aide years ago, became LPN in 2005 and am in RN school to graduate May 08. I would do what I do for free–it’s amazing!
November 10th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Stephanie,
I really do feel that way…all of it. I too have two children, one is almost 1 and my oldest is 7. My husband is in the military and has been carrying the financial responsiblity of our family for almost 5 years now. I am scared that I’m not smart enough or strong enough to make it through. After reading everyone’s advice I really want to go for it. I want to work through my fears and I want to make a difference. My math is awful, but I just have to believe that I can do it. It gives me hope that if you and others have the same fears and are strong enough to go after your dreams, I can too.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Hi,
I feel that if you can tell yourself why you want to be a nurse and the pay or the hours is not one of the top reasons. You have found the career for you.
February 6th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I am a junior in high school and I am thinking about looking into becoming a CNA but I am not that smart. Do you really need to brains??? Please Help!!
March 3rd, 2008 at 12:24 am
I have always wanted to be a nurse but Im a bit old to start (45) and there is a 2 to 3 year waiting list to even get in the program. There are prereq’s to get out of the way and I could even do CNA while I am waiting, but I also have the same fears about being smart enough, or fearful that I would make a deadly mistake. I have anxiety with taking tests. Just recently I took a math exam I studied for and I knew the information, but I froze with anxiety while taking it and made ridiculous small mistakes. Maybe I should just forget it.
April 25th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I there everyone i just thought i’d put a little message on here. How is everyone doing?
I start my course in less than 2wk now ARGH!!! Im so nervous and excited too its a really strange feeling. Everyone that has doubted themselves don’t give up you make your own future so just keep trying!
Its going to a lot of hard work for me with my course and placements as well as looking after my family and it has turned out i’m going to have to work part time too, but whats got to be done has to be done! O i forgot to mention that i’m dyslexic too so i’m just going to try my best and hope to god i bloody pass coz i can only see myself being a nurse its all i have ever wanted to do.
I didn’t say Deb but i had to retake my math exam to get in so your not the only one! At least you knew the info i just winged it, i was shocked when i passed. I am really goin to have to work hard with the math aspect of thing i think! Anywho wishing everyone well x
September 11th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I just wanted to say to Deb, your not ridiculous, and you should never back down on yourself! Positive thinking! Thats what I am trying to do, I am terrible with math, english and alot of the subjects, afraid I will screw up, flunk and be a big dummy…. but I am holding my head up high, and if I suck at it I will try harder, I will find me a tutor and not give up! There are things to help you, so think positive and go for it. Maybe one day we will be like these nice woman giving advice on the subject 🙂