Academic adviser says I'm selling myself short by going into nursing.

[Wannabenurseneko]

It met with my adviser last week to find out what other courses I needed for nursing after taking English 101 . She didn't seem to like that I was taking nursing and told me that I was selling myself short and that I should be doing something else. She kept trying her best to talk me out of nursing , yet she did not have any lists of other careers that is an alternative to nursing. Not that I was looking for one ,but you would think they would have other suggestions. She then said that nursing is so hard to get into and how it takes so long, which I know already and I do agree that getting into nursing is not easy but it's definitely not impossible.

Anyway my questions are have any of you all experienced this with your advisers ?

My other questions is Why do some advisers try to talk students out of nursing career paths ?

[Medic_Murse, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Probably failed adult health and became a bitter old shrew.

[djh123]

I think that's pretty bizarre, because nursing is not easy, is in demand, is or definitely can be rewarding, respected, and usually pays well.

[dirtyrice]

She's selling herself short by being an academic adviser...

Pure savagery I approve

[daisykip]

I have been a nurse for 8 years now. When I was doing my prerequisites for nursing my advisor was the same way. Unfortunately at the time, I was completely on my own working and going to college b/c my father was an addict and my mother hadn't been in my life since I was a little girl. My advisor and others told me that I wouldn't make it through or even get into nursing school b/c I had to work full time. Luckily for me, my school didn't require that I have an advisor so after that encounter, I just started planning my schedule on my own, finished my prerequisites, and got into nursing school. Thankfully, I was able to start working part-time my lasy year of nursing school but I proved all the doubters wrong. I also got into a very competitive program at a community college that was also a small program, making it even more difficult to get into. So I say forget about what that advisor is telling you and go after your dream of becoming a nurse. It was allot of hard work but keep your focus on the end goal and surround yourself with people that are supportive b/c I am proof that no matter what obstacle, if you have the desire and are willing to work hard it is possible.

[virgogirl]

During junior year of my BSN program my clinical professor told me I should leave the program and get a Masters in Psych...I told her no, that I was committed to completing my nursing program and I would find my place as a nurse...ugh, she was a retired ER nurse and was looking at everyone through an ER lense...that's not me...luckily she didn't flunk me as she did with others. In that moment I realized one person could stop me in my tracks and after all the years of hard work it could be over. It was a rough year...but I got through it! And now I'm starting graduate school next year!

[virgogirl]

To make a long story short, follow your heart...instructors can be discouraging even after you're in the program!

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

People are so quick to discourage, take everyone's advice here and pursue what makes you happy.

[nursinglove30]

Be careful. A lot of these schools have an agenda now. They recognize that nursing is very popular among women and are working to stear more toward STEM majors. I personally don't have anything against STEM but it's becoming tiresome now whenever I am at my school, it seems like that's the focus there. Most of the scholarships goes to them as well.

[elephantlover, BSN, RN]

My advisor told me the same exact thing during my first degree. I graduated with a degree in psychology and biomedical science. I excelled in school and wanted to pursue a second bachelor's degree in nursing because I felt it was a combination of my two interests: the human body and the mind. And that is exactly what I am doing right now and I have zero regrets. I feel challenged and am never bored. I get to work intimately with patients and families. I get to educate patients and collaborate with the health care team to help treat patients.

I have absolutely no idea where this notion comes from that a career in nursing is "easy" or "unstimulating" or "a backup plan." At the end of the day, you have to choose what you feel passionate about, what makes you feel alive.

Nursing will offer you room for growth, the flexibility to live anywhere in the country, and the opportunity for life-long learning. Yes, there are some small people who view nursing as a joke. Yes, you do have to humble yourself. Some people who really have no insight into what it is nurses do may underestimate you. But I believe those people are the minority. I am doing what I feel called to do and best of all nursing offers me the opportunity to enjoy life outside of work.

Don't let small minded people alter your path. Do your due diligence. Explore multiple careers. Shadow professionals. Consider what your goals and priorities are. You will land on your feet if you work hard and pursue something you feel passionate about.

Good luck, this an exciting time!

[Wannabenurseneko]

@Horse Shoe

That's what I should have done.

@Hoosier_RN I have a 3.0 .

@ I'm gonna try my best and not listen to these folks.

@nursinglove what is STEM ?

@elephantlover I'm going to prove her wrong .

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

@Hoosier_RN I have a 3.0

Work on getting your GPA up. That is not competitive for most programs. Some folks with 4.0 GPAs are fighting to get into programs. Talk to a nursing program advisor to see what you can do to improve your GPA in relation to the program

[Wannabenurseneko]

I only took one class a year that's why it's not a 4.0 gpa at the time I couldn't afford to take more classes . But hopefully I can turn that around this year.