I Need Career Choice Assistance

[Stacio1985]

Hello, to all.

I am a 29 year-old male who is trying to take the next step forward towards achieving his career goals. The problem is, I'm having a difficult time deciding which career path to take. For starters, I narrowed my career choices down to nursing and occupational therapy.

I have worked as a CHHA in home health (with hospice/senior experience) for less than a year before getting back into direct care for the developmentally disabled population. I absolutely loved being a CHHA and was not put off by the constant exposure to nudity, smells, blood, feces, and other bodily fluids. I enjoyed assisting the needing with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housework/housekeeping, overseeing of medication administration, social factors, and light exercise. In fact, I was highly recommended by both my patients and supervisors. The problem with HHA was the lack of steady hours and the difficulty finding a job due to being a male working with mostly "old-school" seniors within a predominantly female position.

Meanwhile, I landed a job working with Bancroft as a program associate, which included working with the developmentally disabled population, running/implementing behavioral and ADL goals, bathing, grooming, dressing, community outings, transportation, meal preparation, light housekeeping, paperwork, and medication administration (after having successfully passed a Division of Developmental Disabilities proctored medication administration training/exam). Pretty much the same job description/duties as a CHHA, with the exception of medication administration.

Now here's my dilemma. I wouldn't say I'm completely horrible, but I feel as though science (or at least the sciences required for nursing school) isn't my strong suit. I'm talking A&P, Micro, and Chemistry. With that said, I am actually better than average in math. I've taken all of my pre-reqs and earned plausible grades, but mostly due to the fact they were taken online. I am nervous about getting into nursing school because I have a fear of failing. I fear the actual workload, required studying, and emotional distress that comes from being a nursing student. I suffer from bipolar disorder, in which I am taking meds, and wonder if that would have an affect on my progress within nursing school.

I would like to work as a psychiatric nurse, particularly in Ancora, which is why I find my on-going experience with the DDD population through Bancroft beneficial. Honestly, my heart is in nursing, and I think it always has been. I can't see myself being anything else. I'm just afraid of the schooling and possibility of failing. I am looking into Harcum College's evening nursing program (in Pennsylvania).

If any of you could offer me advice or information I should know taking my story into account, I would greatly appreciate the time and effort.

[firstinfamily, RN]

It sounds like you have the people skills you need. If you already have some anxiety issues with the bipolar I would not suggest nursing school. It is a very anxiety=producing program no matter where you go. It seems the OT would be more rewarding for you. There is still a lot of hands on with this and if that is where you get your satisfaction from then you can do that being an OT. I kind of get this feeling that you are just not sure and that you may not be satisfied until you try. So, you could always try and then drop out if that is what is needed. You said you "can't see me doing anything else." so perhaps you have answered your own question. I am sure there are some bi=polar nurses out there, so you would not be alone!! Go for it!!!

[sunnygirl1515]

hey. r u going to harcum nursing??