Second thoughts about nursing school, seeking advice from RNs

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Hi everyone! First time posting here!

I am 20yrs old and I've been going to community college and finished my prereqs for nursing and almost all my general ed, my grades are all A's except for a B in Chem. I think i have a great chance of getting into nursing school but I am having second thoughts, I really want to be a speech language pathologist. My little cousin gets speech therapy and i would love to work with kids like him. The problem is that this would require a master's degree which would take twice as long and more expensive tuition.

My mom is a CNA and REALLY wants me to become a nurse. My mom has been supporting me this whole time, i haven't worked and been able to get really good grades thanks to her. My mom is a single mom and immigrant and has worked hard for us to have a better life so i feel obligated to take her opinion into consideration.

I also always admired nurses for all the good they do for people and althought its not my first choice, it would be my second choice . A part of me wants to finish school quick and help my family, but i also want to follow my dreams. I also would probably have to get student loans if i go the SLP route.

Any advice?

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That's a tough one. The harsh reality of the working class is that we've got to get to work sooner rather than later. It's one reason why I have an ASN instead of a BSN. I don't know what the "right" choice is for you at this moment, but you're so young that you could probably manage both, eventually.

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I would encourage you to finish the RN track you are on. This is the quickest way to earning a paycheck and eliminating your burden on your saint of a mother.

Once you have become an RN, you can start working with children in 1 of 100 different ways. You may find a niche that fits you even better than you thought the speech pathology would. You'll definitely have more flexibility and options as an RN.

If you do decide that speech pathology is absolutely where you want to be, then you can start earning your masters part time while working as an RN, funding it as you go. If SP ends up being your life's passion, you'll have reached it with the least amount of strain on your mother.

No matter what, getting your RN will create a flexible foundation for your future, regardless if you choose to go back to school.

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