WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE BECOMING A NURSE
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- Опубликовано: 8 окт 2019
- What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Nurse. In today’s Video we will discuss just that! I’ll go over the reality of nursing, the good, the bad, and everything in between. The reality of a nurses schedule. What its like working nights, holidays, and weekends. The pro’s and cons of the schedule. Mandating as a nurse, mandatory overtime. Is being a nurse gross? And more. Hope it helps clarify if you are thinking of becoming a nurse but aren’t sure what it would really be like!
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I have been homeless for 16 years and I am sick of it. I have been offered help by a nice couple and I'm taking it. I am becoming a nurse. Nothing will stop me.
Appreciated 🎉
Good for you! How is your journey going?
I am just worried that I will become a nurse and not like it after having already invested so much time, money, and effort towards it 😬🥺
I totally get that. One thing here is there are SO many types of nursing jobs. So if you hated what you initially did there are other options. But it’s certainly not for everyone!
I was told that there was so many different nursing jobs and that I'll find a place I'll like. Except I haven't. Because it's just not for me. But it's really hard to know that without trying it. Id say, think about it at a basic level. Do you like taking care of others? Do you like being around sick people? Do you like serving sick people? Don't ignore warning signs that this profession might not be for you.
I totally feel you. My advice for you is to invest time for yourself to figure out what you really want. Try to get your feet wet first, talk to nurses, consider shadowing a nurse or volunteering at a hospital to learn more about yourself.
i definitely understand that and that's my biggest fear as I am nearing the end of my nursing program but nursing has so many options that you will definitely find where you fit in. You can work from home if you dont like interacting with people, you can be a nurse consultant, cosmetic nurse, babysit some rich family's baby lol. A friend of mine was a live-in nanny making $2000 a week and got to travel with the family a few times a year. Mind you there was nothing wrong with the child. They just felt safer hiring someone that's a nurse. Then there's forensic nursing, IT, sales, insurance companies etc. If literally none of those options excite you then nursing truly is not for you but try to really be sure of it before you put all that money and all those sleepless nights to waste
Nurse Liz hey I’m just scared that I won’t get sufficient sleep and I’m scared because my friends have told me nurses don’t get paid well they get literally squished like a sponge and what I mean about that is that they literally warn them out and at the end they get so tired thoughts?
I’m worried that I’d become a nurse then get hit with the realization that I didn’t really want to do that with my life once it’s too late.
that's definitely hard. If you have any opportunity to shadow that would be so helpful
Yeah. I should really look into it. Thanks!
@@kiaracooper407 you could also volunteer in a local hospital or LTC and see what the nurse's do. What's great about YT is that you get a lot of day in my life videos, this could be a great resource too
Jackie Who? Yeah. I planned to do that in the summer coming up. I saw it on my local hospital’s website.
That was pretty much the situation i was in. I didn't study nursing though, i done Occupational Therapy. Realised it wasnt for me after i graduated and went and done a masters in another area instead. You will always have options when you have a good degree like nursing
This is one of the best and most realistic videos about what it's like to be a nurse. No sugarcoating but not discouraging either. We are not angels, we are compassionate HUMANS that want to care for people in all walks of life. But rude people are still rude, and poop is still smelly! lol
Exactly!! Thanks🙂
Me too! Im too grown to get bullied...not sure how I would react to obvious intimidation besides HR
I am sick of being FORCED FED this BULLSHIT / POLITICAL OPINION that nurses and doctors have "stressful" jobs or are "heroes".
If their jobs were so "hard", WTF are so many of them BREEDERS? Why do so many of them have CHILDREN?
And they CHOOSE to make their jobs more "stressful", because they don't have enough stress, they need to ADD more stress
and make their jobs harder by not solving patients' billing problems FIRST.
I really DO think of doctors and nurses as just DUMB TOOLS to be used & then discarded when no longer useful.
Sorry if this political opinion offends anyone.
The Ultimate Reductionist you’re truly a sick person
@@theultimatereductionist7592 The dumbest thing I have read all day.. Why don't you walk in a nurses shoes instead of running your mouth.. PS it made no sense? breeders? patients billing problems? Please educate yourself
I am most worried about feeling incompetent and being bullied for asking questions!
I totally get that. When you are interviewing for jobs try to scope out the unit and see if it seems supportive of new nurses and questions. makes ALL the difference. Also, usually nights is awesome for this.
THIS HAPPENED TO ME..... nurses eat their young sadly
Bullies exist in every profession, not just nursing. Fortunately, I had an extremely supportive group of seasoned RNs and Physicians working in the critical access Emergency Department where I had the privilege of ‘growing up.’ Never feel embarrassed to ask a question. You will find your groove. You will also find your ‘go to person/people.’ I actually feel sorry for the bullies - there’s usually a reason for their nastiness...and it has NOTHING to do with you. It’s the same with our clients - when they’re rude/hateful, it’s often because they’re in pain/scared/feeling like their needs aren’t being met/etc.
Candi Leftwich i agree, I work in an emergency room and my crew is just BAD TO THE bone but sooooo much help supporting me in my new life as a nurse. I’m a tech now and will graduate as my second career as an RN in JULY. They go out of their way to train me on what to expect as a nurse, not just treating me as their “grunt” they appreciate anything I do for them and it makes me feel like I really want to stay, instead of job hinting at the end!
It’s such an issue. They don’t say that nurses eat their young without reason!
I'm only a student but I was truly shocked how you can touch someone's life by such simple things, you can make a person's day by just talking to them, or getting them a extra blanket.
Sarah Flick literally when I remember the excite in a patient after I literally walked all the floors looking for ginger ale after I told her our floor was out she was so grateful for something that seemed so insignificant!
It's so so true!
From my experience as a patient blanket and heatpacks are viewed as nurses carrying gifts from the gods
Yeah but you don’t have time for that due to all your critical patients and doctors calling you. If only I could actually spend time with my patients.
I remember seeing my brother's nurses and they were so great and it was so obvious they loved doing what they were doing and wanted to see him get better! Pediatric nurses are the best!
Really all I want in life is the financial stability to be able to get Starbucks most times I go to Target
Well you shouldn’t do it for the money
@@angelcake3710 We'd all be volunteers if that were the case. Let's be realistic. I could see it if you had said one shouldn't do it for money only when you don't even like people, have no interest in healthcare, etc. You work to pay bills. You choose your career based on how you will feel most helpful based on who you are and of those, you choose the path you love most. Otherwise, work will be h3ll.
talking taco if that’s the mindset I see no financial stability future lol know how much money you could save if you didn’t buy Starbucks lol
Teresa Rice lmfao right i see your point like @talking taco stfu
lmao i said this to my partner yesterday, the ability to get to just go to starbucks without actively checking my bank account lol
To answer the question of the day, the thing that shocked me the most about nursing that I wish I had known would be....how much it changed how I view the process of aging and death. There are things I totally stood for, opinions if you will, that I really wholeheartedly believed in, until I watched someone go through it and it just rocked my world. I always viewed aging and death as simple and sad, that we don't get a choice and that it was selfish to want to end your life without thinking about your family wanting you to be alive and around. I came to realize, dying is so beautiful and so complicated, it's incredibly intimate, and your end of life decisions should be that, yours. We will all have to go through it, but if there is something that could make it less difficult I would love to know, because I haven't found that yet. I've held too many hands of people who have family that didn't show up for them. I've also comforted many family members who WERE there, watching daughters lay in bed with mothers knowing it was time and just savoring every last breath, trying to squeeze every bit of joy and love left out of those moments. It will never be simple again for me, and it will not always be sad. :)
This was so well said ❤️
stacie wilson I’m an RN and this made me cry
stacie wilson Im pretty familiar with it already and I’ve watched a few of my favorite residents pass away back when I was a caregiver and that’s how I knew I could be a nurse. I handled it fairly well. It’s definitely not for everyone
I think you just convinced me I should be a nurse 💜
Dying knowing Jesus is the best thing ❤
What I wish I knew before becoming a nurse? That not all nursing is bedside, and even if you HATE bedside, you can still be an awesome nurse who loves your job. I think most schools touch on the fact that there are other avenues to explore aside from acute care, but there is almost no exposure to it when you're in the educational phase. School will prepare you to become a nurse generalist, and then once you're out, real life starts. There are SO many other things you can do as a nurse. One of the best options, in my opinion, is to work in the outpatient setting. I never even considered it an option because I was so indoctrinated into the mindset of acute care being the gold standard for nurses to aspire to. And that's simply not the case. Acute care is great, but other kinds of nursing are great, too. I started my career in dermatology, which admittedly, is a difficult specialty to break into as a new grad. I consider myself fortunate that I was able to work alongside one of the premier derm surgeons in the country, but it was a career path I never could have imagined before I became a nurse. And I for sure couldn't imagine it when I was in the midst of school, crying every day during my med/surg rotation because I hated it so much, wondering why I'd chosen this life for myself. So, if anyone is watching this video because you think you want to go into nursing, but you're terrified that you'll start and find that it's not for you, after putting in all that time, effort, and expense; or you're already in school and you hate it; or you've graduated and you're floundering; take heart. Not all nursing is acute care. Not all nursing is even patient care. There's a very good chance that you can find something that suits you - you just have to be brave enough to look.
thank you so much for this. i just started my nursing pre-reqs and my biggest fear in life is death. im terrified of it and im wondering if this career is really for me but then again its the degree your getting the career is what you make of it. getting a degree in nursing opens so many paths up for you and thats what i keep holding onto...
Thank you for giving me this courage!! Im ready!!
This was extremely helpful and comforting, thank you SO much for writing this. I've been so worried if I should go into the field and this helped in my decision a lot!
I am a Nursing Student graduating in May with my LPN. (I will be advancing to BSN after) I am most frightened that I will not be "good enough" or be able to think as fast as a nurse would in an emergent situation.
I absolutely felt like that too. Fortunately there will be others with you in those emergent situations and you can heavily lean on them! I didn't act smoothly or competently in an emergency for a looong time.
Your LPN skills will put you head and shoulders above the pack. You won't be alone in the beginning. Love an RN who is going through it!
Awesome
I did the same thing, the LPN training prepares you incredibly for the BSN RN training (Clinicals and exams) and real life experiences as an RN
Would you recommend the LPN first ?
I’m scared that I’m not gonna be smart enough when the doctor ask me questions I don’t kno how will I survive the embarrassment of tht !!
Samee!! I’m a sophomore student in my second semester of nursing school and I’m honestly terrified for clinicals and not being smart enough. The only thing that really gets me through it is to remember that if I wasn’t ready for this then I wouldn’t have passed any of my curriculums. If I made it this far then I can keep going because the only person who can limit me is myself.
@@Tyleehere honestly, just know what’s going on with your patient. Being smart has nothing to do with it. Honestly, you can hire anyone off the street with common sense to be a nurse. You get orders and you follow them. What separates is when you can put two and two together confidently and be able to relay it to a physician. Doctors will ask have they eaten today and how much, what treatments have been carried out and the outcome, or little things regarding the patient. Read your notes (h&p) and you’ll know what’s up.
I love having weekdays off. Parks, beaches, hiking trails, etc. are way less crowded and there’s just something nice about waking up on a Tuesday with nothing to do at all
I am a retired RN, so some of us do go through it all and come out the other side! Hope that is encouraging.
A few things that were not mentioned: Hospital politics is its own kind of crazy-making experience. Most hospitals that I worked in had the "administration" which was the official leadership, but who really had the power were the doctors, some of whom were wonderful, and some of whom thought that they were close to the level of God. Some delighted in collaborating with the nurses in patient care. The God-complex ones delighted in humiliating anyone that they could, especially in front of the patients. Self-confidence is essential to endure the ones like that.
Another issue that I believe is important is to recognize whether you have the physical constitution to be on your feet for 9-12 hours a day, repeatedly. I ended up having to retire early because of my back, legs, etc because my body just couldn't do it anymore.
The last thing that I will mention is that I worked at a hospital which never required us to work extra, beyond our 8 hour shifts. They would ask us, but it was not a requirement. We also had specific patterns to the days we worked, so we could plan ahead.
The worst part of our working schedule came as we nurses had our children, because we had to share holidays on and my daughter never could count on me having a certain holiday off, so she never got a sense of being with the family for a specific holiday. To this day, she does not have the feeling of family holidays because I usually had to work.
Best wishes to those considering nursing. It is an honored profession.
Amen Nurse Jan ! " Self- confidence" is essential in it ALL; even if you have to ask a question of colleagues. Never be afraid to say "I don't know but I will do my best to find out". No one knows it all. And when u think you do, along comes that one patient that changes the rule book. (I'll never forget a 70 ish YO patient that remained conscious and alert fully in V-tach about 30 minutes even as an external pacer was inserted ! ) And especially with doctors who humiliate nurses. In my hospital they had a Code where all the nurses on the unit could come and quietly surround a nurse being humiliated this way ! Nursing is so rewarding and such a wealth of knowledge. I'm not practicing currently after 20+ years though my license is active, but I pray for all those Nursing Heroes sacrificing and being challenged during this COVID experience.
That's what I was worried about. The rude micro managing, or ego boost policing that OTHER nurses & doctors would get off on to make themselves look/feel better. As if your OWN degree means nothing.
Hi Jan that happen in so many careers, trust me, I am accountant working 14 horas daily for several years, I missed so many things with my children, I didn't want it but my job always had projects, the schedule 9 to 5 doesn't exist for a competent accountant, and like that happen in so many different careers, doesn't belong only to nurses, you did your best, I do mine, and my children now they say they understand what I did, best
As I'm watching this and reading the comments, I recognize that having doubts and fears about entering nursing is common and I am NOT alone. This is such a relief! I just started my first semester of nursing school, and I'm loving it so far. It's been challenging, but I know I'm moving towards something I've worked so hard for. Thank you for providing honest and considerate insight!
I am so nervous to move forward with this career i’m only doing the pre courses needed to take the test to see if your able to take nursing classes, but I really hope you succeed
@@ejmartinez9096 That is so kind, thank you! I truly hope you succeed too. I'm in my last year of school now, and it's amazing. I've loved every minute. Keep your head up and work hard!
Hey how its going now?
I recently completed a 41 career as an RN and I feel so lucky to have done something with my life that was so incredibly meaningful!
Thank you for confirming, happy New Year.
I dont work evenings but a 3p-11p shift sounds ideal because you can get stuff done in the morning and go to bed at a reasonable time when you get back.
That makes sense!
Also...you never need an alarm clock because I HATE them.
When I started working 3-11pm at a hospital as an RN. I enjoyed those times. BUT that was before kids!
Love ur video.
I was hired into evening shift (3:30-midnight). It's a hard shift but I made it work better for me by doubling..evening into night (midnight-8am)..so it was 3:30p-8a..but theres a good break at night. Presto..a day off and cuts commuting and getting ready for work. I did it 12 years..its a good shift when u have babies/toddlers.
After 12 years we got 12hr shifts and I took night shift. It's good for the reasons u said. ♡
I liked it, other than the fact everyone in my house worked 7-3. I felt so alone in a house full of people. They’d be at work when I left and sleeping when I got home. It eventually got to me and I had to stop working that shift.
I’m starting school soon . Taking pre requisites . I’m 23 and Honestly nursing isn’t my dream , but I’m at a point where I just want stability . I do love people and helping others but I sometimes fear of choosing the wrong career . But watching your videos really gives me some hope . Definitely wasn’t discouraging just eye opening . All jobs have cons but the pros seem to out way the cons to me . Nursing definitely seems better than delivering amazon packages lol .
Try medical assisting first to kind of warm yourself up if that makes sense. More clinical work.
hi, if you don't mind me asking, how are things going with school?
@@marissrose8037 yes I actually went to Ross for medical assisting when I was 18 but due to lack of funds and not being able to pay for my classes I wasn’t able to finish . However, that’s one reason I know the medical field is something I’m interested in . The time I was there was nice and I love the challenge of learning new things. I got a lot of information.
@@th1696 I’m actually still trying to get in . I went to a trade school once and I have some loans to pay off before I can receive more financial aid . But I’m getting closer . I should be able to attend by the beginning of next year .
I understand. I never really dreamed of becoming a nurse, but I do like the thought of being able to help people while also being able to live independently, so I am taking my pre-reqs as well.
“I got to get Starbucks when I went to target most of the time” 🤣🤣🤣 dying!!! Thanks for the laugh ♥️
my life goals are obviously lofty haha
@@NurseLiz what kind of medical care did you want to specialize in and why did you choose that field? Get back soon
I’m 14 and I really want to be a neonatal nurse!!
Lmao sameee
Go for it! Best area of nursing in my opinion! You will have to work weekends and holidays but if you don't mind that, it is so rewarding working with the babies!!
a mc for sure! I’ll probably miss the weekends and holidays but yeah I think it’s totally worth it
Omg same!!! I'm 15 and dream job is to be a NICU nurse😊
@@guchaechae3612 I’m 15 as well
I’m on a journey I’m 35 years young and I’ve been in the beauty field for 12 years and coronavirus has shown me how inessential I am . I’ve been thinking’s about being a nurse for 2 years now and 2020 solidifies my decision
I am on the same boat with you, I came to see how much I help people look great but I also want to help and making them feel good too and seeing how we are all being affected with this I want to do this so much more and I also decided to go into nursing this year when I seen how much you can help, which you will never be worry you won’t be able to put food on your table at the end of the day. Like I have with this pandemic.
Oh my gosh, as a nurse I consider my hair stylist so essential!!! She is an artist doing something I highly value!
Go for it! I'm 38 and a dental assistant but now going to the lvn program
I started nursing school when I was 40 and I've been working for 5 years. All of you who are thinking about, give it a go. It was the best decision of my life.
@@jennifermcconnell4573 I don't hear this much. You are an exception. I'm hearing more that nurses want to leave the profession.
Even with all the “downsides” stated, I feel like those compassionate and heart-felt moments would make up for all of that. The only worry I have is me having some social anxiety and knowing I have to interact with patients. Not knowing if patients can get aggressive or difficult to manage. I hope I get enough training so I can be prepared for that lol I know it’s just my own personal worry, but still.
I feel that way too
It gets better over time with the social anxiety. I was extremely socially anxious before working, and after I worked for about 3 months it just felt very normal and super easy to communicate.
My social anxiety has me worried about my cowokers more than patients
Newly licensed nurse here 🙋🏻♀️ Today is my first day on the floor with my preceptor and I’m so nervous! Awesome video btw
Congratulations on your new job!! Hope it went well!!
My dad is a police officer... I had a very unfair advantage on learning about mandating, working odd days, and dealing with societies worst. I’m forever grateful.
Oh yeah I'm sure you got quite the front row seat to that perspective
Dealing with societies worst? So you met his colleagues?
liz i loved evenings ( 2-10 or 3- 11) is because i was going to school another thing is i didnt have to get up early . you get to go to appointments and do errands, car repairs, dentist, meetings. You forget working mids never interfered with holidays cause your gonna do xmas in the morning anyways , you can do thanksgiving at 12p , you are going to get off at 10pm for new years eve and not have to wake up early for new years day ( and you still got 4-5 hrs of differential pay )
I dont have kids but i know some people like only having to pay for a baby sitter for 3 hrs and if the kids were old enough they would sit in the break room for 2-3 hrs doing homework until the other parent came .
And about nursing having a day off in the middle of the week, it's nice to get stuff done and go to movies and pay bills etc etc. ALot of times your weekend is blown getting stuff done anyways...
Thats a super good point!!
I used to absolutely love working evening and nights. The reason I loved evenings is you could get up at a normal tome and get all your chores and shopping done without the crazy lines. I felt like I wasn’t missing a lot and the shift dif is always helpful
That totally makes sense!
I’m still a high school student, but I really want to make sure I’m dead set on this. I do love the collaborative aspect of being a nurse, and I aspire to be someone who can be there for a patient and give them piece of mind. Not only that, but if they do open up and we get to talk, I will know what the best way to go for them will be and be able to work with their doctor and the rest of the team to create a plan that the patient will be more comfortable with!
I was in the same situation as you. I was in high school and had doubts about going into nursing. I had an emotional breakdown because my entire life I knew what I wanted to do, then out of the blue my senior year I freaked out. I decided to put a hold on my nursing career and became a certified nurse aide. I have now been a certified nurse aide for almost a year and have decided to go back to nursing school. I needed to become a nurse aide before an RN to make sure its what I wanted to do, I have now built an amazing support group through the nurses I have met, and I am now 100% sure its what I want to do. I would highly recommend becoming a nurse aide before a nurse if you're having any doubts.
I've been a nurse for 20 years and I have to say that one of the things I really enjoy is helping support my patients. I love to see them relax knowing that I am their nurse and they can trust that I know what is needed for quality care.
To be honest I’m lost in what direction I’m going in..I’m a freshman at a junior college and I honestly feel like I’m wasting my time...I just wish I had someone to help me understand what I’m doing
I’m the 5th generation of nurse in my family. 1.My great grandfather was a nurse
2.My grandma was a nurse
3.My mother was a nurse and she retired in 2013
4.my sister is currently a nurse and I’m in my second year of nursing school. ❤️
That's awesome!! Such a wonderful legacy to be part of! And many interesting conversations around the dinner table I'm sure 😂😂
Same story here about teaching! I started out in nursing and then did one semester on the elementary Ed side and just knew 100% I needed to go back to nursing.
I’m a sophomore in high school and I feel like this completely changed my view of nursing and it sounds like a wonderful job to work at and I can’t wait until I study it and become one as good as you! Thank you so much! 😊 I’ll come back when I’m a nurse :)
any update???
Yess pls updates, do you still wanna be a nurse? I'm a sophomore actually
The benefit to evenings is you get to sleep in and stay up late. You have a normal sleep schedule. Byt thats about it 😂
sleep is an excellent benefit though
Yes!! You don't have to get up to the sound of an alarm. Sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast and lunch, go to work, and come home and get a good night's sleep. It's all about the sleep!!
Until you get mandated for noc shifts
Me knowing imma study nursing and I have a non existing social life 😆so I’ll be able to work weekends fine
I'm most worried about being confident in asking for help when I'm not sure about something. I understand there is always a learning curve with any career but I feel sometimes people just expect you to know how to do even the easiest task and sometimes I need help. Or to catch on quickly to something that you only did once. I am hopeful that when I get there I will work with a team who will provide lots of grace.
P.s.... I finished microbiology with a B.. I'm so glad that is over. Just three more pre-reqs to go 🥳..I have heard from a new friend who is a nurse that pathology is easier. I was telling her if I can barely get through micro, how am I going to do pathology. She said pathology is like being a detective and you'll have way more fun. "Fun" I think is used rather loosely these days. 😂😆 but she was definitely encouraging.
I totally get not wanting to ask. For sure having an encouraging environment makes all the difference. Also, I agree with your friend. Micro was the hardest class of all for me. AND YOUR DONE WITH IT!!
Watching this video has made me feel even more confident that I want to go into this profession. Thank you so much for posting up this video.
Thank you for this video, I was doubting myself so hard about continuing in my nursing program. I needed this reality check and reminder of why I'm pursuing nursing.
I want to be a mental health nurse because that's my passion. I'm in school for medical assistant and hope to go to nursing school.
That's awesome! You're gonna rock your program! Also, we can't have too many people focused on metal health, so thank you!
You've helped to ease my nerves and anxiety.. I'm working as a healthcare assistant and I thought to myself, I'd never wanna do nursing. I couldn't deal with the clinical shit. But then again, I can't do healthcare work for years.. its equally stressful. But watching this video of yours has really helped me alot.
I've just started exposing myself to the nursing world and learning about everything because I'd like to pursue this career so thank you so much for this video!! It was really insightful and honest, I appreciate it!!
The schedule cons were all pros for me. I am a night owl, I have worked weekends and holidays before in a corporate setting, and my boys go to their dads every other weekend. I dont like crowds and I'm more of an introvert so weekdays off are a dream. This just makes me more excited. :D
This just made me a million times more excited to start nursing school! I've never been more certain that this is my calling. Thank you for ALL of your videos! They've been so helpful, and I can't wait to watch them all:)
This was beyond comforting!! You have so much wisdom to share and I appreciate all of this!! I can tell you have a true fire for your career and can take pride in your work!!
I am 38, and nursing has always been on my mind (on and off) since in my early 30s; I was a personal trainer for 10 years and loved helping people reach their fitness goals, but I wanted more and also wanted a challenge plus a career that guarantees stability.
So, now here I am in my last year of the BN program and just the thought of being on the floor on my own scares me. I actually enjoy the "not so glamorous stuff" e.g. wound care, there was this patient who had an unstageable pressure ulcer, it was "wow" lol.
Thank you, Liz, for the video!!! it was really helpful :)
I'm 37 and looking to start a nursing career...It's a big career change, and a bit scary to go into a new field at this age. Good for you for going for it! You may have inspired me to follow in your footsteps! :)
I’m 35 male and I’m thinking of doing nurse too and I’m a truck driver lol I think I need a change
Me too, 38 and Thinking of beginning nursing school from October :) my motivation - stability
I love your videos because you actually say what you feel and don’t make anything sweeter or worse than it is. You are REAL
Hey Nurse Liz. I'm a guy who's about to start my last two years of a BSN, and this video really helped. I've not yet experienced much more than theory and textbooks, so I'm really excited to get into the blood and guts of it. Thank you!!
im litearly 14 and have been doing my research on being a nurse for the past 5 hours and this video helped so much!!!!
This is EXACTLY the kind of video I wad looking for. Thank you! It’s so much food for thought. I’ve been trying to make up my mind about healthcare sector jobs, so this is great! Better to know everything about the profession before going into one.
i loved this! thank you! honestly, despite a lot of the downsides, it made me so much more excited. i am joining the field in hopes to make a difference in the world- despite the icky stuff. thank you so so much, and i appreciate all your advice and honesty!
Liz, thank you so much for bringing awareness to this matter. I had no idea how difficult real life nursing would be. I'm a bit lost as to where I need to be right now. Watching this video has helped me so much. It brought clarity to my situation. My ultimate goal is to be in labor and delivery. But with COVID right now, I find it extremely difficult and competitive to be in that type of specialized field. I really appreciate you saying that "Your first job will not be your forever job." I have to keep that in mind, I will give it time and leave it up to God. Although, I am not in L&D, I am learning a ton and that can only benefit me in the future. Thanks again for giving us awesome wonderful content.
Teaching small children wasn’t for me either. It’s taken me 17 years to finally come to terms with that. I want to be a nurse. Thanks for being so awesome.
Thank you so much for this video! I’m still a prenursing student, but everything you’re saying is taking nervous weight off my shoulders. But my biggest worry is making it into the nursing program. Please help me in prayer, if possible!
You got this!
Nurse Liz is educating me SO much (my nursing CME), thank you!
I really do enjoy all your videos I’ve been trying to go to nursing school for the longest . Honestly it was either laziness or money or transportation it was always something and today I’m finishing up everything i need to begin nursing school and I’m ready to go through this journey . Keep up your videos Liz you’re amazing and your content is great thank you thank you!
Just discovered your videos yesterday and I love them. You’re so down to earth.
Aww thanks! Welcome to the channel!
Thank you SO MUCH for being this brutally honest about the pros and cons of being a nurse. I think you were very fair in your assessment and you've helped me decide that this isn't the right career path for me, at the moment. I have two kids, with a baby on the way, a cop husband and no family support to help with my children. I have been debating multiple career paths for awhile, and as much as I love the IDEA of nursing, I can tell that it's just not for me right now. I have a meeting to look into an accelerated BSN program for $90,000 and I don't want to put myself in that kind of debt, especially when our house cost us $150,000. For now, I think I will go to school for medical assisting, until my kids are older and don't need my full attention. I appreciate you SO SO MUCH Nurse Liz!!! ♥️
You are so good at speaking I'm not going into nursing but I loved this video. You're just able to maintain a good pace and communicate your thoughts clearly honestly it's admirable
I work four 10 hours shifts of 1900-0500 and love it! I miss all of the commuter traffic and can still wake up with enough of the day to enjoy!
I'm one of those who decided I would only work outpatient after my clinical experiences. I saw too many floor nurses who hated their jobs. I started at a lower salary, but now 6 years in I've caught up! I love the outpatient realm!
I love this! Finishing my first year of nursing school and can already attest to the life-changing nature of becoming a nurse.
Hello
Fun video. I have been a nurse for 33 years and back in school recently. I needed a bit of inspiration after a hard test day and happened upon your channel. So true about starting with nights/weekends/holidays, but 33 years in nursing has given me some perspective, and those seasons do pass. I think those vulnerable, hard moments with patients that were not so fun at the moment, taught me a lot about myself and helped me to become the person I am today. There were days when I was in tears, asking myself why I chose nursing as a profession, and sure there were seasons where I stuck it out because I had bills to pay, but there were also opportunities to walk away from nursing, but I really never had the same passion for anything else. I would go back and do it all again. I started off in OB in the 1980s before they were closed units, so as the least senior nurse, I would often show up to find out I had to work on the medical or surgical unit due to low OB census. I hated that aspect at the time, but I learned so much clinically working both OB and MED/SURG as a new nurse that has been invaluable to me over the years, that I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Also, I learned to be mentally tough, to be flexible, to work with a variety of staff and personalities. Eventually, the OB unit became a closed unit and I no longer worked MED/SURG, but I am thankful that I had the varied clinical experience. I did move to the outpatient setting and then clinical management. Sometimes, management made me long for the days at the bedside when I could clock out and leave it all behind. There are pros and cons to every area, but most nurses stick with this long because it is a calling and they are passionate about it. The great thing about nursing is that there is a wide variety of specialties, so I always encourage new nurses not to give up on the profession until they give it some time, try another clinical area, another facility. It can take time and experience to find your niche. After 33 years, there is still no other profession I would rather do. I loved your channel.
I just got my acceptance letter into an ADN program yesterday! Will be starting nursing school in spring and your videos have been and will be gold! I have been a night shift tech in a pediatric cardiac icu and my fellow nurse coworkers inspired me to go back to school ❤️ thank you for your videos! P.s. night shifters are the greatest!!
Aww peds cardiac is the best population!! I loved working on that unit. Congratulations on your nursing school acceptance!!
This is a good experience based perspective. I’m a BSN student who much appreciates your advice, opinions, perspectives, and comedy. From my perspective collaboration is key. Both between nursing staff and between different members of the healthcare team. Without collaboration in practice you wind up dealing with a professional “poopsplosion” at some point. Thanks Liz.
So so true!
Liz, this was such a great video! And your theory on the "nursing shortage" is what I've been saying for years...
I love all of the things you talk about - which I'm aware of intellectually, but actually experiencing them when I graduate is another thing. I admit, I don't desire to work bedside. I'm way more interested in public health, home care and hospice, but I fully understand that I may need a couple of years of inpatient experience to eventually do what I'd like to do.
Again, I'm only a student, but I try to keep perspective. I've had enough jobs to know that nothing is perfect, there is no dream job (for me at least), and that at the end of the day, helping even one person feels pretty amazing. I also just really like people, so I hope to be able to hang onto that.
I know a few people who immediately landed public health or hospice jobs! I hope you can slide right into one of those roles!
I’ve been watching your videos for a while, but I am going to be starting nursing school soon, and I amnow binge watching all of them because you are so helpful and honest!
congratulations on your acceptance!
A real eye opener. As a student, the initial costs associated with starting Nursing school was very surprising to me and it became even more important to ensured that I was successful. I work as a prn Resident Assistant at an Assisted Living facility and it was there that I learned to love caring for persons. I started out as a career change and needed something that would offer me a job after school and that would offer some stability with good pay and in my research, nursing seemed to be the one. This video is totally eye opening. Thank you very much!
Thank you for this honest video. I am taking my prerequisite courses and I am excited about the journey. I enjoyed the part where you spoke about thinking education was your field and then it was not. I have been in education for 5 years and I realized it was not for me. So it was nice to be able to relate to this. Thank you again.
You will make such a phenomenal nurse with your background in education!
Thank you so much Ms.Liz!!! I’m currently a sophomore in High School and I’ve been interested in Nursing since I heard and learned about it my 8th grade year. People look at me funny because I’m a male and typically males aren’t viewed as nurses, but helping people brightens my soul, and nurses brighten so many in one day. Your video provided me real context on what being a “Nurse” really is and I thank you so much for that!!! I always kept my eye open on other careers but I’m positive on saying that I think I found my dream career. Thank you so much, your videos are such a blessing🙏🏾!!!
Aaron! Next year I highly recommend you seek out a volunteer program in a hospital near you to get some hands-on experience. I volunteered once a week in my junior and senior years and it definitely helped me feel much more confident in my career choice.
I am an LNA on a Med/Surg floor and I just signed up for my first class to get my LPN. I just found your channel and I know I am going to watch a lot of your videos. A lot of the cons you talked about, I already have in my job as well. I am mostly worried about balancing family/work/school, but youtube videos inspire me a lot so I watch them while I do housework!
Thank you for being super real. I really needed this, especially the reality of nursing!
Currently applying to nursing school and this has given me such a good perspective on what it is like to be a nurse.
I’m so glad! Best of luck With your applications!
I love evenings on my dementia units💕💕 my favorite shift! I’m an LNA. I love getting everyone up for dinner washing them up and tucking them in for bed!
Your patients are lucky to have you!
I loved this video so much! I graduate with my BSN in May, so I am in the home stretch of nursing school, and this video was so touching. Even just in my clinical hours I have witnessed and heard about a lot of the topics you've spoken about. The stories at the end that you shared about why nursing is so worth it made me tear up. Nothing compares to the gratitude of a patient and/or their family member because of your care. Also this video was so balanced! The silver linings helped ease my anxiety I have had about some of the topics you mentioned. Thank you so much for this video! I have been worried about scheduling and you finding the silver linings helped me a lot. :)
I agree about the wonderful feeling of patients appreciating care! And I'm so glad this video helped!
truly inspiring and definitely some mentioned were the experiences I went through during my internship in the hospital and now I'm planning on my journey into my job career as a nurse thank you for sharing!
I ❤️ night shift, these things are so important to have a heads up about so you know what you are getting yourself into. Going to brunch after an awful night with your coworkers and commiserating about it helps a ton too. Once I found a good group to bs with it changed how I viewed my time at the hospital, they understand in a way your non-healthcare family just can’t (and I did work every weekend and holiday for years).
Thank goodness for all those little brunch places every hospital has near them where all the night shift humans can go for a good rant
I am a LPN currently in school for my RN and I can't tell you how awesome it would have been to see this before starting into the field! I just discovered your channel and I love your videos!
I agree been an LPN for 15 years and am now thinking about my RN
Man I love your videos! Love the “real” info you provide. Makes me feel like I’m not alone ❤
Thanks for your honest take on the career field. Providing people with realistic expectations is so important. I’m gonna share this with my wife (she is about to start nursing school)
of course! thanks for sharing :)
I loved this! so helpful, especially agree with the stuff you said about calling the shots, we should all be thankful we don't have the final say and be respectful throughout The whole process...its TEAM WORK! (Im only a CNA now, but in school for Nursing
Thank you for this video! I work day/eves! For me it’s nice having that variety. When I have busy days at home it’s nice knowing that sometimes my next shift back isn’t until 3pm. Then I can sleep until 8 am, see my kids in the morning, bring them to school, and relax at home before I get to work. 😁
That's such a good point!
I am so grateful to have found your channel. Thank you SO much for taking the time to make such awesome, educational videos. I am getting so excited to start nursing school because of you! Time to start the next video
Thanks for not sugarcoating your story , m slowly observing this type of career, yours are very informative 😊
Not overwhelming at all, I need all the info! Thank you
This was so helpful! I'm currently studying to be a social worker but I've been having doubts and I was very interested in nursing.
Hope you find that clarity soon! Both are great fields with their own challenges.
This is the best nursing video I’ve watched. Thank you for taking the time to make this.
I honestly was starting to get scared and have some form of fear about nursing but I continue to find happiness and encouragement about it. This definitely helps me see nursing is for me.
hope you find clarity in your choice!
I am applying to nursing school in spring. I find myself stressed over every single test because the entrance is so competitive. How did you manage your time, stay focused and positive and not suffer burn out from over thinking everything in school.
I tried not to overthink it! Also I told myself that I was going to do my best and if it was supposed to happen it would. And let it be. Otherwise it was too stressfull!
Thank you for the video Liz. Bed side nursing is difficult no one really knows what its like until they finish school and do it for at least 6 months. I have some videos about bed side nursing to help people understand what its like! Video is wonderful!!
👍👍
I have to tell you, this was great! I have been a nurse since 1982, by the way. I spent 17 years as an Emergency Department nurse, then went and did IT for 8 years in a hospital, then spent 12 years traveling to various hospitals to do IT work with those facilities...now I'm back at my home hospital (where I grew up) and I'm the nurse who does the nursing orientation. I think nursing is fabulous! Especially the fact that there are so many great careers possible for nurses! I would suggest to anyone who thinks they want to do nursing that they shadow...and not just once....several different places, with different people.
Thank you Liz for this video. I'm starting a nursing program this summer. I've thought a lot about it and I'm pretty nervous about the decision. This video helped me visualize the day-on-the-job and gave me a clearer idea of what to expect and what to work on
I've always lowkey wanted to be a nurse, but when I was younger I was so in love with the thought of becoming a veterinarian that I never pursued becoming a nurse. My baby is gonna be four months old, and after having a not so good experience at his first ER visit I decided that I want to start studying to become a nurse. I want to help be that change in the medical field, so I am so appreciative of you and your channel so I can know what I'm really going to be walking into!
Did you start with your nursing program? I am always curious about when people w kids go back to school//change careers...I have 4 kids and I have toyed with the idea of nursing school...
Thank you so very much I’m in my freshman year of college pursuing a nursing degree and this helps so much!♥️
So glad it was helpful!
you have no idea how much you are helping me out, the stress of not knowing was stomping me, i am planning on switching into nursing, and god knows how bad online "a day in the life of a nurse" articles are. i wish you the best in life and thanks.
I am excited to start my journey. I am 18 and i love medicine and bringing joy to people
I work evening shift and I love it! It’s way less exhausting than working 12’s. The scheduling is much harder but overall, I’d say my quality of life has improved.
Quality of life is huge!
I start nursing school on Monday and I just love watching your videos. They have really motivated and excited me for what's ahead! This one was awesome! Thank you Liz!
Hope tomorrow goes well!!
i am a care worker but you are SO right about night shift! the teams really are the best, with the best vibe. i love nights at my home.
btw i also work evenings and i will tell you why i like them: i can sleep in (i hate waking up early, it is torture to me, even when im used to it) but also i can get back and spend the night with my partner (he is a night owl). also more chill than days. good shift, works for me.
I appreciate your transparent honest advice, thanks . I am a new nurse and this was helpful 🙌
They also didn't tell you that people who have ABSOLUTELY NO experience in the nursing field make laws that make nurses over worked, under paid, they barely have time with their families, all to get treated like the dust under their patients feet. As a night shift unit secretary I've seen some things. All in all they have my respect.
Thanks for the video Liz! Ive been a nurse for three years and wish I would have seen this then. I started off as a bedside nurse on a neurosurgical unit at a level 1 hospital. I had such high hopes for my experience and was excited for what I thought was ahead. It was the worst experience of my life and I left before my first year as a nurse. No one prepared me for the amount of charting that was expected and how much “nursing” we didn’t actually do. In school they train you that the nurse does everything and knows everything to do their job, but unfortunately bedside nursing is all tasks and less knowledge application. The worst part of nursing was that it felt like all you worked for in school was for nothing. I appreciate your take on advice for future nurses.
The charting is RIDICULOUS. It takes away so much from the bedside care
I am wondering, where did you land after you left?
Loving your channel! You are a fabulous teacher, with deep perspectives. I can totally see you being a ray of light and hope for the “sick care system”.
I have wavered back and forth, considering becoming a nurse for over 20 years. 12 years ago I went into alternative healing-was a practicing massage therapist with my own business, studied wellness coaching, still teaching Yoga, adding in meditation and sound healing.
Sometimes I get super bummed that I don’t make a lot of money…It’s a solid income with a partner-no kids & a minimalistic lifestyle.
It’s a bummer holistic modalities aren’t more covered by insurance and hospitals. Integrative health care is optimal for patients healing outcomes.
Nursing is attractive mostly because of the money and flexible hours. However coming out of a post pandemic burnout, that I am healing from. I think I’m too old at 40, to take on that level of stress.
I would make more money being an RN, but I think my mental and physical health would sell out 🤑
Thank you for your channel! You are helping many people see 360*…I see great success for you, in nursing- or whatever you decide is next along your path as a healer and teacher.
Thank you for this video! I appreciate your transparency. I made the decision to go to nursing school and am starting to prepare now! Im applying for next fall. This video really helped me realize many things I never thought about!!!!!