First year nursing student... HELP!

[wesleygrace1995]

Just wanted to say beforehand.. thank you to whoever takes the time to read this and help me out with my dilemma. I truly appreciate it! :)

Okay.. so I am currently in my first year of a BSN program. Going into this program, I was completely sold on nursing and felt as if I was destined to be a nurse. I had no back-up options. I felt that it was the only thing for me. However, I get stressed easily and once I began nursing school I felt like my anxiety level went through the roof. I know nursing school is stressful as it is, but I have learned a lot about myself through this program. Knowing that someone could live or die because of me and that I have someone's mother, father, daughter, son, and most importantly.. someone's life in my hands scares me so much. I'm scared I won't be able to handle it. I know the saying "nursing isn't for everyone" has been around for the longest time.. and I am worried that it isn't for me. I just don't know if I should continue with the program or not. I have been considering dental hygiene, but I am unsure because I am read in some places that dental hygienists have trouble finding jobs. However, personality-wise, I feel that it is a better fit for me. I have no idea what I should do. Current nurses.. please please please help me out! How do you do it? Thank you so much!

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

When you say you were "completely sold on nursing and felt as if I was destined to be a nurse" I have to ask why?

What was it that made you feel this way. While it is a good thing you have an understanding that nursing IS a very intense profession and yes, "someone could live or die because of me", but nursing is much much more. Think back to your first statement. This should help guide you and it is normal to question ourselves...that's what makes a good nurse rather than a rote nurse. Good luck!

[SentinelTruth]

Well, I'm not a nurse yet... but it depends on what you want to do... you can always work in areas that aren't as likely to cause an incident... a dental hygienist, you're not likely to make much more than above minimum wage, at least in the area I live... Nursing is one of those careers that a lot of people can attain to, and earn a very good living....

Ulitmately, it's up to you... but in reality, how many common folk like us can go through any kind of degree program and make as much as a nurse does? In my area, Nurses are probably some of the highest paid professionals... (there are others of course that make similar, but not very many).

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Well, I'm not a nurse yet... but it depends on what you want to do... you can always work in areas that aren't as likely to cause an incident... a dental hygienist, you're not likely to make much more than above minimum wage, at least in the area I live... Nursing is one of those careers that a lot of people can attain to, and earn a very good living....

Ulitmately, it's up to you... but in reality, how many common folk like us can go through any kind of degree program and make as much as a nurse does? In my area, Nurses are probably some of the highest paid professionals... (there are others of course that make similar, but not very many).

From US News & World Report:

[h=2]Average Dental Hygienist Pay[/h]With an average salary of $71,530 in 2013, dental hygienists earn salaries that compare well to other health care jobs

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I suppose I never had the fear of someone dying while in my care...of course, I'd rather not have a patient die under my watch due to the associated liabilities and inconveniences, but I don't fear other peoples' deaths.