Can I have a weak stomach and still be a good RN?

I mean that as a serious question. I love studying the human body and learning about ways to stay/become healthy. I love helping and teaching people. But I don't like "blood and guts". When I look at nursing education programs, I am fascinated by the coursework but don't want to graduate and be physically unable to do my job. Any advice?

Of course you can, you'll just have to pick an apppropriate area, wherer the "blood and guts" exposure will be minimal. You can work in a dr's office, a clinic, maybe specialize in Peds or work in a long term care facility. You can even work forensics or medical legal counseling The options for RN's are endless. Good Luck

Perhaps you could consider some alternatives such as becoming a nutritionist or a physical therapist. You would have the opportunity to work in the healing profession and not have to deal with the "blood and guts." However, if you are determined to pursue nursing as a profession, I think that eventually (after plenty of vomiting and running from the room) you may be able to detach yourself enough to handle the business of healing - call it strength through environmental immersion. Another option is to perhaps take on work as a nurse's aide - you may not see a lot "blood and guts" but there are plenty of the other bodily fluids and excrements that you would have to contend with, and you can get a better idea of your feelings on the issue.

Depends on where you work. In pre op, nurses rarely have to deal with body fluids or anything gross. The worst thing they do is insert IVs. If something is messy, believe me, they will call on an "underling" to do the dirty work.