Is a Nursing Career Right for You?

When thinking of careers, many people find themselves drawn to the idea of working in the medical field. Are you drawn to medical dramas and often find yourself daydreaming of wearing scrubs and helping patients? While nursing may be a noble and satisfying profession with excellent growth potential, the reality is it’s far different than how it’s portrayed on television and it’s not for the faint of heart. 

Nurses often find themselves in challenging situations and have to deal with life and death situations as well as everything else in between.

If you’re trying to decide whether or not a career in nursing is right for you, here are some common aspects of the job to consider:

Responsibility

Nurses have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders, so it’s important that nurses are dependable. Licensed practical nurse responsibilities may include maintaining patient records, measuring vital signs, administering and monitoring medication, assisting doctors and nurses with tests and procedures, helping patients eat, dress and bathe, as well as updating doctors and nurses on patient status.

Communication

Good communication skills are a must, especially since you will be required to communicate with doctors, patients, and family members. You need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively when sharing pertinent medical information and assessing a patient’s condition.

Flexibility

When you work as a nurse you learn to expect the unexpected on any given day. No two days as a nurse will likely ever be the same, so having flexibility and adaptability are a must. This even applies to shift schedules as nurses don’t always have the luxury of a set weekly schedule and often work a varied shift schedule that changes frequently.

Attention to detail

Since nurses deal with life and death situations on a daily basis, it’s crucial for them to have strict attention to detail so they don’t make any mistakes. Accidental or absent-minded errors such as writing down the wrong patient name or medication can have catastrophic consequences.

Critical Thinking

As a nurse you will need to be able to prioritize and make important decisions that can save lives. Nursing requires people who can think and respond quickly in an emergency, as well as stay calm in a stressful situation.

Stamina

Another aspect of nursing that is often overlooked is the need for stamina. Nursing is a demanding career and requires workers to be physically, mentally, and emotionally strong. Shift hours can be long for nurses and the majority of your shift is spent on your feet walking, bending, reaching and lifting.

Thick Skin

While working as a nurse you will likely find that stress levels and tension can run high at times, especially when dealing with very sick or injured patients who may be suffering in pain, so it’s important to be confident in who are you as a person and not let the small stuff bother you or take it personal when someone is short or upset with you.

Empathy and Compassion

The best kind of nurse is one who possesses both empathy and compassion as it allows them to connect with their patients on an emotional level. If any of these things above apply to you, then you’re ready to take the next step. Contact our admissions team at Athena Career Academy to find out how you can get started on your own journey to a rewarding and fulfilling career in nursing.