Am I ready for nursing school?

[dumb_]

I'm 20, still living at home, socially awkward, depressed, and morbidly obese. I lack self-confidence and social skills even when doing basic everyday tasks. When given instructions, I often freeze up and become anxious, which causes me to mess up, stumble, stutter, drop things, etc.. I have no work experience whatsoever (every interview has ended with "we want someone with more experience'). Basically, I'm very immature.

My parents suggested that I become a nurse, because the field has a high job outlook. I wasn't fond of the idea at first, but I decided to pursue practical nursing because I had no idea what else I wanted to do. I'm currently taking pre-requisites, and will finish this semester in early May. The problem is, I need to take the TEAS test, have a physical screening, and complete a CPR class by the end of this month, because May is the application deadline. I don't even know if I can complete all of these requirements in time, let alone pay for them.

My point is that I'm terrified, and I feel that I'm not ready for the demands of nursing school. My mental maturity has not improved much at all since high school. I feel that I need to take some time off from college to work on my confidence, volunteer for experience, apply for any work I can, and start losing weight. I'm really not looking forward to nursing school this summer (if I get accepted), because I just don't feel ready. But on the other hand, my parents are pushing me to graduate ASAP so that I can be financially independent.

I'm sorry if this question is pathetic, but I don't know where else to turn.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

Simple, don't start the program. Don't set yourself up for failure

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

You already know you need to wait and get yourself together first

[Zyprexa_Ho]

I agree with the previous posters. You sound like you need more time before committing to a career. I would highly suggest getting your CNA to help you build confidence and get used to working with people. I'm weird and sometimes don't understand social norms or sarcasm, but the more time I spend with people the better I have gotten at it. You're 20 years old. You do not have to have your entire life figured out yet. Take things in small steps, one day at a time.

Being a CNA will not only help build your confidence and social skills, but you'll learn how to say "no." Nursing is a profession where you will either already have a backbone, or you'll learn how to grow one. You really don't have a choice. Yes, sometimes you have to but up with BS with a smile on your face, but other times you need to be able to identify inappropriate requests or circumstances and act like a professional, too.

I hope this helps you out. Best of luck to you

[dumb_]

Thanks for the kind words. Becoming a CNA is a really good idea, and I was already considering it beforehand. Your advice is appreciated!

[WanderingWilder, ASN]

Don't pick a career just because your parents want you to. There are jobs out there that don't require experience, cashiering, hostessing, housekeeping. They aren't fun jobs and they don't pay well but its a good place to start to get some work and social experience. Also maybe you should talk to a counselor about your self-esteem and social anxiety. Dont let life pass you by get help and start living.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

You have nothing if you don't have your health. Start working on getting physically healthy. I do not mean get skinny, I mean get healthy. If you are eating crap, eliminate it by at least 50%. Replace it with healthy food-lean meats, lots of fresh veggies, some fresh fruit. Start moving-I do not mean start training for a marathon, start by walking in your neighborhood. Park far away from places you want to visit. Take the stairs, not the elevator. Get a bicycle-that's the most fun exercise I've ever done! Start with 10 minutes and work up to an hour eventually. You will be amazed how much better you feel if you just get physically healthy. Your outlook on life will vastly improve, and then you can decide what YOU want to do with it.

If you are morbidly obese, you are carrying a whole lot of baggage that has nothing to do with weight. You can do this. The better you feel, the easier it will be to keep on improving your health. Take it one day at a time, one step at a time.

Good luck. You deserve better.

[BRing914]

Don't go after a degree you don't really want. I graduated high school knowing I wanted to be a nurse, but didn't think I was smart enough so I spent 3 and a half years working on a history degree only two be put on probation and the suspension. I took 4 years off and went back for nursing. Those four years gave me the chance to mature, figure out a lot about myself, and be in a life position to where when I went back I'd be successful. My advice would be to focus on yourself for a bit, get healthy, and then maybe revisit nursing. Maybe it'll be something you want, and maybe you'll find a different passion along the way!