Wild Nurse Wednesday: Things I Wish I Would Have Known BEFORE Becoming A Nurse

There are so many things I wish I would have known before I became a nurse. All I was thinking in school was, "OMG I'm going to be an RN, I'm so cool" (in a real preppy voice). It's not as great as some people think, and just like being a teacher, police officer, fireman, ect. we don't get paid enough for what we have to do. 

1. Say adios to your weekends and holidays. FOR-EHH-VER (The Sandlot!)

Everyone tells you in school you should start out on a med-surg floor at the hospital, and I totally agree. I learned SO much working at the hospital my first nursing job, and I was eager every shift because I was exited about being a nurse and all. I didn't realize just how many weekends I would be working, and then when it got to my first holiday, which was 4th of July, oooooh I was so mad I had to work. And then the big ones roll around. My birthday (yes, that is a holiday), Thanksgiving, Christmas..... I had to work every. Single. One. I missed my family so much, and working night shift I never saw anyone anymore except my work besties, who I would text at 2:30am while watching Netflix because I wasn't able to sleep due to my crazy schedule. 

2. Be prepared to get attached.

Some of your patients will complain all day long, but then there's the others who will be so appreciative of your help, who you will fall in love with. I remember one shift where I just had a horrible night. One of my patients coded and all my others were just awful. You'll have those shifts where one whole group is just AWFUL, and that particular night I was the chosen one. I was exhausted by the end of my shift, and I kept thinking to myself, "What in the world am I even doing being a nurse, I'm awful at this and I suck at life." I stopped by on my way out to check on a patient and their spouse that had been there for a couple months. I walked in to the spouse telling me what a good nurse I am and are going to be, that I'm so sweet and caring and they just loved me. I couldn't help but break down and cry. This was a family I had fallen in love with and one of the first of many I've gotten attached too.

This is sweet Mr. Pounders. I volunteered at an assisted living place in high school and that's when I decided I wanted to become a nurse. I went to see Mr. Pounders every time I was there.

3. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.

Sometimes these patients come to the hospital or in the doctor office who have no one to talk too.Yes, they may elaborate on their pain when you ask them their level or if they need anything else and they start on their life story. Whether you're taking care of this patient for their pneumonia or CHF exacerbation, you're also taking care of their emotional needs too. Even though you're two hours behind, you have to remember to take a little extra time to listen. Trust me, you're making more of a difference than those antibiotics are. 

4. You're SICK.

Literally, you're always sick. My first year as a nurse I stayed sick. I got the flu 3 times, even with the flu shot. If you're germophobic, get out now. You are going to be exposed to the most disgusting illnesses. Every different flu virus strain, Tuberculosis, EBOLA! Then there's always those wounds that will make you sick, with mold, pus, and maggots... Okay, I'll stop now for those weaklings :] 

Me cooking for Thanksgiving my first year as a nurse. Yep, I was sick.

5. It's not all about the money, that's for sure.

I went in thinking nurses made a pretty good amount. The first W-2 I got I took a look at it and literally said out loud, "That's it?!" After working a couple jobs and making more and more money, I realized that all I did in life was work and I didn't want my life to be that way. Time away from your family is time you can never get back, and no amount of money is worth that. Don't make work your life. You can't take that money to the grave with you. Enjoy LIFE, not just a working life.

My sweet little family.