What it Takes to Become a Nurse

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This is a collaborative guest post

Nurses are truly gifted individuals. Nurses work long hours because they have a passion for helping those in need. This passion in turn leads people to become healthier and happier. This job provides many rewards, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Nursing is a highly demanding job that can be both fulfilling and thankless. Before you pursue the career path of a nurse, here are the pros and cons that will help you decide whether it’s right for you.

Many Years of Schooling

Unlike some other professions, nursing requires years of study and experience. Often, nursing students go through at least five years of education to acquire a bachelor’s degree before they can advance. This doesn’t take into account the number of students who are unable to finish school in a reasonable amount of time due to large class sizes and student loan debt. Schools often require students to intern in a hospital to gain real-time experience. The compensation is often low if there is any at all. In addition, nurses must obtain accreditation through the NCLEX-RN exam and licensure. Should you choose to become a nurse practitioner, you will also have to receive your DNP. Fortunately, programs like Gwynedd Mercy’s graduate nursing program allow you to complete your educational requirements in almost half the time. Even after this, you may have to use nursing recruitment agencies like Day Webster to find the right job.

Strenuous Work and Long Hours

Nurses notoriously have some of the toughest hours of any job. Your hours will vary based on who you work for, but you can expect 12-hour shifts that expand from the evening to the early hours of the morning. Nurses often have the option to work for large blocks of time with days off in between. This is generally an appealing schedule for parents who want more time at home with their children. During these shifts, you may find little time for rest and you’ll find yourself on your feet almost the whole time. Be sure to buy comfortable shoes that support your feet to keep you from wearing out.

An Ability to Overcome Your Limitations

No amount of education will prepare you emotionally for the path that lies ahead. Years of studying and volunteering will only go so far. Soon, the responsibilities of your job will rest solely on your shoulders, and you are bound to make mistakes. You will see a lot of sickness and suffering, and unfortunately, you won’t be able to save everyone. Without the right resources, it’s easy to feel the burden of your job and become burnt out. Be sure that when you begin your career that you seek out resources that will help you along the way. You may find nurse support groups where you can come together and lift each other up.

Maintain a Healthy Relationship with Patients

As mentioned above, mistakes will happen. The consequence is often at the expense of the patient, and this will be difficult to get through. Generally, new nurses struggle with becoming too attached to their patients. It’s only natural—nurses have a passion for saving people, and when a patient passes it’s easy to feel like their own fault. It’s important to recognize the flip side of your job: you can save many, but you can’t save everyone. Death is a natural part of life, and you will have to assist people in health and assist people as they pass. Learning to face death is healthy, not a sign of callousness. Learn to maintain a healthy relationship with your patients to overcome these situations.

Persistence

In addition to caring for ill patients, you’ll also have to deal with the day to day work of being a coworker. Like any job, there will be politics, drama and frustration. Don’t let the few bad eggs get you down. Many nurses are just like you and you can rely on each other for help and support. Try to build a relationship with the head nurse and create a welcoming environment so everyone can help each other. Not everyone will be compliant or fair, but when you do your part you’ll attract other good-hearted nurses as well.

Becoming a nurse isn’t easy, but for the special few who make it, it’s a worthwhile and rewarding job. Prepare for becoming a nurse with these tips in mind to fully enjoy your career.

 

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