Nursing shortage? Give me a break!
If we can only look beneath those Nursing ads, nurse-wannabes will get the shock of their lives.
Truth be told, Nursing schools and hospitals are running a business. And for them to thrive, they need to use clever tactics to entice more students–which includes covering up the truth.
Nursing shortage is so yesterday. And unless you’re taking up Nursing with the right intention, you’re in for a great surprise.
So are you really cut out for this profession? Here’s a rundown of what you need to know about being a nurse–and why you’re not meant to be one:
You’re only after the money
Nursing is not a ‘get rich quick’ scheme. The increasing unemployment rate is one screaming proof. In addition to that, being a nurse requires a willingness to do free labor more than a great desire for huge paycheck. It is a backbreaking job, so to speak. Worse, you might even volunteer during your first few years.
Someone else forced you to become a nurse
Nurses always have a share of a bad day. But during those instances, you can’t just tell “Hey, I was just forced to clean your shit” in front of a patient. You signed up for this so suck it up and face the consequences. This profession requires a lifelong commitment–something you won’t achieve by just faking your way to graduation.
You hate dealing with jerks
Patience is a virtue and nurses learn it the hard way. From stupid co-workers to demanding patients, there is a slew of personalities you have to deal with as a nurse. It’s always tempting to lose your patience but with good social skills, you can still provide excellent care amidst personality clashes.
If you dislike “continuing education” like a plague
Nurses are lifelong learners. This means you’re only as good as the last skill you learned from a seminar. Healthcare is forever evolving and unless you’re always up to date, your patients are in great danger. Real nurses embrace learning not for the sake of brain stimulation. They always do it for their patients’ welfare and their own professional growth.
You love sitting down
Varicose veins are one of the signs that Nursing is unlike any traditional 9 to 5 job. In reality, you will spend most of your shift running, walking, and standing up–all for the sake of your patients. Of course, you can choose to sit down while charting. But just like sleeping for 8 straight hours, sitting down is a luxury for most nurses.
You have a  small or weak bladder
Hospital duties can be very hectic that some nurses decide to wear adult diapers. Remember, you’re dealing with human lives here. So if your bathroom trips outnumber bedside caring, better fix your bladder ASAP.
You have phobia of bloods
Nursing is one of the bloodiest jobs out there. You will literally see more human blood than water most of the day. So if the sight of blood turns your stomach upside down, think several times before entering this career.
You can’t stand stinky stuff
Prepare to awaken your senses if you’re planning to be a nurse. Aside from gory episodes, you will also deal with different smells–some are nice but most are nauseating. They usually come from patients’ body fluids so it shouldn’t come as a surprise.
You believe Nursing is always a “high-paying, recession-proof” job
As I said, healthcare is a business and with the recent changes in insurance policies, newbie nurses can only expect for the worst. In reality, some hospital are now hiring more anxillary staff, leaving registered nurses competing for a few part-time positions. They do this to avoid paying on benefits but sadly, it’s not what those Nursing ads are telling us. Of course, it varies for every State but one thing is always clear: Nursing is getting more competitive and merciless nowadays.
You want a perfect, heavenly job
Nursing is not what you see on TV. You only need a few years in this profession to realize that reality is far from what you were taught in Nursing school. Get your facts straight. Check your priorities. And most importantly, take up Nursing with a sincere intention of MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
Featured image courtesy of:Â scrubsmag.com
