[Munchkin315]

Has anyone dealt with family members being unsupportive of you career choice?

I just recently quit my job to deal with some medical issues, and to take a CNA class so I can start working in the medical field. My parents have been wavering between being supportive and saying things like, this isn't the right time, you can't make it through an intensive program like this, things of that nature. Luckily, I have an extremely supportive SO, who is taking on the financial burdens that we have.

I am just curious if/how others have dealt with this.

[FriendlyGhost87]

I, too, have dealt with a family member being somewhat unsupportive. My dad has not outright said he doesn't want me to do Nursing, however he keeps saying, "Well why not just go to medical school...you're smart enough to do that, so why be a nurse?"...which of course gets me all worked up, because he just does not realize how hard it is to become a nurse and how much intelligence it truly takes, along with many other qualities. Anywho, I just tell him that my dream is to be a Nurse...and that is all I feel I need to say to him. I'm waiting on getting my letter from the school I applied to, hoping that I will get in!! I think my dad was TRYING to imply that he is surprised at how competitive and hard it is to get into nursing school these days...at least that's what I think he was implying! In my opinion, who cares what everyone else thinks. Listen to your heart and what you want, because it's YOUR life, and not theirs! Yay for nurses!

[missy120808]

Originally Posted by FriendlyGhost87

I, too, have dealt with a family member being somewhat unsupportive. My dad has not outright said he doesn't want me to do Nursing, however he keeps saying, "Well why not just go to medical school...you're smart enough to do that, so why be a nurse?"...which of course gets me all worked up, because he just does not realize how hard it is to become a nurse and how much intelligence it truly takes, along with many other qualities. Anywho, I just tell him that my dream is to be a Nurse...and that is all I feel I need to say to him. I'm waiting on getting my letter from the school I applied to, hoping that I will get in!! I think my dad was TRYING to imply that he is surprised at how competitive and hard it is to get into nursing school these days...at least that's what I think he was implying! In my opinion, who cares what everyone else thinks. Listen to your heart and what you want, because it's YOUR life, and not theirs! Yay for nurses!

EXACTLY!!!! I could not agree with you more. It's your life & not theirs. I hope you get in!!!! keep us posted ok.

[missy120808]

Originally Posted by Munchkin315

Has anyone dealt with family members being unsupportive of you career choice?

I just recently quit my job to deal with some medical issues, and to take a CNA class so I can start working in the medical field. My parents have been wavering between being supportive and saying things like, this isn't the right time, you can't make it through an intensive program like this, things of that nature. Luckily, I have an extremely supportive SO, who is taking on the financial burdens that we have.

I am just curious if/how others have dealt with this.

I am here if you need support, what are future nursing students here for!!!! Keep your head up ok & keep us posted

[Csantos]

only you know what you can do and what you can't dont let others put you down... if you read my story you will see,

basicaly i mooved to america on my on when i was 18, batled my way trough my 2 year english proficiency school, got married to my pretty lady, and never had any support neither emotional (whole family in Brazil) nor financial...

all i can tell you is, close your eys, and focus on what you see, therefore every action you take analize your goals,!!!

before you know you will reach it!

you got all my support!

[scmedasst]

What's worse is when they act like they're supportive and they are as long as it doesn't interfere with their life. My hubby can be a pain, everytime I have an exam he's constantly wanting me to fix him something to eat, wash him something special. When he did that too much, I left and got a motel room to study in. He's gotten better since then.

[3rdgenRN2B]

My mother has been an RN for 30+ years and she's the first person to tell me not to do it...depending on her day. When I was last in school working on my pre-reqs she was pretty supportive. She would tell me that she thought I was nuts to do this but in the same breath tell me how rewarding it can be. She works in geriatrics which I bet can be trying. Now I have a young daughter and she tells me she thinks by pursuing this I'll be neglecting her. Pretty discouraging. Plus she talks about the nursing crisis and how hard it is... but I'm not going to let her nay saying get to me...

[Munchkin315]

Originally Posted by scmedasst

What's worse is when they act like they're supportive and they are as long as it doesn't interfere with their life. My hubby can be a pain, everytime I have an exam he's constantly wanting me to fix him something to eat, wash him something special. When he did that too much, I left and got a motel room to study in. He's gotten better since then.

Nice. If my boyfriend did that, ohhh he's be in so much trouble.

You guys are AMAZING. Really. I'm glad I at least found support here! And I'm going to need it lol. I just found out that I have to have surgery on the 17th. Which is exactly one week before I am supose to start my CNA class. So we will see how that goes. At least it will be after my birthday. Which happens to be next saturday!

[iwillbanurse08]

Wow it surprising on how family can be so negative sometimes you expect it from the outside world, but not inside. My family is very supportive of my nursing decision, they are actually proud, I think they expected me to amount to nothing actually. My 8 yr daughter thinks the world of it. She makes me cry sometimes when she talks about it. I feel like i am making her proud. My boyfriend for instance he makes me feel like i am wasting my time. I really feel at times that he doesnt support me. But that is ok cause im not doing it for him I am doing it for my daughter and myself. At the end of the day it doesnt matter who supports you or who doesnt as long as you do it for you and who matters thats all that matters you keep your head up and your eye on the prize.


Remeber, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.-- Eleanor Roosevelt

[akcarmean]

I had a very loving and supportive husband when I went through CNA school and LPN school.

His parents were very supportive. I don't have much contact with my family so didn't really matter much.

all that does matter is do what is in your heart and your gut.

you will always have support here on AN