I DON'T want to be a Doctor!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Ok, so here's the scenario:

I am a 27 y/o woman with 3 children and a supportive husband. The youngest going off to full day kindergarten in the fall. FINALLY! Now it's my turn to fulfill my dreams. Going to nursing school and becoming a nurse has been my dream for as long as I can remember.

Here's the deal. My mother (we are very close), is now saying "Well, maybe you will not just stop at nursing. Maybe you will go on to be a doctor!" I have told her over and over again that "I DON'T WANT TO BE A DOCTOR!" I have explained my passion and what I feel to be a "calling" on my life in nursing. Now that this is all coming together and I am getting ready for my journey, the one person that I have always been able to count on for support seems "support-less". (Is that even a word?!)

Has anyone ever had this problem with family or in the workplace that could shed some light on how to handle this situation?

Thanks so much for listening.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know how you feel. You must pursue what you want to do. Your mom does mean well. I guess she figures go for the gusto and be a MD. I guess she has probaly heard how nursing is now and doesn't want you to be disappointed. You are young woman aspirations. You can tell her that RN's have lots of opportunities so much to do and many avenues to go. I am sure when you start and you are studying hard she will come around. She loves you very much! She only wants what is best! For you being a nurse is important. I really think she will see that in the long run. I wish you best of luck. Please keep in touch with us here. Let us know how you are doing! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, nutrition.

My mom said the same thing! Probably had to do with the fact that SHE'S a nurse and knows EXACTLY what it's like in the trenches. I have plans to someday return to school to be a CRNA, which is good enough for my mom. Now she and my DH are nagging me about when I'm going back to school!!

You just have to remember; when your kids are old enough to start deciding what they want to be when they grow up, you are only going to want the best for them too. So don't be too hard on her...she's just being your mom.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have run into patients that when they see i am a male nurse make very ignorant statements towards me. Like "oh, you must have flunked out of medical school" or, my favorite, "couldn't hack medical school, huh?" Well, i do have friends who were nurses and went on to medical school, all of they have told me that medical school was much easier than nursing school!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, PACU, OR.

your not alone....i have run into it at work. people tell me i shold be a doc also. :eek: i don't know why anybody would want to be one ever! i mean look at the cost of , the hours they keep, and the fact that medicare and insurance dominates the income. docs are getting screwed, nurses are getting screwed. makes you wonder how much longer before the collapse of the system happens.

of course we all know where the first cuts will come from, and the media will turn it around to be the bed pan changing, sheet changing, here's your pill nurses fault!

me :)

p.s. - ok i went right from one subject to another in 0->100! sorry

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh yes, Mothers! I know that reaction verry well. I am a hard working NP an i must say i have achieved a lot. But my mum still sees me as the daughter that never went to university.

But my boyfriend supports me an sees the value of my work without the university. Good luck. Don't blame her she means well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

proud2bme - your user name could be your guide...

Obviously, Mom loves you and only wants the best of everything for you. Try and not be too angry with her. It is sometimes difficult to realize the difference between parental guidance and interference... For alot of years, parents become accustomed to having input into their children's decisions. It isn't always easy to let go. We all want our children to have a life of bliss.

But as each of us have only one life to live - our own, not our spouse's or childrens, etc... We all need to be honest and true to ouselves, first. If becoming a nurse has been your lifelong calling/dream, go for it! I am sure Mom will continue to love you,

eventually accept "your" choice, and be proud of you...

...If I can help one Heart from breaking; I shall not live in vain.

...If I can ease one life the aching: Or cool one pain.

...Or help one fainting robin into his nest again,

...I shall not live in vain.

(Emily Dickinson)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My Mom wanted me to be a doc too..or better yet MARRY one. LOL! If only they knew what these docs are REALLY like, eh? Bad enough I have to work with 'em; I sure wouldn't want to go home to one...hehe.

I think our Moms are still back in the Marcus Welby phase of docs!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

LOL, mattsmom! When I turned down one of my mom's ridiculous "fixups" she got this glowing look on her face, "Oh you're just going to wait to meet a DR, aren't you." LOL, moms. :rolleyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment