How Do I Know Nursing Is Right For Me

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Good morning all!

I am new to this site and would like to post a difficult question. I am twenty eight, two children and a wife. I have been going to school for about 8 semesters earning credits to satisfy general ed for the nursing school that I plan to transfer to next year. I chose nursing because I love people, I love to help, I am very medically inquisitive and I suppose because after I'm done with school I'll be almost guaranteed a job (i didn't want to compromise all this schooling and then not get a job making any more money than I am now, considering it really has taken sacrifice on my families part).

My question is that as excited as I am to pursue the next step and start the "hands on" nursing, I think often about not being good at it, making a serious human error, not being able to handle the stress of nursing school(why do people keep saying that it is sooooo hard, makes me feel like throwing in the towel already). All of these fears make me question if I should really be doing this. Is this what every one deals with?

FYI...i plan to receive a BA through one of the most accredited schools in the state...I want to pursue nursing specializing in Womens Health

Thanks for any advice.

Melissa

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I remember feeling the same way you did. When I started school, I was terrified. And you know what? When I started my first job, I felt the same way. I wondered what would happen if I made a mistake, gave the wrong medication, or missed something critical that the doctor should know about. I have been a nurse for 4 1/2 years now and I love it. The reward is knowing that you have seen someone in one of the worst part of their lives and done something to help them get through it easier. And if there is a nurse out there that tells you that they have never made a mistake, then you had better believe they are lying. We all make a mistake. The thing is to learn from it and do not be afraid to ask if you are not sure of something. Don't worry that someone will think you are dumb, ect. It is better to ask than let something go. Nursing school IS hard. But well worth it. And I started with one child and by the time I graduated, I was pregnant for my third. So I know how you feel about everything messing up with family life. But think about how you getting your nursing degree will benefit you children. That is what I used to help me get through the days I wanted to quit and just be at home with my kids. It is also good to have a good friend in your class that can help you get through those days. Someone who knows exactly how you feel but also knows how important accomplishing this goal is to you. I had a friend who was a mother also and was wanting to better herself for her child. We gave each other the encouragement needed right when we needed it. Good luck with everything!

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That is very encouraging advice...thank you much!

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I went in just to ask some questions about the program, and the advisor suggested I take a class or two to see if I liked it. I LOVED IT!!! and decided to keep going. I have loved every class I have taken, and the more I learn, the more I want to know. I feel like a sponge.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

Your feelings are normal. I do not have thoughts of errors or quitting since I have not started nursing school yet (I hear these thoughts will cross my mind at some point after I begin in two weeks). In any case, I have worried about flunking out of clinical since I have read tales of horrors on this board! :o

In any case I remind myself of the fact that the Director of my program told my incoming class that thoughts of giving up were on-going with every degree (ADN, BSN, and MSN) pursued. Thus, I figure if the Director of a Nursing School was once a student and felt such feelings, then so can I and like the Director I too will make it through! ;) Good luck.

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I know your fears because I've been there. I was 28 and married with 4 kids when I began working on my pre-req's. I, too read on this site how hard nsg school is and I was scared out of my mind. I thought there was no way I was going to pull this off and began questioning my career choice. Secretary was starting to sound really good. ;) I'm now about to go in 3rd semester in January and I'm still scared because it's true what they say....it is difficult....but it's doable. Where there is a will, there is a way, always! I was a 4.0 student before entering nsg school and now I'm making straight B's and like I've said before..I'm more proud of those B's than any of the A's I received before because I had to work my fanny off to get them. It's difficult, but doable and if I can do it than I believe anyone can do it....and I mean that! :lol2:

You will be given the knowledge and the tools to care for your pt's. The teachers won't have you do anything that you haven't yet learned. Of course you'll be nervous, we all were and I still am every time I enter a pt's room, but you'll get more comfortable in your role as time goes on. Don't let your fears stop you from something you want to achieve. Your kids will be so proud of you and you'll be setting a great example for them as well.

As I always say, nursing school is the hardest thing I've ever done, but it's also the best thing I've done for myself as well. I have made so many good friends in school and have had a really good time doing it and you will too. Everyone in that class is feeling the same way you are and you're all going through it together. Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

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Specializes in CNA, RN Student.
Good morning all!

I am new to this site and would like to post a difficult question. I am twenty eight, two children and a wife. I have been going to school for about 8 semesters earning credits to satisfy general ed for the nursing school that I plan to transfer to next year. I chose nursing because I love people, I love to help, I am very medically inquisitive and I suppose because after I'm done with school I'll be almost guaranteed a job (i didn't want to compromise all this schooling and then not get a job making any more money than I am now, considering it really has taken sacrifice on my families part).

My question is that as excited as I am to pursue the next step and start the "hands on" nursing, I think often about not being good at it, making a serious human error, not being able to handle the stress of nursing school(why do people keep saying that it is sooooo hard, makes me feel like throwing in the towel already). All of these fears make me question if I should really be doing this. Is this what every one deals with?

FYI...i plan to receive a BA through one of the most accredited schools in the state...I want to pursue nursing specializing in Womens Health

Thanks for any advice.

Melissa

Did I write this? LOL, sounds like something I would say exactly! I get this way from time to time but the way I see it is the trials and tribulations and fears will pop up in any career choice and in anything we decide to do in life. I have thought about quitting--getting a bad grade, missing out on time with my family etc...but I realize in the end I will have accomplished something so wonderful and something that my family and my self can be proud of that I can't quit. I bet most of us here can empathize with you and all I can say is keep your chin up and have faith in yourself.

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