Am I making a big mistake?

[PinkAnne]

I finally thought I would try to get into practical nursing. My appointment to see if I need to upgrade is tomorrow. Trouble is, I keep going back and forth if I am going to do it. I am afraid of it yet can't totally let go of the idea.

I am 59 yrs old, 5 ft tall, about 125 lb., not strong, and not outgoing but awkward and shy. (INFP) I wanted to help people, my mother talked me out of it saying I was too sensitive. I also am very artistically inclined and crave art work when looking at medical posts. Very scared I will not be able to handle the patient suffering, the smells, and lifting. I did volunteer before I had kids, in the cancer Ward and ER and liked giving the patients support holding hands while they were getting stitches etc.

Do I stand a chance or will I crack? I also have been diagnosed with anxiety and PTSD. Thanks in advance for any advice and for reading this long post.

[beekee]

Have you ever worked as a nursing assistant? Before you go back to school at 59, try working as a nursing assistant to see how you like it. You will have more responsibilities as a nurse, but you'll get an idea of how physical the work can be. You might want to try home care or LTC, to get a feel for the type of work environment you will likely have as a LPN.