Almost done with Pre-Reqs, Now Uncertain

[uncertain__]

Hello,

I am almost done with my pre-reqs, I just have to retake one class due to my grade not being high enough for the program. I have been a good student up until this point with a 3.6 GPA, but have been feeling uncertain about even wanting to continue on to the application process after I take that awful statistics class again. To hopefully make a long story short, it has taken me 6 years as a single mom, 3 of these years spent working as a CNA in a level 1 trauma hospital (OR and ED) to finish these classes. I left my job as a CNA due to the pay being incredibly low (just above minimum wage), and the stress of the environment was taking a toll on my mental health, causing me to be emotionally unavailable to those that I love.

With that all being said, I feel that I am unsure if I even want to pursue this career I have been working hard to get to for these years. Many nurses I spoke with in the OR/ED told me not to base my decision on the things I witnessed happening to the nurses there, but I also am aware nurses are overworked, understaffed, and generally under appreciated no matter what department. I am now working as a waitress in a casual fine dining restaurant and enjoy it alot. My wage has increased drastically and I am able to leave work and have energy to be present for my son. I do not witness traumatic things at work that cause me to lose sleep, and I enjoy getting up and going to my job. I do not dread it at all as I did working as a CNA.

Is giving up on trying to become a nurse and continuing to wait tables a foolish decision? It is causing me stress to continue to weigh this out in my mind. I was in therapy during my time as a CNA and ended saying I didn't want to go into nursing anymore, but now I am questioning that choice.

My main reasons for going into nursing are : Job security, benefits, insurance coverage for me and my child, steady income, and of course helping others.

I recently took on a volunteer job at a local SNF to help me feel useful to others in a different capacity than waiting tables, so hopefully I can allow myself time to decide. Any input is appreciated, I would especially like to hear if anyone also doubted their choice but found that they were more than capable of handling the pressure and stress of the job.

[jNb716]

Hi there,

I am actually not a nurse and just tarting my pre-reqs for the program. I initially wanted to go into law enforcement, and have my BS in forensics. However, I did work in hospitality for 8 years. In my opinion, there are pro and cons to EVERY job. I have friends that are nurses that absolutely love their job-that work in stressful and chaotic environments every day, and then there are some that don't love it as much. There are always going to be hesitations- which are valid, and I haven't worked in the field yet so I can't really speak on these specifics, but I can say that I think that would be a much better path than continuing to serve forever. That gets really old, at least it did to me. Yeah the money can be great but it's inconsistent and that inconsistency alone causes stress. At least it did for me. Not knowing how much I would make every week. It's also not ideal for long-term career stability. There is usually major turnover in the hospitality field. While working in the field I worked with life-long servers and bartenders, who had to keep working at an older age because they really had no retirement, they have crappy benefits, and there's really no outcome. You just keep working for nothing. At least that's how I felt. You really don't develop any sort of seniority, so it can be hard getting off certain days. It was just a lifestyle I didn't want. After I graduated college at 27 I started working full time in cushy state job (where I am now) which has amazing benefits and pension, however I go crazy every day because I work by myself in my own office at a desk all day with TONS of down time. NOT what I was prepared for after working hospitality for so long- working long hours, being busy, and hustling. I enjoy some level of chaos on my day-to-day routine. I need my days to be different every day. Nothing worth something in life is EASY. Here I am again at age 29 going back to school to work my *** off while working full time after I already have 2 degrees and started a master's program. I as you do have some of the same concerns, however I can think of concerns for any career path. The good thing about nursing is there's so many opportunities to do different things and environments to work in. This is just my opinion and obviously everyone's circumstances are different. Good luck to you!

[AprilMarie]

I am a student as well... but I have friends iin the medical field and I've done tons of research over the years I've had this dream of nursing. Not all nursing jobs will be stressful for you. ? Try a clinic job, nothing really traumatic happens there, dont give up what youve worked so hard for! It will be different once youve done it and are getting paid better, and once you realize not all jobs as a nurse are stressful! I have researched so much, and there are so many options out there! Good luck to you ?