Can I make it as a nurse?

NCmcMan · May 20, 2013

I have a lot to say, but I'm currently super pressed for time. I will get back to you, but until I do, hang in there!

I'm not sure that nursing is right for me.
I have A LOT going on in my life right now. (living in a domestic violence shelter with my 3 young boys, that should explain a lot).
I suspect I have aspergers, though I have not been diagnosed (no insurance).
I move slooooooow. I have my CNA license and worked for 3 months before I quit. I was told either I quit and get my life together and then I could come back, or they'd fire me and then I couldn't come back. I got bronchitis and pleursy and was on light duty for a few weeks while I recovered, which upset a lot of my coworkers (as though I was just lazy!) As a brand new CNA, it took me about twice as long to do anything, then, when I was on light duty, they gave me ALL the showers to do. 10 showers/bed baths on day shift! I couldn't do it, even without taking my breaks. So I decided to go to nursing school to get my RN, hoping it'd be less physically taxing work, and with the better pay, I could work less than full time.
I have a passion for pregnancy and childbirth. But I like working with the same people over long periods of time. I like getting to know them and their individualities. I worry that L&D won't allow for that.
I have two sons on the autism spectrum and would LOVE to work as some kind of assistant to these people, a behavioral therapist or something like that. I love when I can work one-on-one with people and really get to know them well, as it takes me a long time to get to know people (so doing it over and over again on a daily basis is stressful for me.)
My background is primarily childcare and administration. There are not many admin jobs where I live and childcare jobs pay a pittance. I have 3 boys to raise, I need to make mroe than minimum wage.
I thought I would like to be a midwife, but I'm a person that needs a lot of stability and predictability, as do my boys. Being on call is stressful to say the least. I've done 8 births as a birth doula and love love loved it, but I don't think I could do it full-time, especially since I'm a single mom now and don't have a partner to watch my kids at a moment's notice.
I'm currently enrolled at Ivy Tech, on their Health Care Support path, and planning to apply to ASN (as plan A) and LPN (as a plan B) in the spring.
I'd appreciate any advice.

mommy_quigg · May 20, 2013

Thanks, I'll be waiting for your reply :)

NCmcMan · May 21, 2013

Thanks, I'll be waiting for your reply :)

OK, sorry for the delay, I had to go to primary care for some pills. Alright, i'm not a nurse or an MD or anything, but I am good with people. We all have hurdles in our lives, rite? I have anxiety and possibly a learning disorder. I weight over 500 lbs, and can't walk very far without having to sit down for awhile. I do however, want to get into nursing. I know it's going to be a challenge for you to do this, but you seem like you REALLY want to do it. Are you hungry for it? I can tell you with those 3 boys that you have, it's going to be a challenge, but its definitely doable. I'm sure if we looked hard enough on here, (probably wouldn't even have to look hard at all) we could find a dozen ladies that are in the same predicament as you are. As for the condition you were describing, that doesn't make you stupid. I would say that it would only get in the way if you let it. Now it's true nursing has a lot to do with personality skills, but with time and effort, you could make it work. I saw this 14 year old boy on youtube, recently. here is the headline:

14-Year-Old With Asperger's Syndrome, May Be Smarter Than Einstein

Google that when you get a second. I'm not sure I am suppose to put links up here. This kid is a genius that I think even has a PhD in Quantum Physics. He has learned to adapt, and now he is VERY outgoing. He's a bit eccentric, but VERY outgoing. Basically, if he has that condition and can do what he does, I think you can be a nurse. :) O, and with that situation with not being able to finish all of those showers and beds and what not, ya, thats because your a HUMAN BEING. It sounds like that place was just trying to throw all that work on you when they PROBABLY should have more staff. Any which way, I think you'll be fine. You seem like a nice girl that has just experienced some very unfortunate circumstances, but I say Go for it, girl. Why the hell not, rite? If you need anyone to talk to just toss me a IM.. take it easy.... and stay strong.

-Josh

mommy_quigg · May 22, 2013

Thanks Josh! I appreciate your encouragement. It means a lot. :)

p.s. Josh is my older brother's name :)

NCmcMan · May 22, 2013

Thanks Josh! I appreciate your encouragement. It means a lot. :)
p.s. Josh is my older brother's name :)

Anytime, friend. Tell your brother (if he doesn't already know), his name means

The name Joshua is a Biblical baby name. In Biblical the meaning of the name Joshua is: A savior; a deliverer.

hehe, take it easy :)

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 22, 2013

I'm not sure that nursing is right for me.
I have A LOT going on in my life right now. (living in a domestic violence shelter with my 3 young boys, that should explain a lot).
I suspect I have aspergers, though I have not been diagnosed (no insurance).
I move slooooooow. I have my CNA license and worked for 3 months before I quit. I was told either I quit and get my life together and then I could come back, or they'd fire me and then I couldn't come back. I got bronchitis and pleursy and was on light duty for a few weeks while I recovered, which upset a lot of my coworkers (as though I was just lazy!) As a brand new CNA, it took me about twice as long to do anything, then, when I was on light duty, they gave me ALL the showers to do. 10 showers/bed baths on day shift! I couldn't do it, even without taking my breaks. So I decided to go to nursing school to get my RN, hoping it'd be less physically taxing work, and with the better pay, I could work less than full time.
I have a passion for pregnancy and childbirth. But I like working with the same people over long periods of time. I like getting to know them and their individualities. I worry that L&D won't allow for that.
I have two sons on the autism spectrum and would LOVE to work as some kind of assistant to these people, a behavioral therapist or something like that. I love when I can work one-on-one with people and really get to know them well, as it takes me a long time to get to know people (so doing it over and over again on a daily basis is stressful for me.)
My background is primarily childcare and administration. There are not many admin jobs where I live and childcare jobs pay a pittance. I have 3 boys to raise, I need to make mroe than minimum wage.
I thought I would like to be a midwife, but I'm a person that needs a lot of stability and predictability, as do my boys. Being on call is stressful to say the least. I've done 8 births as a birth doula and love love loved it, but I don't think I could do it full-time, especially since I'm a single mom now and don't have a partner to watch my kids at a moment's notice.
I'm currently enrolled at Ivy Tech, on their Health Care Support path, and planning to apply to ASN (as plan A) and LPN (as a plan B) in the spring.
I'd appreciate any advice.

Nursing is a tough career. The curriculum is rigorous and fast paced......... and the job is stressful. A midwife is usually a Masters degree and to specialize in obstetrics is one of the more difficult specialties to break into. Long term care might suit you since you take time getting to know people for no one stays in the hospital long. Nurses work shift work and holidays.

Nursing is a stressful, hard, fast paced profession that requires mental as well as physical work. Nurses to baths and care along with their other duties.

Nursing is a difficult path....be prepared for a fast paced, high stress environment. The job market right now for nurses is tight to almost bleak in some areas of the country with California for example with an unemployment rate of new grads at almost 47%.

Anything worth having is worth fighting for...but it will be a challenging path. I am SO GLAD you are out of your abusive relationship and onto a better life.

I wish you the best!