The road to becoming an RN

I’m trying my best to NOT believe what I’ve seen. There are so many TV shows and movies out there about nursing, Greys Anatomy, HawthoRNe, Nurse Jackie, Scrubs. All of which have nurses and hospital scenarios in them. They depict being a nurse/doctor as this glamorous thing, where you have time for “office romances” and drama on the side. Where everything turns out right at the end and everybody you work with is attractive, and you’ll sleep with one of them in the on-call room.

But I’ve been to the ER quite a few times. Actually, only two of the visits were for me (which turned out to be nothing). I’ve taken friends and family to the ER and visited friends and family in the hospital and it is NOTHING like the movies.

I don’t know… watching shows and movies about the medical professions just makes it look so easy. It’s easy to intubate, start an IV, shock someone back to life. But what about the journey that gets you there? What about the countless hours of homework, study, school, and classes? Nobody makes TV shows about the hard work that gets you to the place where you can treat people and save their lives. It’s not glamorous… That’s why.

I’m here to tell you about the not-so-glamorous part of becoming a Registered Nurse.

I’m frightened. VERY frightened. I’m going to college and entering a very competitive field of work. And someday start a job where the results really are life and death. Somebody’s life is in your hands.

Failure is staring me in the face… but you know what? I’m staring back. I’m not going to give in, and I’m not going to give up. I’m going to do this, and I’m going to do it with all of the strength inside of me. And here’s the best part… You’re going to follow me! I’ll be updating weekly (hopefully) and telling you about the steps I’m taking towards professional nursing.

Here I go…