NursingLink

My name is Pam (42, M, 4 kids) and I currently a computer specialist.  Tired of the computer thing and changing fields to what I feel is part of my personality, (caregiver).  I  start my pre's on June 2 and VERY excited. WELL, sitting in church and tell a friend of mine, also a nurse or former nurse, that I start school to get my masters in nursing so that I can teach and she says "Good Luck".  I asked her if she thinks I cannot do it and she says "I never said you couldn't do it".  I ask her then what do you mean.  She tells me "Nurses are back stabbing people" and "there is too much hospital politics to be a nurse right now".  I was so bumbed that she, as my friend was trying to rain on my parade. 

As I sit here now, I wish I had said, "the job is what you make of it".  Any advice for a beginner?  I begin Beginning Biology and Soc this semester.  I still am very excited.

Pam, I don't think she was trying to shoot you down, I think she was being honest from her perspective.  Perhaps even warn you, about hospital politics and nurses eating their young.  If this is truly what you wish to do, don't let anyone discourage you for any reasons.  Your goal to teach is wonderful, there really needs to be more nursing instructors.

Thank you everyone for your encouragement.  I will not give up on MY dream and maybe change her perspective on the nursing field.

Right?  Right!

Negativity in the profession of nursing has spread like an epidemic. I almost caught the disease myself.

What has restored my hope are people such as yourself...those who care and want to make things better. Thank you for your passion and dedication...It helps me to remember why I became a nurse.

Your positive attitude will also be contagious.  Connect with like minded people and RUN from anyone who tries to steal your dream.   

nursingvoice says ...

Negativity in the profession of nursing has spread like an epidemic. I almost caught the disease myself.

What has restored my hope are people such as yourself...those who care and want to make things better. Thank you for your passion and dedication...It helps me to remember why I became a nurse.

Your positive attitude will also be contagious.  Connect with like minded people and RUN from anyone who tries to steal your dream.

a_irwin says:

I have also read so articles that say its common for nurses to "eat their young". I am in my 40's (45 to be exact). I decided to go into nursing about six years ago.  I became a CNA in Virginia, then a CMT in Kentucky.  I am now awaiting an answer from the local Community College about being accepted into the ADN program.  I have already finished 90+% of my prerequisites, have taken the PAX. 

So, I agree with nursingvoice, DO NOT LET ANYONE TAKE YOUR THUNDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When one of the nurses I work with said, "If I were you I'd reconsider, nursing school is really hard."  I replied, "Well.........you made it."  She had nothing to say . LOL

Pam,

Pam,

IF YOU HAVE THE PASSION AND DRIVE, YOU CAN CREATE YOUR LIFE!

What a concept!  And oh so true!  It is YOUR life, and you are doing exactly what your heart is telling you!!!  We nurses are a special bunch of Angels, and sure there are roadblocks in both work and education, but you can and will do it, I can hear it in your typing!  lol  Seriously. 

Your freind sounded kind of negative to me and you felt it that way....Sounds like she's one of those people that don't really understand that the words they use can hurt, trample, and walk on one's dreams.  I've heard it recently also!!  Since I have such a messed up back and Chronic Pain, and....people that I am informing of my new LVN to BSN program ask (out of care I know)  "HOW are you going to do it Shauna?"  When I hear that, I immediatley think, 'yeah, how AM I going to do it all?  And then the mind goes to 'CAN I do it AT all?'  Amazing how others that know nothing of our lives just pass out their opinions right and left....I've never been that way...I tend to ASK others about themselves, not TELL them what I think they should do with the info they have given me!

GO FOR IT PAM!!!    Be a fellow student with so many of us here to give you kudos and a little push up a hill....I will surely come here for a push now and then...we will never put down your desires of nursing....you are already an Angel hun. 

Shauna 

also to add..... I think it's really crappy when some nurses 'hate' having students with them.  I mean they were there at one point too, it's not like they woke up one morning and was working as a nurse. lol.

We need all the nurses we can get...you said "nurse or former nurse"  once a nurse always a nurse.  Sometimes we cant see the forest for the dang tree.

 Didi, unfortunately, nurses do "eat their own young."  I agree that nurses should remember how hard nursing school was and how nervous they were in clinic when they were students.

When I worked the unit, I loved having students.  Sure they needed a lot of help, sometimes to the point of adding to your workload rather than taking from it.  But the patients got more personal interaction, which was crucial if I was really busy.  And students can just be plain fun, they're so eager. :D

Pam... your friend is entitled to his or her opinion.  But, remember, that is exactly what it is... an opinion.  You made your decision based on your hearts desire (I assume).  Then... go with that... believe in yourself and your decision.... and, absolutely, make it exactly what you want it to be.  Because, no matter what path you choose to travel, you will always find back stabbers.  They are a fact of life.  How we handle them and their affect on our peace of mind is all up to us... the individual.  Be strong and enjoy your dream.  - Jim

I just got admitted to the ADN program at the local Community College!!!!!!!!!!!!

Often it is those nurses who have are feeling the demands of their profession on an older body that often try to disillussion those that are coming in fresh/new and optimistic into the field. Reminding them of what they had and have lost over time.  Don't let the old sawbones get you down.  But there is some reality in the saying that nurses can eat their young - nursing has a tendency to toughen even the best of us. That doesn't mean you have to lose your compassion though. Part of it is that a lot of nurses just don't know how to teach and don't want to have to teach the new nurses the ropes; then there are those of us who absolutely love teaching new nurses. There are both kinds out there.  What I did when I first hit the floor was find the most seasoned nurse and tried to do special, small things for her. I had an older nurse I worked with who had a reputation as a pure she devil, wicked witch.  I started acknowledging how she seemed tired would she like me to get that light for her.  Would she like a cup of coffee? (Not to be drunk on the floor, by the way.) She became my greatest asset. She would answer any question I could throw at her.  She was a walking/talking encyclopedia of nursing knowledge with her 30+ years of experience.  I asked about her history and experiences in nursing, what she liked, didn't like.  I can't tell you how much I learned.    There is a big difference between the idealism that we have when in school and the reality of nursing in today's corporate enviroment as corporate America takes over healthcare, but, Nursing is What You Make It! The areas you choose to work in that suit your personality are what will make you happy.  Go for your heart's desire.  If you want to work with kids-- then don't settle..learn all you can about pediatrics.  Try to get a job in a pediactric clinic doing whatever you can.  If you want geriactric then pursue that area.  GO FOR IT, AND DON't LET ANYONE SELL YOU THERE DISHEARTENING VIEW OF THE WORLD. Nursing needs you and so do all of us.  Plus, if we don't encourage the new nurses.  Just who do we think is going to take care of us when we need it??????

Well, thank you everyone for your encouragement and advice.  I started school to get me prereqs gone and I am enjoying the experience.  I am taking Soc.101 online and will be taking Pyc. 200 in the Fall and Biology 101. 

I do have a question:  Should I take Chemestry 101 and  Biology 101 at the same time or seperately ?  These classes will finish the prereqs so I can start A&P?  Any advice?

Never let someone stop you from your dreams.  You can do whatever you set your mind to.  I am 37 years old with 4 kids and I am just starting my pre- requisites for my Associate Degree in Nursing.  I had a lot of people telling me that it was too late to try and get in the nursing field but I am not doing it for them.  I am doing it because taking care of people is what I do best.  Take a look at that person and ask yourself, "What is that person doing with herself and why is she so miserable?"

Do you honey, that's all I have to say.