Newbie!

[elrian]

Hello everyone:typing! I am a newbie to this forum and a new nursing student. I worked as a police officer for 15yrs retiring 02/07. I begin my studies in May. I have always wanted to be a nurse and can remember transporting prisoners to local hospitals for aid and noticing the nurses and their work ethic. I knew i was on the wrong side of the fence and needed a change. Now I'm here, I took a Disability Retirement and studied my butt off for the NET exam. I scored very high (Considering I have'nt been in school since 1990. I am proud of my efforts). The reason I am reaching out for wisdom from the membership is because I am afraid of failing and I could benefit from any advice given. I also want to be an Advance Practicing Nurse possibly a NP or CRNA. Is it too early to investigate those areas? Some of my family members believe I'm getting ahead of my self but I think they're jealous.

[gaajr1, RN]

elrian,

Welcome to all nurses! Wow! that was a big change and really great to know your level of motivation and drive. Congrats on passing NET with flying clors!!

At this site you will gain a wealth of insight into this profession, right from wanting to be a nurse to actually being one. You will soon hear from lot of people who can share a lot more with you.

I am a student who will be starting in Fall and cannot actually answer your specific question on the area of specialilty but I can tell you that there is nothing wrong in exploring different avenues of specialization. Then, while you are in the nursing school you get to see it at close quarters, identify your areas of strength and see if it still works for you. It is also a good idea to talk to nurses who are in this area and get a feedback. Imp, keep an open mind.

Remember, it is alright to change as you go along but that should be your decision and not because someone influences you to do so.

Good luck!

[beth66335, BSN, RN]

Welcome to allnurses! Your on the right road with a good work and study ethic! Get ready to do something so hard you will question yourself at least once a semester and so fun you won't believe it! I have cried 2x since August of 07 and been totally stressed out on a weekly basis, but bottom line; I love it! Tests are so different, get ready to find the why to everything because memorization and regurgitation is over, except maybe for Pharmacology. Learn the Pathophisiology to everything, what does disease or damage do to the body, how does this drug work, what happens when the body loses homeostasis, what would (you)the nurse do in this case etc? You will love it! Just don't get behind and ask for help as soon as you see you need it.