Contemplating changing majors...

[rnabors]

So I am half way through nursing school and it took me this long to start feeling as though it may not be right for me. I do not like being in the hospital and I could never see myself working in any kind of environment like that. I don't like how patients are treated and I am far more interested in learning about botanical medicine and more holistic approaches to health than what I learn in my classes now... On the other side though, I believe that nurses are so well respected and I think that perhaps just having a nursing background could help me a lot if I want to pursue natural medicine after college. I am considering exercise science, environmental education, nutrition or even outdoor education if I do end up changing my mind... I just want to care for people and teach them alternative ways to combat illness that won't leave them in debt - ways that treat the problem and not just the symptoms. I want to find some kind of balance between holistic and conventional medicine. If anyone has any sort of advice at all, I'm so ready to hear what others have to say.

[jjmm RN,BSN]

If you like teaching and health promotion there are many opportunities in nursing out of the hospital setting. I know many of my classmates that started out in acute care and were miserable because they knew it wasn't for them. There are many areas like clinics, community health organizations, case management teaching patients to manage chronic health problems, homeless/disabled population outreach...I know new grad nurses doing all of the above..that's all I can think of at the moment. If you really don't feel a good fit for the fundamentals of what nursing entails, then change majors, but remember that there really are tons of opportunities outside of the hospital environment. Good luck in whatever you choose!