Fear of Regretting NOT Going to Nursing School

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Hello, all!

I am currently a sophomore communications major but have been considering going into nursing over the past six months. I have always had a love for medical science. I took all health sciences courses I could in high school, alongside of Latin to supplement what I learned in health science classes. I like communications but I don't particularly love it. I'm not nearly as interested in the course material as I wish I were. Because of that, I feel like I am wasting my parents' tuition payments on a major I'm not passionate about. Like I said, health science has been something that always interested me.

I have this gut feeling that I will regret NOT becoming a nurse. Over the past six months I've had this lingering feeling that I will miss out big time if I don't become a nurse. My mom (an RN with 35+ years of experience) and my dad (former medical assistant) highly recommend that I do not become a nurse. They have reiterated to me that it is unrewarding as well as physically and mentally exhausting. Obviously there is no denying how exhausting both nursing school and the job will be. I understand what my mom means when she says it is unrewarding; patients (and families) cuss out nurses, treat them like slaves, assault them, you name it. In a perfect world, patients would be cooperative and thankful towards nurses, however I know this is not the reality of the job. One important thing to note is that my mom was pushed into nursing school by her dad. She said she wanted to become a teacher, but nursing school was the only college her dad would pay for. I think the fact that she was pushed into it subconsciously influences her lack of desire for me to become a nurse.

It would be ignorant of me to disregard my mom's input because of how much experience she has nursing. I've read other posts on AllNurses that detail whether or not people regret going into nursing and why or why not. The trend is that people don't regret it at all, or they regret it with every fiber of their being. My question is how do I use her input to make the right decision?

BeachsideRN, ASN

1,722 Posts

Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

You do you. Tell mama you understand her concerns but it is a chance you are willing to take.

Sage611

95 Posts

My mom told me not to become a nurse (same thing, former RN), so I took her advice and became a dental hygienist. Years later, here I am deciding to pursue nursing. When I told her this time, she said I have the personality for it. Any profession will have pros and cons. When you've been in it a while, you tend to see all the bad. If you asked me about dental hygiene, I would say "no." If you asked my husband about computer IT, he'd say "no." Ask a lot of nurses about job satisfaction. Get a clear picture of what to expect. Then search your own soul. No one can really fully advise you on your own life.

Psychcns

2 Articles; 859 Posts

Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Go for it! There are a lot of roles in nursing. A lot of information on all nurses. There are ways to not become physically and mentally exhausted. I still think it is a great profession after 30 years experience.

AspiringNurseMW

1 Article; 942 Posts

There are many things that influence how you will feel about your nursing career : personality, the hospital, management team, your co workers, your compatibility with your unit, your goals, and your own attitude.

Time to be a grown up and decide for yourself! Good luck

dorkypanda

671 Posts

Sounds like you gave yourself some thought about it. You should go for what you desire not what your mom or dad wants because you're living your dreams not theirs. if you're quite serious perhaps volunteering at a hospital will help solidify and confirm your strong interest.

Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Remember, don't focus too much on what others say, what about you? Why are you interested in doing nursing? Is it because of the money? The work hours? Do you want to help people? Did you have a previous experience in the hospital that opened your eyes? There are many more questions that you need to ask yourself to help you decide. Go out and experience nursing in other ways and it doesn't have to be diving right into a nursing program. You can do a CNA program or an EMT program. Both will expose you to "nursing" and the healthcare field. If you are not up for a program, go volunteer at a local hospital to open your eyes or help out with a medical organization. Do more research on WHY people do nursing instead of looking for people's opinion on nursing.

Not sure if it's just me, but your post makes it seem like you're not looking forward to go into nursing based on your parent's experience. If feeling reluctant, don't do it. IMO, you either have the drive to be a nurse or none at all as a pre-nursing student and I don't feel/see/hear that drive from you (solely based on your post though).

goldwater58

4 Posts

I think your job prospects (and job security) would be substantially better with a nursing degree over a communications degree.

RebekahMA

3 Posts

I can understand where your family is coming from, but you have to do what you feel is right for you. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I was too scared so I went and become a CMA. Now here I am thirty years old and back in school for nursing. I put off having a child so I could pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I know I will regret it if I do not even try. You have to have a desire and passion to be a nurse and as long as you have that you will be fine.

Erythropoiesis

305 Posts

It's a good idea to make a decision on a career based off of real-world opinions from people who have been there, done that. Sounds like you've heard a lot from both sides and your mind is still made up. I was the same way and I just got accepted into an ASN program for the fall. People tend to fantasize the nursing profession because of shows like Greys Anatomy and other dramas, and they get a rude awakening when they realize this profession isn't all smiles and rainbows and juicy gossip and nice paychecks. You know that already though, and still want to do it. I say do it.

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

From the information provided, it seems as though OP's parents are paying for school. If that is the case, they certainly deserve to be included in any decision-making process.

I would recommend having a frank discussion with them. Tell them what you told us. Let your mom know how proud you are of her and what she does. As a Mom, I can tell you that is a very powerful message from your child. Tell her that you want to help make a difference - not only to patients, but also to improve the nursing work environment. That may do the trick.

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