Fear or anxiety about Nursing?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I had almost completed my first year of nursing school in 2010 and had to drop out due to getting really sick (and later being diagnosed with UC). So I am finally going back to school, 3 years later. I have always wanted to be a nurse and I am so excited to go back to school. I love the mystery of the human body and have been a great student, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. But there is a little nagging feeling in the back of my mind, and when I really focus on it I think it is fear. Especially reading around the forums about nurses being asked to resign, or getting in trouble when something goes wrong with one of your pt. I can't decide whether its just normal anxiety or something telling me nursing is not right for me. I did have lots of anxiety on clinical days, especially when it came to interacting with the pt. I was always afraid of saying the wrong thing or not doing something correctly. Class starts in a week... I can't decide if I should run with it or look into a different degree.

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Specializes in Med/Surg,Cardiac.

Have you considered why it is nursing you want to pursue? Mysteries of the human body would be better understood by going the medical route, such as a PA, DO, or MD.

~ No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent -Eleanor Roosevelt ~

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Have you considered why it is nursing you want to pursue? Mysteries of the human body would be better understood by going the medical route, such as a PA, DO, or MD.

~ No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent -Eleanor Roosevelt ~

Unfortunately, the medical route is not an option for me. I'm married with 2 kids and have to work full time. I'm in a part time nursing program...

I think my wanting to become a nurse stemmed from my curiosity that I have always had. When a lot of people can't stand the sight of blood, I want to watch surgical procedures, or learn any and everything I can when myself or a family member receives a diagnosis. I feel like I should be in medicine somewhere, but not really sure where. And unfortunately the area I live in has a shortage of college programs to choose from that fit my taste. I am very inquisitive and feel like I am more observant than most people. Especially when it comes to medicine, or the human body. I attribute my good grades to the fact that I couldn't wait to get to lecture to learn more about nursing and often read ahead or read the current lessons multiple times. I have spent my whole entire life wanting to become a nurse one day and now that I am not so sure about it, I'm kind of lost.

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Unfortunately, the medical route is not an option for me. I'm married with 2 kids and have to work full time. I'm in a part time nursing program...

I think my wanting to become a nurse stemmed from my curiosity that I have always had. When a lot of people can't stand the sight of blood, I want to watch surgical procedures, or learn any and everything I can when myself or a family member receives a diagnosis. I feel like I should be in medicine somewhere, but not really sure where. And unfortunately the area I live in has a shortage of college programs to choose from that fit my taste. I am very inquisitive and feel like I am more observant than most people. Especially when it comes to medicine, or the human body. I attribute my good grades to the fact that I couldn't wait to get to lecture to learn more about nursing and often read ahead or read the current lessons multiple times. I have spent my whole entire life wanting to become a nurse one day and now that I am not so sure about it, I'm kind of lost.

OMG, I'm just like you. I went to nursing school back in 2005 and made it all the way to the last rotation(Adv. Med-Surg). I have test anxiety, fear of failing, fear of screwing up once the automony kicks in as a nurse, you name it. I believe it is nursing jitters, I would suggest seeking professional counseling, just to get someone to sort out the root of the anxiety. Trust me, your mind will thank you for it. From one nursing student to another, I know how much you want to be a nurse, it's just the anxiety that is taking control. I hope this helps=>

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I had almost completed my first year of nursing school in 2010 and had to drop out due to getting really sick (and later being diagnosed with UC). So I am finally going back to school, 3 years later. I have always wanted to be a nurse and I am so excited to go back to school. I love the mystery of the human body and have been a great student, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. But there is a little nagging feeling in the back of my mind, and when I really focus on it I think it is fear. Especially reading around the forums about nurses being asked to resign, or getting in trouble when something goes wrong with one of your pt. I can't decide whether its just normal anxiety or something telling me nursing is not right for me. I did have lots of anxiety on clinical days, especially when it came to interacting with the pt. I was always afraid of saying the wrong thing or not doing something correctly. Class starts in a week... I can't decide if I should run with it or look into a different degree.

I say stick with it. I am still working on my prereqs but have worked as a CMA, so have worked with pts quite a bit. I think everyone has some anxiety when it comes to interacting with pts at first, especially when you are new to the environment and your role/expectations are unfamiliar. Considering this is something you have already invested so much time in, why give up now? Even if you decide that working in a unit is not for you, there are so many different kinds of positions available to you that surely you'd find something that fits.

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If this is any comfort, I have waited and wanted for nearly 20 years with much the same feelings you have. After this whole long road I got to focus myself on achieving this fully last March. It is happening. I know I want this 100%. We have moved heaven and earth for this to happen for us, but it is happening. Despite my confidence in myself, I still have moments of being an absolute hot mess. This is part of the process. Find what helps alleviate some of this anxiety. For me, I spend some of my extra time reading up in the specialties that interest me. Of course, as a student, that comes second to classes, and Chemistry was awful...but I still find some time to expand my knowledge and prepare myself for my life's work. ;)

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I agree with previous posters. Have u considered becoming an ultrasonographer?? Maybe you could look into volunteering at a local hsp. Or maybe shadow a nurse?? Good luck to you.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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If this is any comfort I have waited and wanted for nearly 20 years with much the same feelings you have. After this whole long road I got to focus myself on achieving this fully last March. It is happening. I know I want this 100%. We have moved heaven and earth for this to happen for us, but it is happening. Despite my confidence in myself, I still have moments of being an absolute hot mess. This is part of the process. Find what helps alleviate some of this anxiety. For me, I spend some of my extra time reading up in the specialties that interest me. Of course, as a student, that comes second to classes, and Chemistry was awful...but I still find some time to expand my knowledge and prepare myself for my life's work. ;)[/quote']

Amazing advice. Thanks so much for sharing :)

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