Saturday, July 7, 2018

How To Answer 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 critical for a nurse. It's essential to become more than skilled. You must hold yourself to the highest ethical standard. If you are working at a public hospital you will be interacting with people from all different walks of life. You will treat all ages, genders, ethnic backgrounds, and sexual orientations. They will all deserve your compassion and respect. There is no place in the profession for judgment based on illness, appearance, or speech.

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.

Good nurses must have interpersonal skills. They interact with all types of people on the job. They are often called on to be essential links between patients and doctors. Nurses are important members of teams that include other nurses, doctors, emergency workers, and administrative staff. It is critical for everyone to work together and communicate effectively.

Attention to detail is a must. Nurses are placed in life or death situations all the time. It is very important that they understand the gravity of the job. One mistake could have disastrous consequences. Nurses have to read and understand patient charts. They have to be problem solvers. The best nurses can anticipate a problem and head it off. They must be able to read people and know how to talk to 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.

You won't make it as a nurse without a sense of humor. Laughter is a proven stress reliever and one that good nurses use all the time. Working in a hospital can be grim sometimes without having a good natured laugh with fellow nurses, staff, and patients.

You will become an adequate nurse if you master the medical and technical skills required. This isn't the same as a great nurse. A great nurse understands the power of empathy, communication, problem solving, and humor.




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