confused

[nemesis]

I don't know if someone has asked this question before on this forum, but is there anyone who wishes they were doing something else other than nursing? I just finished my first year of uni. studying Psychology. Before my first yr., I really struggled with the decision of what career to pursue; whether to pursue a career in Psychology or Nursing. In the end I chose Psych, although at the back of my head I was never sure of the decision. I chose Psych b/c I wanted to learn more about myself and others and thought I could help pple., especially kids with different problems: problems at sch, at home, with themselves, bullying, low-self esteem, etc., and also to work with those with depression and other mental illnesses. So my main objective going into Psych. was to help pple. regardless of the number of schooling it takes. These past few monthts, I've been having second thoughts. I thought a career in Nursing would help me achieve that objective, especially since I love caring for pple. So now I've decided to go into Nursing, and I've pretty much wasted a yr. of uni. The problem is that sometimes I feel like I'm making a huge mistake. I'm a rather shy and quiet person, I hate public speaking, and I get easily embarassed So I don't know if the type of person I am will fit into the nursing profession. I don't want to go into nursing and be unhappy. I've also thought many times about going into a career in drawing/fine arts b/c I love to draw, but the job prospects for it aren't that great and I don't want to end uo w/o a secured job. Another thing that pulled me back from going into a career in drawing/fine arts was b/c I thought I wouldn't be able to help pple. Some days I'm sure I would like nursing and other days the uncertainty creeps in and I question myself if I would be happy with it. Is nursing a good career for introverts/shy pple? I've taken some aptitude tests and found out that some jobs that appeal to introverts are: "library work, physical science, computer specialties, architecture, civil engineering, mathematics, optometry, and law." None of these jobs appeal to me except architecture -b/c it realates to drawing and involves hands-on type of work which I like. But it's too late for that now. I like books and reading, but I don't want to be a librarian b/c it would bore me eventually. I really want to do something that would suit the type of person I am, that I would enjoy, and would be able to help pple. I've know that many pple. are unhappy with their careers and are looking to find something meaningful, something that relates to the type of person they are and their values. I don't want to waste 4-yrs of sch (plus the one I've already wasted) and be unhappy with my job in the end. Were there times when you were't sure if nursing was what you wanted to do and are you now happy with it? I just don't want to regret my decision later-on.

[purple_rose_3]

First of all, let me start by saying you didn't waste a year on Psych. You have to use psychology everyday on the job so don't for on minute think you wasted a year of your life and money.

I would like you to know that I'm extremely shy (reserved) as well and I don't have any problems with this when it comes to work. Nursing will help you build your confidence over time.

I think the fact that you get embarassed easily could work to your advantage just due to the fact that you will be able to relate to some patients when they come in with an embarassing medical condition. You will be able to preserve their privacy and understand what they are going through.

Good Luck with making this hard decision!

-Andrea

[texas_lvn]

There are several places that will allow you to go behind a nurse or any other professional for a day or two and see if that is what you want to do. There are also free tests that are on the internet, and at many colleges that you can take that may help you with your decision. I would say in general, there is at least one day in everyones life that they wonder why they choose this carreer or that one. Take a deep breathe and relax. You never know what that one year (if you decide not to go into Psych) may help you later on. There is also Psych nursing, and many options where you can involve many aspects together. Good Luck what ever your decision.

Texas