About to graduate with my BSN...but reconsidering nursing?

[brochocinco]

I'm not sure how it is in other parts of the nation but I live in California where BSN programs are highly impacted and very competitive. I put in a ton of work and effort to get into the program, and even more to get where I am today. I will be graduating with my BSN this year, but I am now second guessing whether or not nursing is for me and if it is something that I want to do for the rest of my life.

I had these thoughts in my second semester of the nursing program. I just don't find myself as excited as others about nursing. I constantly hear my classmates talking about how much they love it, I see posts on FB about how this is their dream job, passion, what they love to do, etc. I just don't feel that way. After thinking about it for a while and getting input from others, I decided to stick it through because I had done so much work to get where I am. I thought, "i'll get past it, maybe its just this semester/clinical site, i'll learn to love it," etc. Also, because of how highly competitive the programs are, I told myself I need to dedicate myself to getting through this program and graduating because if I drop out, thats one wasted that someone else who did everything they could to get in the program could have had.

But fast forward a year to where I am now...I still feel the same way. I'm not crazy about nursing. I'm not passionate about nursing. I want to do something related to sports/physical therapy, training, etc...I've found that's where my passion is...building my body/someone else's body up to its greatest potential. I guess the same idea can be applied to nursing (restoring their health to it's potential), but it doesn't give me the same satisfaction.

I will finish this program out and get my BSN, because quite frankly I am too far in to turn back now. So my question to you guys - what would you do in my shoes? Suck it up and work as an RN? (maybe I will grow to love it, who knows?)

Any idea of what other options might I have? Grad school for PT? Any cross-programs that I can utilize my nursing degree to do something similar?

I know this was long, but thanks for anyone who takes the time to read it & help me out.

[pinkiepieRN]

What drew you into nursing in the first place? Are there any clinical rotations that you particularly enjoyed? What do your clinical instructors have to say about you? What is it that you don't like - the patients, the staff, the skills?

I know it's clichéd, but there are other RN roles in addition to being a bedside nurse. Community health, education, outpatient surgery, case management, etc. Keep your chin up. I think there must be something you like about nursing if you've made it this far and are ready to complete NS and take the NCLEX.

[CP2013]

How about rehab nursing? Especially a neuro rehab? Or something where parents with spinal cord injuries are regaining their strengths? Primarily that's a PT role and no, there's an easy cross over. However, you could potentially help with assessments of patients with their therapy.

Maybe an ortho unit? Fresh post op ortho patients need help ambulating and will need to rebuild their strength as well. You may see more rapid progress and be more up close with ortho patients than you will in rehab.

Some long term care facilities have ortho rehab as well that may be of interest to you. Something similar to a longer length of stay for ortho patients who may just need a bit more help getting around before they can get home.

Hope that helps!!!

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