Mapping a career in nursing
Q. I want to be a nurse. My dad says I’m too young to know what I want. I think he’s wrong, what do I need to do to be a nurse? You’re a nurse, right? – 12-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: I’m proud to say I am a nurse, yes. I’ve done many things since I graduated as a nurse in 1970, but, when asked what I am, I always say “I’m a nurse.” Of course, I’m most proud of being a mom and a nonnie (grandma) – those are my life roles I treasure. Nursing is, however, my first career love. I was younger than you – 10 years old – when I decided to be a nurse, so, with respect to your dad, I think it’s possible to consider a life path now.
But, I’d like to speak to you as an older person who has worked for over five decades. Life isn’t a straight line. Not many people stay in the very first role they choose – even if they do remain in their first choice of profession or job, they evolve and their work changes with them. For example, I discovered I loved being a pediatric oncology nurse but soon found I also loved teaching my patients, so I went back to school for a degree in education. Then, I fell in love with teaching teens and went back to school for a graduate degree in counseling. Much later, I completed a doctorate in education because I wanted to learn and do more.
I’m just one person, but my example is not unusual. We might start on our after high school journeys on one path and we may stay there, advancing and growing in one field. Or we may branch out or even change careers completely. Life, my friend, is full of possibilities. The key is that your work should bring you fulfillment and joy. Only you can discover what you want out of life. Your dad may be thinking of this truth – you have time to decide.
To respond to your question of what you need to do to be a nurse, here are my suggestions:
Study. Care about your lessons. Pay attention to your grades in high school, in particular. You’ll need a high school diploma to enter any nursing program.
Concentrate on science. Nursing programs require science classes, so you might want to see if you enjoy studying those kinds of courses. In nursing, you will take anatomy and physiology (the body and how it works), biology (the study of living organisms), chemistry (the study of matter and how it interacts with other matter), and microbiology (the study of living organisms too small to be seen by the eye alone).
Develop empathy. Practice listening to others. You can start with your family and friends. The best way to connect with someone is by showing how you care. Listening to hear (not to respond) helps a person be other-directed.
Be open-minded about other people’s cultures. When people are not feeling well, it is helpful to be kind and aware of their needs. Studying a language will introduce you to another culture, and that can be enlightening. Talk with people who are different ages than you; for example, a grandparent can share wonderful stories to help you grow.
Develop yourself outside of your studies. Nursing can be a demanding profession. Even though I loved my work, it helped me to have other interests. Sports, arts and crafts, creative writing, faith, friendships – anything that brings you joy will help you become a well-rounded person and allow you to balance life and work.
Shadow nurses. Some programs offer shadowing – following a nurse around – for prospective nurses. Talk with your guidance counselor when you’re in high school.
Have faith in yourself and in your future. You have many choices. I’m happy you’re considering a profession that is dear to me, but I am absolutely thrilled you’re thinking ahead! Good luck.
Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.