Am I suited for nursing?

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Hi..

I am trying to figure out or convince myself if you will, that I could handle it as a nurse.

I was never very studious, but I feel now that I am a bit older and wouldn't be living in dorms or surrounded by friends that I'd be more focused.

I was never truly great at science or math in school. I usually don't like gross things, but as I have gotten older, I can handle more and don't get grossed out as easy. (like when having to pick up dog poop from an 'accident' or vomit, i'd gag).

I am not confident in myself to remember all of the patient care rules or procedures. For some reason, I just doubt myself because I don't feel like I would ever know what I was doing.

I have thought about being a CNA before to maybe learn a little bit about it, but I'd probly make less than I do now which what I make is pretty pathetic. But I guess if it truly would help then I should look into it.

I am worried about the cost of returning to school, I already have $25k in student loans and live about 2 hrs from the nearest accredited nursing program, and I would need to work through school because if not, I cannot pay the bills. At least my boyfriend would be able to help out as he did when I was recently laid off. (I have a new job now, though..:>)

Did anyone out there have any of the same or related concerns and perhaps able to shed some light on me, or maybe smack some sense into me? lol

I have thought about nursing for YEARS now, but I just don't think I could afford the cost and would prefer to not add to my mass amount of current student loans.

I have thought in the past of moving to NC, and then I discovered how much less expensive their schooling is. Also a better market for my boyfriends web design career he has tried to get started, but there just isn't a market around here for it so he works in the same field as I do.. which is not even close to the web design he went to college for!

Perhaps becoming a CNA would allow me to experience what nursing could be like and if I can handle it, moving to NC and finding a job perhaps would be easier as I'd be certified, and most nursing programs in NC require you to be a CNA to be accepted to the program.

Any insight, thoughs...?

Thanks!

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Nursing isn't for everyone. If you have to convince yourself that you want to do this, it may not be the career for you. I, have always had an interest in nursing and had the attitude "I don't care how hard I have to work, it will all be over soon and it'll be worth it".. well the schooling is over and its well worth it. It is very demanding physically and mentally. I have days at work where I go home and think "Why am I doing this to myself"? Then, those few days come that I go home and thank god for letting me be in this profession, and those few days outweigh the many many bad ones. It's a matter of what matters most to you in a career. The money is good, but please don't get into nursing just for the money, because that is just the wrong reason and will not be a good outcome. Then again, I've known people who go into nursing for the money and job security, and end up loving it and would do it almost for free. Think about it, and examine what you really want. You'll make the right decision.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

While they are related, CNA work and nursing are completely different. The positive aspect of working as a CNA is that it would get you into the health care environment so you could figure out if you even want to work with people in that capacity. But it is not really adequate preparation for nursing, IMO.

To get into and through nursing school, I have had to be very driven. If you are not driven, you may not make it. IMO, you have to want it. If you're not sure you want it, you may not do so well.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Flight.

yeah... nursing is not for everyone...

it takes something within...

you will deal with *gross* stuff

you will hate your job @ times..

you will probably hate your life @ times..

you will hate your patients @ times..

you will hate everything @ times...

but... if you are a a nurse...

you will learn to accept all of that and love it all~

my opinion... on the CNA thing...

well... depends on what kind of nurse you want to be..

oh.. and.. by the way... on the student loan issue...

you might THINK you can get through nursing school w/out loans

well.... your probably wrong...

loans are life savers... they will help out in more ways than you could imagine..

my opinion...

please don't take offense..

if you doubt wanting to become a nurse..

then don't even try to be a nurse~

:cool:

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Specializes in ICU, CCU,Wound Care,LTC, Hospice, MDS.

Where I moved from in Nebraska, being a CNA was a requirement to get into nursing schools. I'm not sure if I agree with that, because I was never a CNA first, but that was a long time ago, too.

But, I have to agree with the others- if you have doubts, it's not for you.

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Are you having doubts or are you just worried about the becoming a nurse. I have wanted to be a nurse for so long but I would always talk myself out of it. This was due to fear of not succeeding. Now at 34 I am in Pre-nursing and I no longer will put it off. I thought I would be screamish about things too but this past semester in A&P I disected a sheeps brain and an eyeball. Had no problem with either one. Once you make up your mind you will know. Also for someone who was really bad in Math and Science as a teenager, I am doing very well in these classes today. I am a much better student today then I was years ago. Good luck to you.

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I think it's more a fear of failure, and being able to afford it...

I was a very bad math and science student for the most part, but I also am aware now that I didn't put enough effort... and I was young and un-focused.

Thank you!

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

The big question I have to ask is "Why do you want to become a nurse?"

you dont really say.

It is not always about if nursing suits you, it is also about do you suit nursing.

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The big question I have to ask is "Why do you want to become a nurse?"

you dont really say.

It is not always about if nursing suits you, it is also about do you suit nursing.

Good point.

Well, first off, I feel it would be rewarding and fulfilling. I will get to be around people that appreciate the help you offer them (well, some of the time at least), and of course job security is an upside. I also feel it would be challenging and I love that I'd get to work on a specialty, and I would love neonatal. I can learn something new almost every day, and every day would most likely be a challenge. I just think it is something I would actually enjoy going to work every day to do. Right now I just work for the money, and hope I can someday go back to school to better myself and to be happy with what I do.

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Specializes in Going for NICU or OB!.

We're somewhat alike in that I also have worried that since I'm not great at math and science, I won't be able to handle nursing and everything it requires in those areas. However, after going through my ANAT5 class, I can see that it IS possible, it just takes a lot of work! A LOT of work for sure! I know I didn't commit enough hours to studying and I'm surprised at how well I'm doing and that I'm going to make it through the semester. I didn't think I would. As for the CNA thing, I'm planning on doing the same (taking a CNA course over the summer then working part-time through school to make sure I like it), but I am becoming more and more convinced that I will be able to become a wonderful RN. I have my moments of doubt, trust me, but I think that you really have to examine yourself and see if it's something that sticks with you above all other professions, see if it's really what you want to do, and then go for it with confidence! Easier said than done, I'm sure, but best wishes!

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Specializes in Going for NICU or OB!.

I also wanted to say thank you for being honest and for asking this question, because it helped me be more secure in what I want too! So thanks!

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Specializes in geriatrics.

If you want it you can have it! You must be driven, disciplined and focused. I know exactly how you feel. I failed nursing II last semester and boy what a slap in the face that was!:trout: But, you know what? I decided to retake the semester after swearing that I would never give nursing another chance and even declaring that I didn't want to be a nurse and now I have an 89% ...I know that its not an A. But I'm proud of myself. Proud that I have figured out that I can't let this oppurtunity slip me by. Proud that I have been able to sort through all of my confusion and recognize my strengths. That is what matters in the end, being able to look in the mirror and say, "I am proud of myself. Look at what I've accomplished...Look who I am!"

Just know: make your next decision wisely and take it very seriously and never, never, forget that which drives you, your discipline or to stay focused. ;)

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