Nurse Career Path

When you think of a nurse and the many tasks that she has to do, what comes to mind? Is it the blood, the sometime unfavorable people, maybe the possibility of being urinated on? Depending on the nurses chosen career path, these may all be things they encounter. Nurses typically work long shifts and they deal with a variety of patients each day, each coming with their own type of issues. The problems and obstacles I anticipate when entering the nursing field, range from issues in the administration and staffing, to the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes with the job.
If you have ever had to go to the doctors or emergency room, odds are you have dealt with a nurse. My family seems to be very accident prone. Hospital visits usually consist of injuries ranging from extremely high fevers and stitches, to ATV accidents requiring x-rays and CT scans. When incidents arise, I can usually stay pretty calm, jumping into action to determine what needs to be done. The blood I can handle, the cuts needing stitches, no problem! Disgusting bodily fluids, check! These are issues that do not
worry me. It is everything else that you may not initially think of that are the hurdles I will have to overcome.
My first week, I assume, will go quite smoothly. I figure I will enter the hospital, meet all the staff and introduce myself to patients. All while maintaining a smile on my face to give the impression that everything is under control. However, inside I am sure I will feel like curling up into a ball, and rocking back and forth, just to try to deal with the overwhelming joy of reality. I convince myself that I am ready, this is what I have been training for, and I will do great. Then, the work begins.
“Nurse! Where is my nurse!” right as I am about to take that first bite into my cold, left over spaghetti. I come running down the hall, panicked that there is an emergency, only to find out that my patient needs to pee. Annoyed, but smiling, I kindly assist my patient because you never know when something more serious is irrupting. As I walk her back to her bed we talk about her kids and grandkids, and the trips they are planning. Then, suddenly, she passes away. Did I do everything I could? Could I have prevented this from happened? Was there something that I missed? All questions that come rushing through my mind, while preparing myself of having to face her loved ones and deliver them the upsetting news. I am tired, my feet hurt, and the nurse covering the next shift has not shown up to relieve me yet, but I tell myself, “I can do this!” On the verge of tears, I maintain my smile. It is expected that when you are caring for someone, a bond forms.
Finding a way to manage the weight on my shoulders after having a patient/friend pass away, even more so a child, I feel will be difficult. This is only one scenario that I feel will be difficult to overcome. There is also the daily exposure of bodily fluids and biohazard materials that can lead to other serious illnesses if not careful. Nurses typically work long hours and often preform multiple jobs that should be dispersed to many. Working these long shifts may cause me to miss my child’s soccer game, or an after school play. However, I feel my family will understand because for some people, a trip to the hospital may end up being the worst day of their lives. If I can manage to make their day a little better, my job will be worth it. While there are obstacles that I will need to face, I am prepared and
willing.