Not What I Expected

[LoveAlwaysAlisa]

Hi, as long as I can remember I wanted to be a nurse. Well, at 28 yrs old I finally took the plunge finished my prequisites and applied to my school's ADN 2 yr nursing program. I just started 2 weeks ago and am already reconsidering. I DREAD clinicals and feel very out of place and uncomfortable. The responsibility of it all weighs so heavy on me already, I don't see myself happily doing this for the rest of my working life. I feel horrible because I wanted this so bad and now I don't like it. All my classmates are excited for clinicals and to learn skills while I hate it. I almost feel like I am MAKING myself do this because I thought I wanted it for so long. I still want to be in the health field and am considering something less hands on than nursing like radiography. I've been looking into and I think I would really enjoy it but don't want to be too hasty. I have a few friends that went into nursing and hated it once they started working and tell me to get out early if I have doubts but I don't quite know what to do yet. I currently work as a CNA and it's OK but knew I wouldn't want to do this forever either (my back will be shot to hell before i turn 40!) so I most definately want to furthur my career. Anyone else felt this way this early in the program? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Pachinko]

Most clinicals take place in medical-surgical units. I hated those units in school and hate them as a practicing nurse. I find them extremely difficult, and I'm not cut out for them. Intensive care is much more interesting and challenging in a way that I can appreciate. So, remember that your option won't be limited to what you experience in school.

[TammyG]

The beauty of being a nurse is that there are such a wide variety of jobs to perform. Some people find being in an ICU very stressful, others find it less stressful than med-surg because you have so fewer patients. Some people find school nursing stressful because of the level of responsibility, some people find it enjoyable to work with so many kids. Some people find hospice nursing stressful because you are with families suffering such great loss, others find it fulfilling and enriching in a way no other nursing can be. I am confident you will find the right niche for yourself in nursing. As a CNA you were around nurses all the time and obviously something in that job made you imagine yourself doing it and being fulfilled.

I agree with the others that suggested you stick it out for a semester. I absolutely hated my first few weeks of nursing school. I felt very out of place and separated from my classmates. It seemed everyone was making friends but me. I remember going to the school chapel daily to pray and center myself. I suppose not everyone has those feelings, but lots of new nursing students do. Of course I wound up loving being a nursing student and love being a nurse. I think you will too. So give it the semester and if it is really wrong for you, you will know it.

[LoveAlwaysAlisa]

Thanks for the replies! I have decided to pursue a career in physical therapy instead. Went to do observation at a few different facilities and really enjoyed seeing what they do day to day and the way they are able to help with rehabilitation and gaining independence for patients. I especially loved seeing the little kids that came in for therapy. I have a little sister with cerbral palsy and use to go with her to therapy as a kid and enjoyed watching and learning even back then. :)

[lindsey_10]

Jami, BSN, RN

I am applying to the SDAP program, and have a few questions. I saw in another thread that you applied and attended. Do you mind if I ask you some questions regarding the admissions process? I'm really worried about my application.

Any help would be appreciated! thanks!!

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

What I find odd is you say you work as a CNA. Don't you already have a really good understanding of what a nurse is required to do? You seem stunned and surprised by the clinical. It just strikes me odd.

As far as quitting...developing a pattern of quitting when things become challenging is often not going to lead to success. Completing the task at hand...grinding things out..it builds character and a sense of accomplishment. You are already looking at radiology? You may not "like" that either...what makes you think that is what you want to do? I would advise you shadow a radiologist for at least a few shfts before commiting again. As a 10 year psych nurse I am a huge believer in finishing what you start. It may get easier and easier to quit things the more you develop that pattern of coping with stress/challenge.