2be,
It isn't naive and idealistic. I've always had the "need" to help people. I love giving of my time, talents and caring to the world. If I can help people live a healthier life and get their level of functioning back to where it's possible for them to go home, then by all means I'm going to do it. The fact that I get paid to do it, is something of a bonus for me. Yes, nursing is work... damn hard work... but I like being a nurse.
I don't ALWAYS like ALL of my patients; I don't ALWAYS like the crew that I'm working with.... in fact, I just switched departments and am finding out that the nurses I'm working with now don't have the same level of commitment to each other as my past crew. But it's all in a day.....
Try getting a job as a nurses' aide first. You'll get a better sense of what goes on in healthcare. I wouldn't go to nursing school without having a little more insight as to what you will see and do.
Just my .02.
