Should I continue with nursing or go into Diagnostic Medical Sonography?

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I am 23 years old. I am also a college dropout because I got too depressed and had to go into a 4 day rehab. I worked at a library for 3 years after a year of not working or studying while living at home, and I really did love it and still love that job!

Last year I got accepted to a ADN RN program at a community college in VA. What I learned was fascinating and I did like clinicals once I got adjusted, but I found that I was not focused. Upon arriving on an important exam (3 minutes) late, I simply gave up and left. I was dissapointed in myself (but with depression that isn't really foreign feeling) but a bit happy that I could say I tried nursing school and didn't work out. I could start anew.

I have been readmitted into nursing school again, and will start classes next week. But at the same time, I am constantly doubting myself if nursing is for me. Sure the pay is stable (more than I've ever earned in my life), sure helping people is great, my parents will finally be proud, I can be more open-minded and caring (perhaps this career will make me a better person!), and the job prospects and upward mobility sounds really good...but at the same time, the work of nursing school, and what comes after (med pass, injections, IVs, no social life, night shift, etc) is very discouraging at times. I find that some days I would need to actually take time to tell myself nursing is for me, and think of all the reasons and motivators. I even bought a container so I can physically write down the reasons of nursing so I can pull one out when I feel so...empty. very dumb.

This is where I think about going to another community college in Virginia (NoVa) to pursue an associates in diagnostic medical sonography. I think I can actually do this program. I think this is the right amount of patient contact I can handle and part of me is kind of really wanting to apply there. Sure I'd have to take pre-reqs now and apply next year but at the same time, life is about taking risks right?

My question is, should I pass on my nursing program I got admitted to now (this program is very competitive) and take pre-reqs this semester in HOPES of transferring and GETTING ACCEPTED into the DMS program next year (this program is very selective as well)? My reasons to take this risk is that I've already taken the TEAS, had most of my pre-reqs done, and I think I may enjoy the DMS program IF I get accepted. It also seems like a program I can actually DO and balance with life with friends, etc. My reasons to NOT risk this is that: I'm already in a nursing program now, what if I don't get accepted into the DMS program? also I'd have to find adequate housing since the school is 4 hours away from my home.

wow I'm so sorry this post turned out to be lengthy. I just had a hard time sticking with my choice to go back into nursing school, I constantly feel like I'm struggling to find an actual reason (as terrible as this sounds). I just want to be able to do something I enjoy and actually enjoy the schooling aspect of it, as well as my life. People tell me that 23 years old is young, but I don't feel it. There is a ticking time bomb in my mind and I really want to get something accomplished for once in my life.

(PS. I am 35% invested in my nursing school and the rest I am hoping like a little girl to change out and go into the DMS school. I am very silly. I know this.)

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If you know you're going to only be 35% invested into the nursing program why would you waste your time on it, knowing that it's not where you want to be?

If I was you, I would only take that risk if you're 100% sure you want to go to DMS school and will put your all into it... Only because you have already experience nursing school and if your heart wasn't set into nursing the first time, why go a second time and waste time and money?

Try to shadow a nurse and a DMS specialist then imagined how you would want your life to be 5-10 years from now. Also see if you could talk to a career counselor because I've been to one and they give some great advice, you can mostly find them at any college.

It's your life and future, not your parents or friends, so don't invest yourself into a career to please others.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you know you're going to only be 35% invested into the nursing program why would you waste your time on it, knowing that it's not where you want to be?

If I was you, I would only take that risk if you're 100% sure you want to go to DMS school and will put your all into it... Only because you have already experience nursing school and if your heart wasn't set into nursing the first time, why go a second time and waste time and money?

Try to shadow a nurse and a DMS specialist then imagined how you would want your life to be 5-10 years from now. Also see if you could talk to a career counselor because I've been to one and they give some great advice, you can mostly find them at any college.

It's your life and future, not your parents or friends, so don't invest yourself into a career to please others.

Thank you, this is great advice.

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