Wanting to be a RN, for me...or not?

[WanderingRae]

Hi. I'm new here and I'm looking into going to school to become a RN. I'm so scared that I'm going to fail at this. I took general courses (not knowing my degree) right after high school then dropped out during my second year. It was so overwhelming in college, and now I'm thinking of going back.

All that is running through my head is what if's. I want to do this so bad for myself, to have a career, a path in life and an accomplishment I'd achieve. But what if I don't cut it. What if I go through all the pre-requites then enroll in the rn program and don't make it, then what? What if I do make it and its all once again too overwhelming for me? What if I complete school then enter the nursing industry and fail miserably or realize this isn't for me?

My youngest is going to be in school all day in 2 years then I will be looking for a j-o-b. I don't want to work at Wal-Mart until retirement age and this is the only other option I feel I really have.

I am more worried about the schooling side of things than the actual job (I'll worry about that when the time comes LOL). Is there any reading material I could read before I enter school to make sure this is really the right thing for me? Such as class study material or what the classes entail.

This is a costly and life changing decision for me and I'm scared to death that whatever path I take will be the wrong one.

[nkara, CNA]

well it's a tough decision. I'm in the pre-req's right now and I'm still nervous. I have never had biology, chemistry and a&p classes... but I look at it this way. I really want to get my RN license. I love my job now as a CNA and I know I will love being a nurse. I am positive that it will be hard but well worth it. I think if you really want to do the job you will make it.

I would suggest maybe getting some inside knowledge about the actual job to see if when you do get out you can handle it or maybe it might not be for you? Maybe volunteer or job shadow? Or even become a CNA or tech first?

I hope you find what you need to make the decision and follow through on your dream. Whatever it may be.

:wink2:

[MBurgeRN]

I just graduated and I am finally starting my career. I too got overwhelmed with school and ended up going back after having started my family. My son was in preschool the whole time. You can do it. Everyone has there own "what if's" lingering in there minds. Yes it will be hard. Yes it will be stressful. Yes you will probably get so frustrated that you will want to give up at some point.. . . .yes it will be worth it in the end! It sounds like you know this is the career path for you. Check into the school that you wish to attend. Many schools will allow you to audit a class/classes before you take the class for credit. Then you will get a taste of what you are getting yourself into. BUT Don't let it deter you from following your heart. . . LET it be a preparation tool for you so that you don't get blindsided by what is involved. YOU CAN DO IT!:wink2:

[jjjoy, LPN]

I'm with nkara... one way to slay the "what if" dragons is to get first-hand experience. While volunteering, shadowing, and interviewing working nurses won't tell you everything about how you would do in nursing, it would give you a lot more information than you have now! If you look into volunteering, be sure to ask for something in a patient care area where you can watch nurses work... not just stuffing envelopes in a back office or working the gift shop. Consider taking a CNA course. That would give you some idea of how you feel about working hands on with patients. Take some courses that would help towards nursing and see how it goes (eg anatomy & physiology). Maybe even consider a part-time job in a health care facility - nursing assistant and unit clerk are both positions that get you working right with the nurses.

I'd also suggest trying to get another perspective on what it means to get an education and have a career. It's so easy to feel pressure to "get it right" and "not waste time" but if you don't know what you want to do then you don't know and worrying about what if you choose the "wrong" thing doesn't bring any insight into what you DO want to do. I recommend taking a step in a direction and see how it goes. If it doesn't pan out; well, you learned something and got some new life experience! It WASN'T a "waste" even if you end up moving in a completely different direction. Taking the attitude that no experience is a "waste" can help relieve some of the pressure to "get it right the first time." The thing is that while volunteering, taking classes, even getting into nursing school, may not bring the kind of clarity regarding "is this for me?" "can I do this?" as quickly as you'd like... you WILL be learning important things about yourself both professionally and personally. Sitting on the couch trying to think one's way to the "best" plan can only get you so far. One day at a time!!!!

[anonymurse]

Rae, if you're not totally consumed by becoming a nurse, wait a bit until you are. Because you have to be just to make it through school, let alone survive your first year on the floor.

[ashleyckennedy]

Rae, I felt the same way you did before actually applying for nursing school. My family and friends just kept telling me if you don't try (because of the what if's or the option of failure) than you are promising yourself the disappointment of not getting in. Also, in my personal opinion, those that go back to school later in life do better in the classes because they appreciate the importance of it. I say take the advice you would give your children, and believe in yourself. Remember, where there is a will there is a way. Never give up, you can do it.