Am I ignoring all the signs?

[mrs.tt]

I have spent the last year or so trying to get myself back into school for nursing prerequisites. I shadowed a nurse a while back and just felt...ok...about the profession. It didn't seem like the best or worst job out there, so I though I should go for it. But I have been having doubts and I'm wondering if doubts now mean that I shouldn't even pursue the profession at all.

~Last spring and this fall, I signed up to take Anatomy. Each semester before the first day of classes, I chickened out and dropped the class. I even bought the book this semester and ended up having to sell it back for less money.

~I keep thinking about all the other things I would like to do as a career, but then I keep coming back to nursing because it will make so much more money than anything else I want to do. I like helping people (customer service for ten years) but the money is definitely a factor.

~I look at how many people are trying to become nurses, and it's like I feel exhausted even thinking about a job search that wouldn't happen until years from now.

~I worry about not getting all A's in the prereq's because I know in my area (southern Cal...orange county) it means that you aren't getting in.

~I have been taking other classes that don't count for anything toward an ADN.

Am I completely ignoring the obvious...or do other people think these things, too?

I'm just having such a hard time thinking of what other lucrative career I can pursue that's NOT nursing, that I keep it on the top of my list career-wise.

Gah...this is so frustrating.

[work&play]

Think about physical therapy. Having to ace the prereqs is scary. Everyone in my physiology class studies like crazy to get a good grade. They're so desperate!

It's really sad to see people in that situation. Just take the class do your best and you'll be ok.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

This is just my opinion, obviously, but I think if you're not going into it whole-heartedly it's going to be much harder for you. The stress of trying to get all As in courses that you're not very interested in is going to be much higher than if you at least enjoy the material. Not that I love all my courses (can't stand the sociology I'm currently taking), but for me, knowing what my career could be when I'm done makes it worth it. People discuss nursing as if the salary is boat loads higher than anything else and I don't think that's really the case. There are many things that could make a decent salary I think. Anyway, you might just be having cold feet and that's understandable, but I would think you should at least be a little excited about the field if that's what you want to do for the rest of your career.

[mrs.tt]

Anyway, you might just be having cold feet and that's understandable, but I would think you should at least be a little excited about the field if that's what you want to do for the rest of your career.

Maybe that's it. I don't really get excited about it. I mean, there are aspects of it that I favor because they make logical sense. But, I don't get excited like I was excited about a couple things in the past.

I think one of the things that is pushing me along is all the people I know who are pursuing nursing (I started another thread about it). I think that it makes me want to do it because I will be jealous of them if they make it as an RN, and I am stuck at some other job making a lower salary. I KNOW that shouldn't be a factor AT ALL. I just started thinking about it as I was replying to this, so I am writing it out.

[emmasma]

I KNOW that shouldn't be a factor AT ALL.

Don't beat yourself up too much. Earnings is a big factor. It is the reason we work and it deserves consideration.

I have been a CNA for a few years now and I really love my job. I am pretty sure I will enjoy my job less as an RN but my family simply needs more money. I have observed the nurses I work with and I'm pretty sure I can do it and do it well. I have looked into other career choices and this is the only one I can get into without going to school for many years and although it is not a guaranteed job, I am more confident finding a good paying job with this path than with some other choices. At this point in my life I can not afford to put my time and money into school without having it pay off.

I am compassionate, and hard working, I know what the job entails and I will do it well. BUT the money is THE reason for me wanting to be an RN. I have had no "calling" from any higher powers. I am not ashamed of it.

I was also in customer service for 10 years and it has helped me tremendously an a CNA the skills cross over well, and I think that is what will help me be a better nurse.

Good Luck in whatever you decide!