What is it like being a nurse?

What is being a Nurse REALLY like?

• I would like honest opinions about what being a Nurse is really like..what your days(or nights) are really like? Im applying for Nursing school this next time around, and I have always wanted to do this. Please only answer if you were/are a nurse. Thanks!

• Answer:

  I am a nurse, but I work in adult neurology and neurosurgery which is very demanding. If you are definately sure of paediatrics however, and are sure on the neonatal side of things then things don't tend to be as hectic as they may be in a standard ward scenario as staffing levels are much better controlled do to the critical care required for the babies. In regards to uni, it's not too hard to get on provided that you can display the passion for nursing and show that it's what you really want as paediatric places are much fewer than adult where there is a bigger shortage. You should by all means not get it confused with Casualty or a fantastical idea of what nursing is as it is very hard work, long shifts and you have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. Certainly on the adult side of things, a lot can be about washing, helping people with hygiene requirements, and generally making people comfortable but I can tell you that the feeling that you get when one of your patients comes back from against the odds and goes home with a smile on their face is unforgettable and makes every aspect of the job worthwhile!! I wouldn't swap nursing for anything.