Is Nursing right for me???

I am considering going into nursing (RN program if I can get into one), but not sure if nursing is right for me. Being a single parent of three I need a long term stable career that will support us all on my income alone (my ex wont pay child support). The thing is that I can't stand vomit and could not stand to touch it. I can take blood and anything other body fluid, but NOT vomit!!! Also, when my son was three and had his fingers severely crushed (or seemed severe, no long term damage just deep cuts and missing finger nails) I freaked out. I'm not sure if it was because he was mine, or because he was small toddler. I think it was both, but anyway, I don't think I could handle seeing a child severely hurt. I know there are different departments I can work in, and I was thinking so long as I was not in pediatrics, urgent care, or emergency I could avoid those problems, at least the child/toddler problem (vomit, I guess I would get use to it???).
Also, I keep hearing of all the different options nurses have throughout their careers, but no one ever elaborates on it. Is there a website or list of options somewhere about these options? And does nursing require a good strong back? I have scoliosis, so I'm concerned that might get in the way of the profession.
I was wondering if I could have some experienced nurses reply as I really need some solid advice.
Thank you so much to those of you kind enough to take the time to respond.

Pat in San Jose, California said: I am considering going into nursing (RN program if I can get into one), but not sure if nursing is right for me. Being a single parent of three I need a long term stable career that will support us all on my income alone (my ex wont pay child support). The thing is that I can't stand vomit and could not stand to touch it. I can take blood and anything other body fluid, but NOT vomit!!! Also, when my son was three and had his fingers severely crushed (or seemed severe, no long term damage just deep cuts and missing finger nails) I freaked out. I'm not sure if it was because he was mine, or because he was small toddler. I think it was both, but anyway, I don't think I could handle seeing a child severely hurt. I know there are different departments I can work in, and I was thinking so long as I was not in pediatrics, urgent care, or emergency I could avoid those problems, at least the child/toddler problem (vomit, I guess I would get use to it???).
Also, I keep hearing of all the different options nurses have throughout their careers, but no one ever elaborates on it. Is there a website or list of options somewhere about these options? And does nursing require a good strong back? I have scoliosis, so I'm concerned that might get in the way of the profession.
I was wondering if I could have some experienced nurses reply as I really need some solid advice.
Thank you so much to those of you kind enough to take the time to respond.

I went through nursing school while working full time and also single parenting 2 teenage sons. It has turned out to be a financially sound profession, although i took only 2-4 pre req's per semester-so by the time I actually completed the program and took boards my kids were grown. there are many fields in nursing that would require very little stress on your back-also there are lifting laws being enacted to protect your back as well as lifting devices and lift teams. as for the vomit..

as for the vomit intolerance I believe you build a tolerance-however my intolerance is sputum(respiratory secretions) and I sometimes still lose it when someone shows me a great specimen and i've been a nurse for 10 years.

Thank you PatTucson,Az RN, you have definately given me hope. I was afraid these things would mean I would be a bad nurse. Truely, thank you!

I am a psych nurse, I rarely have to deal with vomit, sputum or feces. On the rare occasion that I do....I make deals with other nurses or aides that if they deal with the vomit, I'd take the next sputum or feces case. I can't handle vomit at all....yuck!
If you get into a specialty like psych, you rarely have to lift anyone because they are usually deemed medically stable before being admitted on your unit. If we have some-one with Parkinson's for example, we have lifting device machines that save our backs.
Being a single parent of three ,you might have some problems with work & child care. Many places of employment have you working 12hr shifts. (some still offer 8 or 10). Those 12 or more hour shifts, could cause a problem if you don't have some-one reliables to be there for them. I also have 3 kids and a supportive husband, but we still have a hard time juggling getting kids to ball games and after school activities when I'm working. I also found my 13yr old misbehavior and declining grades correlate directly to my work schedule.

Visit www.allnurses.com for the best info about nursing.

Pat in San Jose, California said: I am considering going into nursing (RN program if I can get into one), but not sure if nursing is right for me. Being a single parent of three I need a long term stable career that will support us all on my income alone (my ex wont pay child support). The thing is that I can't stand vomit and could not stand to touch it. I can take blood and anything other body fluid, but NOT vomit!!! Also, when my son was three and had his fingers severely crushed (or seemed severe, no long term damage just deep cuts and missing finger nails) I freaked out. I'm not sure if it was because he was mine, or because he was small toddler. I think it was both, but anyway, I don't think I could handle seeing a child severely hurt. I know there are different departments I can work in, and I was thinking so long as I was not in pediatrics, urgent care, or emergency I could avoid those problems, at least the child/toddler problem (vomit, I guess I would get use to it???).
Also, I keep hearing of all the different options nurses have throughout their careers, but no one ever elaborates on it. Is there a website or list of options somewhere about these options? And does nursing require a good strong back? I have scoliosis, so I'm concerned that might get in the way of the profession.
I was wondering if I could have some experienced nurses reply as I really need some solid advice.
Thank you so much to those of you kind enough to take the time to respond.

If nurse would be honest with you, they will tell you it will be very hard for you to succeed in nursing if you are not able to tolerate certain situations or stay calm during these situations. I have been a nurse for over 20 years but I never tried to persuade my daughter to go into nursing because she is unable to tolerate blood. In nursing one will encounter blood many of times. Therefore, this is what I mean by saying do not go into nursing for money.

Registered Nurse in Moravia, Iowa said: I am a psych nurse, I rarely have to deal with vomit, sputum or feces. On the rare occasion that I do....I make deals with other nurses or aides that if they deal with the vomit, I'd take the next sputum or feces case. I can't handle vomit at all....yuck!
If you get into a specialty like psych, you rarely have to lift anyone because they are usually deemed medically stable before being admitted on your unit. If we have some-one with Parkinson's for example, we have lifting device machines that save our backs.
Being a single parent of three ,you might have some problems with work & child care. Many places of employment have you working 12hr shifts. (some still offer 8 or 10). Those 12 or more hour shifts, could cause a problem if you don't have some-one reliables to be there for them. I also have 3 kids and a supportive husband, but we still have a hard time juggling getting kids to ball games and after school activities when I'm working. I also found my 13yr old misbehavior and declining grades correlate directly to my work schedule.

Visit www.allnurses.com for the best info about nursing.

This is good if you are guaranteed to not have situations with vomit or lifting but what if you lose your job as a psych nurse and can not find a job in that field. You may have to take a job in another field of nursing like basic med surg that we all have to go through nursing school. One never know at what point your career will be challenged as a nurse. Therefore, make sure nursing is a field you can handle. Do not go into it for the money.

hey how are yooh - im thinking of becoming a nurse not mani ppl step up im young and i wanna change this world buht; ders a few poblems im getin ppl tel me its not gud pay ; nd its hard 2 get a job in lyk, i really wanna get into de field not mani ppl support me . der like its all bowt cleaning asses why do ppl have such stupid mentaliti ; && um can i get a job or have a trial b4 i study it in uni 2 make sure its sumfink ild realie wna do mwa xo wb any1 hus experienced or has an idea =) i heard its not onlie workin wid de sik nd old buht wid so mani diffrent ppl nd i herd u kan work wid plastic surgents in make up surgery is dis tru