What would you tell to your younger self?

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Hi guys,

I'm 19 years old currently taking prerequisites courses for the adn program in a community college, I'm developing a big passion towards taking care of patients in and out of the hospital. I volunteer at a local hospital and it's one of my greatest experiences so far. What would you guys do if time has flipped back and you were 19 again?

You're smart enough, your grades are pretty good, you love biology, so just get your biology degree and work on getting into med school. Nursing is great, and the world needs more smart nurses, but it's not worth it. Nurses are responsible for a lot more, and they get paid far less than a doctor does. If you're going to take a lot of BS, at least you should be compensated well for it.

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You're smart enough your grades are pretty good, you love biology, so just get your biology degree and work on getting into med school. Nursing is great, and the world needs more smart nurses, but it's not worth it. Nurses are responsible for a lot more, and they get paid far less than a doctor does. If you're going to take a lot of BS, at least you should be compensated well for it.[/quote']

What's Bs?

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Specializes in 4.

What's Bs?

Bull sh*t (poo poo)

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Specializes in 4.

1) don't get married young.

2) follow your heart. I knew at 18 that I was born to be a nurse but it took me 22 yrs to put me 1st.

3) be kind to yourself, forgive yourself & love yourself.

4) you can do anything you put your mind too.

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Nothing. I am where I am because of the decisions or lack thereof I made when I was 19. Had I not done what I did, my life would be very very different at this time.

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I'm smart enough, good enough and I should go for it. Believe in ur abilities more. Oh and don't date that guy Cory bc ur wasting ur time- lol

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Specializes in Wound Care.

That instead of taking Printing Occupations in high school for ROP I should have taken the LVN program. I could kick myself in the rear every time I think about it.

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One of my big concerns is the tuition fee, and since it's been going up this past 3 years. What are some of ur tips to make some sideline money or how to manage your money right at my stage?

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Work as a CNA for the experience AND to learn the realities of healthcare. Preferably in a hospital. As far as learning the realities of healthcare, this site is a great site to learn from others' experiences. I was HUGE on research before going into Nursing, trying to learn exactly what I'm getting myself into. I wasn't aware if this site til far into my schooling however, and was in the shock of my life right before graduating learning there a few few jobs for new grads with no experience. You could handle an interview great with CNA experience. Other realities of nursing I was clueless on: poor staffing (nurse and CNA to patient ratios) lack of management support, gossipy nature of work environments. So my advice to my younger self, learn coping skills and practice them every chance you get, because life is going to throw curve balls, but with coping skills and SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE in your life, you can handle it and be a great nurse.Also, this is is HUGE. Burn no bridges. You're the only one that will come back to haunt. Well, you and your family.

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19 year old Flo,

Enroll in nursing school, break up with that horrible guy, and start exercising. Stop counting on that metabolism!

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Start nursing school earlier, get masters degree straight after BSN. Watch your weight and make adjustments before there is a problem.

Listen to all my mothers stories and take notes

Laugh a lot, love a lot and follow your gut feeling!

Slow down! and enjoy the flowers

Don't become a manager

Don't spend spend spend! Save money

Dont get married young save yourself and enjoy your life

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1. If your family doesn't provide good role models, seek out a mentor - maybe a professor, an older co-worker, etc. to help talk you through decisions.

2. Get to know your TRUE self so that your decisions reflect your heart, not the influences of important people in your life - including family or a mentor.

3. Don't get into debt (MAYBE for school, but nothing else for sure!).

Great advice!

I highly suggest you take a deep look into #2. It's can be a big investment (time and money) to choose a career, whether it be nursing or any other profession. Make sure it's really what you want to do. If you do decide on nursing, just get the BSN. It will make you more marketable and you can finish it all in one sitting.

To make extra cash, work as a CNA! I wish I did...it would provide hands on experience, maybe help decide if it's what you want to do, and get your foot in the door. Put away at least 10% of your paycheck to savings. If you can live with your parents, do it. I did and it help me save a ton of money that I used to pay off my loans.

I also agree with a previous post- try to focus on your education first before starting a family. Less obligations, less stress. And make time for yourself-- have fun!

Good luck in this journey we call Life :)

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