Even though nursing is one of the oldest professions around it has remained a popular job that is one of the most trusted roles when working with the public. But while being a nurse is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs that you can get, it can also be one of the most stressful and hectic.
While you will spend your days helping others, there are many aspects of the job that you may not have anticipated. Becoming a nurse will require a lot of dedication and extensive training, so if you are considering a career as a nurse, there are a few things you should think about beforehand.
Training Takes Dedication
It is not an easy or a quick route to becoming a fully qualified nurse, and there are many requirements and qualifications needed before you can start treating patients. From nursing school diplomas to bachelor’s degrees, there are different levels of education that can offer you access to different jobs within nursing.
Nursing programs online have become an increasingly popular way for prospective nurses to get the training they require for the role.
Male Nurses Do Exist
While historically speaking, nursing has been a female-dominated workforce, men are also taking up roles as nurses in our local hospitals. There are still a lot of more female nurses than male nurses, but around 10% of the nurse workforce is now made up of male colleagues.
So, if you are a man that is considering a career in the nursing profession, then don’t feel like you will be the only man there!
It’s Not Like You See On TV
We have all seen the medical dramas that depict the nursing profession in a way that is miles away from reality. Real life nurses spend a lot more time being high-functioning and crucial members of medical teams than what is portrayed on screen. They are also a lot less likely to be in relationships with their colleagues than show scriptwriters would have you believe.
You, Will, Make Mistakes
Nobody is perfect, especially not nurses when they have such busy schedules and lots of things to remember. However, making a mistake when you are a nurse can have fatal consequences for those in your care. Therefore, it is important that you are honest and upfront about your mistakes so that you can learn from them.
It Isn’t for Everyone
Being a nurse is difficult, there is no question about it. You will have some happy days at work, but you will also leave work some days feeling deflated and in tears. No matter how much training you go through, you are unlikely to ever be fully prepared to see people suffer and pass away.
It is crucial that you think carefully about your decision to become a nurse, and while it can be a very challenging job, it can also be one of the most rewarding. While it isn’t a job for the faint-hearted, you will know that you are doing a job that is making a massive difference.
