Being a Nurse Has as Many Rewards as It Does Challenges

Nursing is certainly a noble profession. Nurses take care of complete strangers at times when these strangers are at their most vulnerable. Furthermore, nurses care for people in ways that would even make direct family members turn up their noses. They get kids to take their medicine – no easy feat! They stay up all night with women in labor; they even change diapers and wipe bottoms when necessary.

Truly, no one in his/her right mind can doubt the importance of nurses or the great sacrifices that they make on a daily basis – sleep? What’s that? However, few people really take the time to consider what it really means to be a nurse or the challenges that nurses face from the moment they enter nursing school and even off the clock. Let’s see some nurse stories to learn about nurse life from the source.

Is It Hard to Become a Nurse?

Nursing School

Let’s start at the very beginning: nursing school. We’re not sure if it is intentional, but nursing school seems to prepare students for their future jobs in more ways than one. Nursing students learn early on that sleep and a social life should not be taken for granted.

“Have you ever cried so much that the tears went down your cheeks, to your neck, and down your chest? I am so overwhelmed with assignments and studying that I’m losing it. I’m a 1st year second semester nursing student. I absolutely love nursing. Nothing makes me happier than clinical, and working with other nurses and patients, but my program feels like such a burden…The workload is astronomical on top of studying, having a job, and trying to have a normal life. My instructors preach self care but then turn around and say “nursing students study on every day that ends with Y”. I’m so frustrated and overwhelmed. I want to be a nurse so badly. I love love love nursing but this program is killing me” – harvestmoonmagic – Reddit

National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)

This is a standardized test nurses must pass to become either licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). Let’s see how nurses feel about it.

“if anybody sees me crying and throwing up in the hallway after the nclex tomorrow, just mind your business

” Tweet by nani_wahinee

“In high school I really didn’t think I’d be where I am today. Constantly trying to make myself better just so my kids can have a better life

today I passed the Nclex and became an RN

here’s to saving lives  

” Tweet by DarrianKaylea

Is the Compensation Worth the Trouble?

OK, so you survived nursing school and – after much anxiety – passed the NCLEX. Congratulations! You’re a nurse! Now you’ll get a job, and the hospital administration and your patients will appreciate your hard work. Right? Well…  

“Just thought I would share what a fun weekend I had with others who understand. The patient was maxed on levo, epi, vaso, dopamine, bicarb and 1.8% na fluids. Vent at 100% and 12 of peep. Patient on the crashcart pacer, rate of 60. Mag, calcium and na at critical levels. Full code. Family told me I just needed to pray more and stop with my medical jargon. I might have been to blunt when I said if God is in control, then when I turn off life support the patient will survive.” –  Milly_3334 – Reddit

“Hospital I work at is giving these out as a thank you to nursing staff.”

– trevorhiller – Reddit

“This made me laugh soooo hard!” Reply by MissAnthropy66

“How infantalizing.” Reply by BouRNsinging

“And what are you supposed to do with them?” Reply by nolabitch

What’s the Hardest Part about Being a Nurse?

Believe it or not, many nurses struggle the most when they aren’t on the job. On the job, busy schedules and heavy workloads distract them, but once at home they are forced to face many of the day’s horrors or finally have the chance to second guess themselves.    

“I became a nurse and my anxiety has been through the roof. I think the only place I’m level headed is work. But as soon as I leave I constantly replay my day and start to stress about little insignificant things, related to work or not. I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night with anxiety for no known reason. I start to doubt myself and It has greatly impacted my daily life. What are some things I can do to alleviate this!?!?” — hc815 – Reddit  

“I’ve been having this issue a lot as well lately. Even when I have a long stretch of days off of work, I spend them tightly wound and vibrating slightly, sleeping poorly, and some pocket of my mind is almost obsessed with work. The work itself is stressful but fine, I’m just unable to detach.” Reply by TH3_R3D_QU33N

“…I haven’t been able to sleep well due to nightmares about work. I’m a new grad and just switched hospitals to be closer to family, and I always feel so behind. I have nightmares about not being able to catch up on top of the “I screwed up” nightmares…” Reply by lk81921

Give Thanks for Nurses

Yep, this is nurse life: as rewarding as it is challenging. Nurses often laugh not to cry, but most will still tell you that they love what they do. Some people were simply born for the job.   Are you a nurse unhappy with your current job? Visit Nursa™ and find your dream job today!

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