Nursing... do I have the guts?

[diosa]

I am 25 and currently work at home as a medical transcriptionist and earn decent money. However, burnout is setting in and I'm ready for a change but would like to stay in health care.

My mother-in-law is a neonatal intensive care nurse, so I have had some exposure to it and believe I'd enjoy either that or mental health nursing.

My problem is that I have a weak stomach. I know that's probably the biggest thing you hear as a nurse... "how do you handle that?" but I have never got the answer! Is it something you get used to after awhile? I used to work in pathology so have seen some pretty gruesome things and handled it fine, but even the simplest thing can make me gag sometimes.

Lastly, if I do go for it, I'm concerned because in Minnesota, you have to have CNA certification before going on to become an LPN or RN and I'm afraid I'd screw it up from the start with being able to stomach CNA clinicals at a nursing home. Do I become an LPN, then ADN, BSN down the line, go straight for the BSN since I have an ok job now that is rather flexible, or go ADN then BSN later?

Any advice or encouragement you can give me is well-received.

Thanks all you brave ones! :grin:

[EvilMonkey]

You know, it's funny. You get used to it. I remember the first time that I saw a decubitus ulcer on the hip of an elderly patient. I could actually see the steel ball in her hip. I got very light headed and had to sit down. The other nurses giggled. It doesn't really bother me anymore. If you really want to be a nurse then go for it. You would be surprised what you can get used to.

As for the degree portion. I would suggest that you go straight for the BSN. I know that there are some hospitals that prefer that you have the credentials. Besides, going for your BSN is fun too. I went back to school after having children. I had the same question that you did...... RN, or BSN.. My husband said to just go for it. It will definately be worth it to go for your BSN.

You do not.....I repeat.....do not....want to be a CNA. I worked with a several CNA's who say that CNA stands for "Cleans nasty A****". Trust me. You don't want to be a CNA. If your job now allows for you to go back to school, then get your BSN, you won't be sorry.

:luck:

Oh wow, I just realized how old this post was! LOL Oh well, good luck anyway.

[cougarnurse]

Hey, monkey! The post is still relevant, though.

PS....Most schools require students to be CNA's before starting clinicals. I bypassed that because I had been an LPN for years. To be honest, I find nothing wrong with wiping up patients. "It" happens, and I figure it may be me one day.



'Cat'

[nurse1stik]

Hi there!!
I am not sure how someone with a weak stomach can get use to nursing. It is like me getting use to eating liver n onions ...eeeew that will never happen But, if you decide to go ahead...I wish you greatest of luck! :houra:

[fuzzie]

You know, it's funny. You get used to it. I remember the first time that I saw a decubitus ulcer on the hip of an elderly patient. I could actually see the steel ball in her hip. I got very light headed and had to sit down. The other nurses giggled. It doesn't really bother me anymore. If you really want to be a nurse then go for it. You would be surprised what you can get used to.

Thanks for that Monkey...people are always asking me if I like blood and guts and puke and sh** and that I must if I wanna nurse. I always tell them that as with any job, there are things you have to acquire skills for...I happen to believe that that those unpleasantries fit the bill.

Looks like, from what you say, I was right on!

[Cammer]

I wonder what happened to the original poster? Only one post from about five years ago. I hope they went into nursing. They could be done with their BSN by now.

This has to be some kind of a record for the oldest dug up posting. :houra:

[SoldierNurse]

I wonder what happened to the original poster? Only one post from about five years ago. I hope they went into nursing. They could be done with their BSN by now.

This has to be some kind of a record for the oldest dug up posting. :houra:

LOL, I'd think the OP left the healthcare profession all together since he made one & only one post. If, he had an email addy available I'd send him an invite back.

Nonetheless, other websites will kill a thread that is this old... maybe in the future we will, too. However, the OP's concerns are common to a lot of prospective nurses. I applaud you for keeping this thread alive.

:clapping: