A Really Big Decision

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Sep 25, 2006

Called a hospital and ask about shadowing a nurse in different depts. Also check about shadowing in LTC. This would give you a rough idea if this might be something you'd like to do, since it sounds like you're still not very sure yet.

LMRN10 · Sep 26, 2006

If you know deep down that you want to switch to Nursing as a Major and you are only 1 month into your first semester, now would be the time to change!! Your not too far in. But your right...just make sure it is the right decision.

You can't look at the fact that you started working toward another major...look at what you want to do with your life!!:monkeydance:

lisabeth · Sep 26, 2006

Well, one semester is no big waste. If you know that is not what you want to do, try a few science classes. I was not at all decided when I went and signed up, but after the first A&P, I just about knew it was what I wanted to do. Now, I do know. I loved the Psychology, and all of my classes. I want to learn all I can. It will be such a good way to make a difference in other people's lives. If you have just graduated from high school, you have the rest of your life. Even if you took a couple of classes and decided nursing wasnt what you wanted to do, you still have plenty of time. Nothing you learn is a waste.

That is how I see it anyway.

Good luck.

I am a freshman in college and almost a month into classes I realized that I am unhappy with the major I am in. Something kept telling me that I should switch to nursing and I have talked with someone about doing this. It will be very difficult since I spent the first semester taking classes for another major. I am trying to figure out if switching is worth it. I believe that I would be a good nurse and be able to connect with patients. I am good at science and definitely think that I could handle the academics of nursing. My major "sticking point" (no pun intended) is the needles aspect of nursing, specifically IVs. I think that I could get over this fear easily with practice. I dont want to jump into this decision and discover that it was the wrong choice. I am sorry that my post is long, but this has been a difficult choice for me and I was hoping that I could get advice from other students who may be in or have gone through the same situation that I am in.

gemini_star, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2006

1 month is not that long. Some would even take up nursing after having a bachelor degree. If this is really what you want, go for it. What matters most is your interest and what makes you happy. Follow your intuition.

augigi, CNS · Sep 27, 2006

Don't worry about IVs. It's terrifying to learn - esp practising on other students as I had to do! - but it's like any other skill. You learn it, and practise it, and it's no big deal when you do it a lot. Many jobs have phlebotomy nurses and you don't even have to do it.

Try not to get bogged down in what you think you "should do" ie. "I have started now, I should finish, I shouldn't waste the time or money" etc etc.

If you feel you're not happy, change it now. If you start and hate it, change again. A few semesters are not a big deal compared to happiness in your life's work! Good luck. :)

Charmedone619 · Sep 27, 2006

Thank you for your advice. I am pretty sure that I am going to do it. I look at it this way: if I go for it and love it, I will be in a really great job. If I go for it and dont like it, at least I can say I tried.

maryshome8 · Sep 30, 2006

I am a freshman in college and almost a month into classes I realized that I am unhappy with the major I am in. Something kept telling me that I should switch to nursing and I have talked with someone about doing this. It will be very difficult since I spent the first semester taking classes for another major. I am trying to figure out if switching is worth it. I believe that I would be a good nurse and be able to connect with patients. I am good at science and definitely think that I could handle the academics of nursing. My major "sticking point" (no pun intended) is the needles aspect of nursing, specifically IVs. I think that I could get over this fear easily with practice. I dont want to jump into this decision and discover that it was the wrong choice. I am sorry that my post is long, but this has been a difficult choice for me and I was hoping that I could get advice from other students who may be in or have gone through the same situation that I am in.

You are making the same mistake that I made when I started school as a freshman.

The only courses you need to take in your first two years are your general education courses until you know without a doubt in your head, what your major will be.

If you have the option, take probability and statistics for your math, AP I and AP II for your science or two semesters of chemistry....these will usually generalize to other majors in case you change your mind.

It took me 7 years to get my undergrad...because I STARTED school working on my major, so every time I changed my mind, I lost all of those courses...then I had to come up with a minor (required) and finish up my gen ed.

You are young, you have plenty of time...work on Gen Ed.

HARRN2b · Oct 1, 2006

Ok, I was terrified of IV's (and blood) and that is what kept me out of nursing the first time. I ended up getting a business degree. Anyhow, once you have had a child, your entire being changes. I have been proded, poked, and you name it. Now, I do not think about it at all. I went through infertility treatments so I have been stuck in places that well....you know. Trust me, you get over it.

JaxiaKiley · Oct 1, 2006

I wish I had realized one month into my first semester in college :)

Best of luck to you!

slou! · Oct 4, 2006

I am also a freshman at college, and I am a Nursing major. Don't worry, even if you complete one semester of college courses in an unrelated field, it is definitely not too late! I know someone who decided after she graduated as an Early Education major that she wants to be a nurse! Most of the freshman at my school are all taking the same things, all getting our pre-reqs out of the way. For example classes like, Soc 105, Pshycology 101, Eng101, History, etc, those are some of the classes that I am taking, and my best friend who is an early education major is also taking. Even if you aren't caught up, then you could probably take classes over the summer at your school (if your school is far from home then take classes at a Community College close by your house.) to catch yourself up. I am going to have to take 1 class over the summer because I am behind in Math :rolleyes: Oh well!

CH080605 · Oct 5, 2006

Hey there! I'm in my first year of nursing school. You're right, this is a big decision. But if your whole heart is in it, it could be the best decision you've ever made. None of us want to be in a career we don't enjoy! I say do it! Talk to your counselor at school or the person you registered with and work it out with him/her to see if the classes you're taking now are classes you could put toward your Nursing degree. There are different prerequisites for each school. I hope you decide to follow your heart. I was also nervous about needles and IV's, and still am to a degree (as I have yet to administer any), but the nervousness subsides a bit with practice and knowledge. I also have to tell myself that I'm doing this for the patient's health! It's definitely worth it. I hope this helps! Good luck!

-Crystal