Can't decide on career path...advice?

[niki_lynn]

I'm currently in the middle of clinicals for my CNA class, and I'm starting to reconsider my career plans on becoming a nurse. One reason for this is that the only place we can do clinicals is at this terrible nursing home in town, and the bad conditions and complicated residents of that place makes me want to quit patient care all together. I know not every facility is that bad and I won't always be working with dementia patients, but patient care just doesn't feel right for me. My nursing instructor is always giving me credit for my good work and believes I would make an excellent nurse. I just don't see myself going any further. I've always loved the medical field and I want to stay in it; I just don't know what I should do. I'm only 17 so I have plenty of time to decide, but I want to know exactly what I want to do with my life as soon as possible so I don't waste any time.

I've considered several different options: physician assisting, radiologic tech, medical technology, etc. The salary of a PA is very enticing, but again, not too fond of direct patient care. It's also a little more schooling than I want to do. Radiologic technology is a 2 year program at the college near me, plus I can get full financial aid through the hospital. I'm very computer savvy so it seemed like a good option. I know this sounds bad, but I don't care for the salary. Most teachers make more than that starting out. Medical technology sparked my interest the most. I love the nature of the work they do, but many people say it's gets boring and there's not much room for advancement. Cytotechnology was particularly interesting, but nowhere near here offers the training.

Any advice you guys could give me would be great. I'm very indecisive and doubt my ability to do certain things, so that just makes it even harder! Also, have any of you had trouble deciding what career was right for you? I feel like everyone else in my nursing class knows what they want to do except for me :/

Thanks!

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

Hello,

My advice is to not be discouraged from nursing because of a bad experience in one class or one facility. Your feelings may change drastically for the better after being exposed to a wider range of patient care areas and nursing specialties.

Also, there may be greater satisfaction in looking at the same patient care areas but with more knowledge and skill to intervene. The fact that you are a student with limited means to alleviate your patients' conditions may be depressing now, but imagine what it would be like if you had the power to do more as a licensed nurse.

Also, be patient. Most people do not find their life's path right away and even the ones that do have bumps along the road. The shock and sadness is common among those entering healthcare and consider that it means that you have a big heart. :)

[tomc5555]

Career counseling may help you decide. Education will strengthen your future and you sound pretty grounded and determined to find the right career path.

Good luck.

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

There are so many choices as far as determining career interests. Did you know that by the time the majority of people reach 40 years old, they will have changed careers three times. You’re fortunate in that you’re 17 years old. You still have time to decide on what to do. The programs you mentioned require a college degree. So, go register for some courses and get a “feel” for what most interests you. You can also shadow individuals to get a feel of a typical day for them. I say this to every college student I counsel. Don’t feel pressured or in a rush to decide your major. Take some courses to seek out subjects that interest you. Then narrow them down to one or two. Then decide which is of most interest to you and make the leap.

Don’t forget too that there are numerous pathways RN’s can take. Of course, a couple of years of bedside nursing experience are desired, but after that, the possibilities are endless. If you have a moment, click on the “Specialty” tab on the website and look through the different nursing specialties.

Good luck!

[IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN]

Know what you want to do - at age 17?

Don't think so - I sure didn't (BTW - I'm 49). If you're uncertain about your career path, don't mind killing a week or so (or a couple of weekends), have $20 to spend and don't mind reading books, I'd recommend getting a copy of "What Color is your Parachute?" by Richard Nelson Bolles. It's been around (and re-edited annually) since the 1970's, and has a self-assessment section that will answer the question you just posed, and a whole lot more! As an ex-IT professional, it's saved my bacon more than once.

(Hope I didn't just violate the "non-advertising" clause by mentioning this...)

Beyond that - not much I can really add, since you've received solid advice from the other posters. My take is that 50-100 hours of clinicals isn't enough to tell whether you're not cut out for something, unless you just blow chunks:sstrs: every single time you go to work; but, you know your situation better than I do.

Best of luck, and please let us know how it goes for you!

----- Dave

[niki_lynn]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think I'm just getting a little too far ahead of myself. I'll definitely check out that book, Dave. Thanks again :)