So, you have decided that you want to be a nurse? Great career choice! There is no denying that being a nurse is incredibly fulfilling. You have a vital role in society, providing care for people that need it. There is nothing greater than this! However, there are some surprises that come with being a nurse, so let’s take a look at them…
Sometimes breakfast may be the only meal you get all day – Skipping breakfast is a very, very bad idea. If you do not get time to eat something at all, make sure you grab something on your commute. After all, it may be the only meal that you get all day! Life as a nurse is very fast paced. You never know who is going to need your assistance, and telling a person who is in pain to wait while you eat a sandwich probably isn’t going to go down very well! So, rule number one is to make sure you never miss your breakfast!
Your co-workers will feel like family – One of the best things about being a nurse is the people that you work with. You will see things that other people won’t. You will experience feelings that other people won’t. This all makes you feel like you are part of a family. It is a special bond that cannot be done justice with mere words.
Being a nurse will take over your life – Maintaining a good work/life balance can be difficult in any career. But when it comes to nurses work/life balance, it becomes even more of a challenge. You will be working unsociable hours. You will probably have to work overtime too. And, when you are not even in work, you are going to have work and your patients on your mind. It is not an exaggeration to say that being a nurse will take over your life. This is not always a bad thing. Nevertheless, you do need to make an effort to look after yourself and put number one first, otherwise you risk a burnout.
You will now become your friends and family members’ doctor – The final thing to expect from your career as a nurse is to be prepared for an endless amount of emails, pictures, texts and calls from family members and friends whenever they are unwell. They will expect you to diagnose any problem that is going on. It can be a little bit annoying. You love these people, so you will naturally try to help. But it can get draining, especially when they are asking for help with everything from a cough to sore toe!
Hopefully, you now have a better idea regarding what to expect when you become a nurse. There are a lot of surprises along the way, both good and bad. However, there is no denying that this is an incredibly important and fulfilling career.