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

Hi Pat,
I went back to school when I was 29 years old. I had a small child at the time and a disabled husband. It was very hard but definitely worth it. I had the same yuck thing with snot. Now I'm a respiratory floor nurse. I thing after a while nothing grosses you out. I make killer money now...so worth it. It either takes a lot of brains or a lot of determination to grt through school. I only had the second of the two. Do it...Good luck

Just graduated from 2 yr nursing program in FL and take the the boards in Feb. What are my options between now and then or must I wait?

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.

Hi there,
I've decided to go into nursing as well. I currently work at Kaiser and I hope after I complete the program I can remain with Kaiser. (I love it there!) I am a mother of 5!! (Ages 4-17) I'm 34 years old, married and ready for a career change. I was originally in Real Estate but we know how that went! :) I am still a licensed Real Estate Broker though. Anyway, I'm starting my pre-reqs at Delta this semester. Have you already started a nursing program? If so, where?

BTW, good luck with everything and stay focused....we can do it!! :)

Im considering nursing.. I know my parents will think im insane and will tell me i'll hate it etc but I wanted to be a paramedic, but at the time I failed the interview as it went horribly wrong lol, that was 2 years ago. Im currently working at a hospital in the lab as a support worker and going to uni 1 day a week to do a degree in biomedical science which will take 5 years part time :/ although i quite enjoy working in the lab, I dont think it has the variety of work I think I want from a job, and the way things are going even after 5 years when I would be a qualified biomedical scientist it seems the job will consist of just pushing buttons on a machine..

So im considering nursing as it has a lot of variety in the job and has varied working hours rather than just the normal 9-5 that im doing now. Am I crazy for thinking of quitting my job and going full time uni to be a nurse?

Hey,
I am currently at uni studying media although i know i want to be in the nursing profession like my mother was. I wish there was more information on how to go about it!
My mother tells me not to go there as it has changed a lot since she was in the profession and the NHS in England isn't good at all at the present moment. Nurses are there to do a job instead of loving and caring for their patients.
I don't suppose anybody could give me any advice on what to do? I really need somebodies help and guidance...
x

Janice in Memphis, Tennessee said: 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.

Thanks for saying that. I have a co-worker that currently has a bachelors in music. But she wants to go into a crna program. I understand you have to get your RN license first before you can do that. She's solely going to crna school for the money. I wondered if someone could ignore all patient care (she'd rather not care for patients or talk to them) and blood and vomit to get to a crna program. I just wondered if someone can really stick this career out as a life if they really don't care for the job but make a killing in money.

Here's a little bio of myself. I am 27 going on 28. Coming from a Viet family, they say nursing is the best direction to go if not a doctor because you can always find a job. But I don't want to be just a nurse to clean up after people and deal with the "drama" coworkers at work. I know very little about nursing because I never looked into it because it wasn't always my fav. choice. After my experience in DA, I figured I can step up and chose Dental Hygiene for my B.S. instead of Biology (which I finished so far with an A.S.). After reading the forums in here, almost everyone says that it's very hard to get a job, so don't go there. Next, I found out about PA and they make decent money so I figure it's the next best thing besides a doctor and I can get a certificate or B.S. for it instead. Then along comes CRNA which opened up another "big" option that made me slightly want to head into nursing. I've always wanted to go to med school but my age makes me reconsider.I seriously need help because all these sound good and I can picture myself in all of them. I don't have much time left! My bf wants to settle down and have a family soon, but before I do that, I want to have a good paying job and be happy with what I do. Like I've mentioned before, I am passionate about helping people and definitely want to stick with healthcare. I am very competitive and have a 3.9GPA in school and will do what it takes to get in. Well here's the real prob...I missed the deadline for PA school. So far, I applied to USC Dental Hygiene and have an interview in 2 weeks. I also got in to CalState Univ. for Healthcare of Administration, but haven't heard any news from the nursing dept yet. So should I stick with Hygiene or apply to the other schools and wait another year for more options? I honestly want to have the right bachelor's degree that I can find a job right out of school in case something happens that I can't go further. PLEASE help and any advice would be great :)