Contemplating going back to nursing school....could use some advice or encouragment.

[MarcyRN3385]

Ok here goes....I started the ADN program in Jan of this year. I was so excited and so happy about becoming a nurse. Then about mid-semester I lost all of my ambition and felt as if I was in the wrong field. BUT I was also suffering from an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression. I was in terrible shape....90 pounds my hair was falling out, my bones were sticking out, I would cry at the drop of a hat....so I dropped out of the program 3 weeks before the end of the semester. It was just too much for me to handle and at the time I blamed it on me no longer wanting to be a nurse. So I went back to school this fall semester as a psych major. But now I'm thinking about nursing school again. I really miss it now. I've gained some weight back and my ED and depression are no longer an issue. I also seen some of my old classmates at school the other day and it made me feel really down. And about everytime I see a nurse it depresses me. I feel as if I do really want this. Did any of you drop out of nursing school only to realize later that you missed it and you really did want it and you went back? I know the first time was just a really bad time for me. Among all of my other problems I had a 6 month old daughter at home and I was still adjusting to new motherhood. She's now 15 months and my little angel :). One thing I am worried about is I do have a part-time job now which I didn't work before. I'm worried about having the time to do my homework plus time for my daughter too. I know how the reading is....I would read until my eyes were practically bugging out of my head! I have another question for all of you too. Why did you decide you wanted to be a nurse? What inspired you? How did you know it was for you? The time issue worries me alot. How many of you also have jobs and children? I also keep reassuring my self too that it's only 2 years and then I'm done. I feel as if I've already made my decision...I think I am going back. I just need some encouragement.

[MarcyRN3385]

I also forgot to add I was getting a B+ in the fundamentals and I know that's considered pretty good. So I'm not too worried about being able to pass. I know I could do it :).

[rn in 3 years]

If you really fell that you want to become a nurse then GO FOR IT. I think the depression is why you felt the way you did before. It can really be a serious issue and cause you to act in ways you would never act before. I say if you have your depression under control (which it sounds like you do) then go back. If you feel the same way next go round (which I don't think you will) then you will know it was not meant to be. As long as you have a great desire to do this you will be able to handle work, school and (most importantly) motherhood. Good luck to you :)

[Race Mom, ASN, RN]

I was in the 1st semester of the Nursing Program in 2002. Everything seemed to be going crazy on me. I was also so estatic to be accepted and couldn't wait to graduate. Then about mid semester, money got tight, I missed my easy life, kids were young. I dropped it. I went right back to school to become a teacher. I did that for about a year, all the while sad that I quit. I was sad when graduation day came (2004). I always rushed with adreneline when there was a medical emergency at my work (casino...lots of medical happens) and my best friend would just give me "that look". You know, the one that says..."you know where your heart is, why are you fighting it?" It still took me until May of this year to decide to go back. I'm glad I did! Well, if I get in for Spring! I made a promise to myself and my family, that this time I WILL NOT GIVE IT UP!!!! I mean that.

I know that is what I was meant to do. I cant wait to start living my life!

Woogy

[SoulShine75]

1st things 1st...I'm glad to hear that you're better. That is the most important thing. :) My advice....if you're heart is in it then you can achieve it! I have 4 kids so I know how hard it is to be a mother. Being a mother is the hardest job on the planet. Especially when they're young and depend on you so much. Sounds as though you quitting before was the right thing for you at the time. Just because it wasn't right then doesn't mean it isn't right now. Sometimes we're told to wait by the powers that be and we must wait. If this is really what you want then go for it. Atleast now you know what to expect. :)

Good luck to you!