Answering The Question: Is Nursing School Right For Me

By Melissa Powell


If you are about to graduate from high school and thinking about what to do next, you have some options. You could go on to earn a four year degree, attend a junior college, or go to technical school. If the medical field interests you, and you don't want to go to school for a dozen more years, you might consider becoming a nurse. If you are asking the question: is nursing school right for me, you need to be thinking about the qualities that make a good nurse more than the courses of study.

Professionalism is one of the hallmarks of a good nurse. You not only have to be skilled, you have to be ethical as well. If you are going to work in a public hospital, you will see people come in from different ethnic backgrounds, of different ages, genders, and sexual orientations. You must be able to treat each one with respect and compassion. Passing judgment based on appearance, speech, or illness has no place in this profession.

The best nurses are great communicators. Listening actively is as important as imparting information in an effective way. Your patient's lives are in the balance. Good nurses instinctively know what patients need, often times before they have stated it themselves. You must be able to listen to what patients tell you and take it seriously. They are unsure of what is happening and frightened by the unknown.

Interpersonal skills are another quality good nurses possess. Nurses talk to all kinds of individuals at work. They are often a very necessary link between doctors and patients. They are part of the team that includes other nurses, administrative staff, in addition to doctors and emergency workers.

Nurses must be detail oriented. They face life and death situations almost every day. It's important for anyone in this position to appreciate the gravity. A mistake can have disastrous consequences. Good nurses spot potential problems and head them off. They have to be intuitive and know the best way to discuss difficult subjects with patients and their families.

It's hard work being a nurse. Nurses have to have plenty of stamina to work long shifts. They may have to help move heavy equipment or support patients getting in and out of beds. Most of their shifts are spent on their feet. There are days when sitting down and resting for a few minutes isn't an option.

A good sense of humor is essential if you are going to make it as a nurse. Sometimes the only way to relieve stress is to laugh. Sharing a good natured laugh with staff, fellow nurses, and patients is important because the job can have its grim moments.

You can learn the technical and medical aspects of nursing. This won't make you a great nurse though. It takes professionalism, empathy, communication and problem solving skills, plenty of stamina, and knowing when to laugh.




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