A fulfilling career starts with developing a passion for the profession. Well, some people are just born to be what they are in the professional world. Some even start showing signs of their future ‘calling’ at an age as early as kindergarten.
Well, nursing is one of the most rewarding careers both in terms of financial and emotional satisfaction. It can get tough on the ground, and it isn’t for everyone, but the perks of becoming a nurse are endless.
Considering the many specialties and career growth opportunities, becoming a nurse is one of the best decisions one can make. But the big question is, do you possess what it takes to become great as a nurse?
Here are a few signs that you were meant to be a nurse.
1. Energetic
Especially in these times of the COVID-19 pandemic, most nurses work for long hours and crazy shifts giving care to their patients. Sometimes it might require you to be at the hospital for 24 hrs depending on the severity of the cases you are handling. As a nurse, you cannot tire running up and down to attend to patients, having extra energy is extremely important for you. If working for long hours does not drain your engines, and you are always energetic, then nursing could be your next opportunity.
Also, it takes a lot of energy and patients before getting there. Before becoming a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or licensed practical care nurse, many nurses spend years of studying and practical work. Some start off as State Tested Nurse Aides (STNA) and work their way up the ladder.
STNA by description, are skilled healthcare givers who work under registered nurses, doctors, and licensed nurse practitioners to improve patient care in health facilities. In some states and countries, classes for this role are available online, which means you can study without leaving your current job or role as long as you meet the qualification requirements. Starting as an STNA can be a great way to build your career.
2. You are Empathetic
If you’ve been admitted to a hospital at some point in your life, you will agree that nurses are among the most caring people on the planet. Empathy is one of the personality traits great nurses possess. It involves showing genuine interest in other people’s feelings, emotions, and perceptions so you can develop a better understanding of their plight, be it a close relative or a stranger.
You need to see the world through the eyes of your patients. Being empathetic as a nurse will require you to open up your mind and put yourself in the position of your patients to be able to serve them better. If you possess such a virtue you can make a great nurse.
3. Great Attention to Detail
Also, nurses are required to be sharp and alert at all times. As a nurse you are required to do your work to perfection, there is no room for mistakes. Whether it’s washing your hands, administering a jab, or giving medication, you must be thoroughly careful.
Remember, the lives of patients are literally on your hands, and one simple mistake can be very costly. For instance, injecting a patient with the wrong drug can turn out fatal in a matter of seconds. If you are detail-oriented, love order, keen listener, careful, and organized even in your assignments, then you could make a great nurse.
4. You Are Not Troubled By Blood
Does the sight of blood freak you out? If not, this could be a sign that nursing could be your thing. If you don’t get horrified by accident scenes, most of which are painted red with blood, or you don’t feel nauseated while handling wounds and injuries, that’s another good sign of an upcoming nurse.
The look of blood should captivate you… it should not horrify you because you will be required in emergency rooms and theatres almost every day.
5. You Can Work Under Pressure
As earlier stated, nursing is a laborious but rewarding career. As a nurse, you need to be able to multitask without being pushed around. No matter the pressure, you cannot break down or give up however stressful the circumstance gets.
If you are the kind of person who can work under maximum pressure and still deliver good results, then nursing can be your next frontier. From their patients to their superiors, nurses experience all manners of stress in their daily activities. You will, therefore, need to remain calm and composed even in extremely stressful situations.
The same goes for passing your nursing exams—you need to stay focused and determined no matter how challenging it gets. To become a licensed nurse, you must master your NCLEX RN exam, which is designed to test your ability to think critically and make sound clinical judgments under pressure. With proper preparation, dedication, and resilience, you can conquer the exam and embark on a fulfilling career in nursing.
6. Can Stand and Walk for Long
Especially during emergencies, nurses hardly ever get a minute to sit down. They alternate running from one room to the other. You will be required to literally run in some instances. Resting or sitting down as a nurse is not an option.
If you find yourself standing for long hours in the library perusing books or in the laboratory during experiments, then nursing might be your next big career.
And there you have it. If you’ve experienced any of these signs or you can relate to them, then you’re definitely on the right track. There’s a big chance you were meant to become a nurse.
