Could really use some input....

[Hopeful in Ohio]

Hi All,

I hope everyone is doing well, and enjoying the fall weather so far!

I apologize in advance if this is long and boring, but I could really use some advice, or I just need a good kick in the pants! Anyhow, I've been with my current employer for a little over 6 years. When I started there, I had every intention of going to school for nursing (I work for a manufacturing company, in operations) but ended up taking business classes. I ended up getting a great promotion a few years ago. The problem? I hate what I do - but I would have been stupid to turn down the opportunity. At the time, I thought it would be great. The other "problem" is that I have formed a great friendship with my boss. I don't want to betray her, but at the same time, I obviously can't tell her what I want to do. I'm so comfortable there. But, I really want to switch gears and go for my RN. The thought of taking another business class makes me crazy. I'm so scared of failure. I have to work full-time, but the school I attend offers a weekend nursing program - with no wait list! The clinicals run every other weekend, 8 hrs on Friday, and 12 each on Sat and Sun, except for Summer Semester. I think I am just scared of leaving my "comfort zone." I really want to pursue the RN. I know I'd be a wonderful nurse. My husband is very supportive and just wants me to be happy. I just want to overcome these fears of failure!! I know that working full-time plus going to school is going to be very hard, but I figure it's 2-3 years of my life. If I don't do it now, I'm just going to end up with a degree that I don't want, because I felt guilty for leaving where I am.

Sorry this is so long...any advice would be appreciated!

Thank you so much! :)

[pricklypear]

If that's really what you want to do, do it! I understand your feelings of guilt about your boss, but it's YOUR life. You seem confidant that you'll be able to keep your job while you're in school, so your boss has a couple years to find a replacement. I think most of us are scared of failure. But, you can make it through nursing school if being a nurse is what you want. If you have the means and the opportunity, you better take the chance before one or both (means and opportunity) disappear. Otherwise you'll spend your like thinking about "what ifs."

The only thing is... you are going to be stretched thin trying to work full time and going to school all weekend. But, lots of us did it.

Good luck, Hopeful!!:)

[chrisg0705]

Hi,

Just wanted to let you know that I am now working full time and going to nursing school in a night/weekend program. It is hard, but I am happier than I have been for a long time. It is so nice to be happy again. Go for it...you have nothing to lose.

Chris

[truern]

You're young...I say "Go for it!!"

[DianeS, RN]

If nursing is really something that you want to do, then I say go for it. I did nursing school while working 40+ hours a week as a medical transcriptionist while having 2 young kids at home and a husband doing cross-country truck driving (only being home every other weekend). Keep your mind to it and I'm sure you will do fine.

[rn in 3 years]

DO IT!!!! I am in the same boat as you. I work for an Insurance Agent. He wants to sell the business to me when he retires in 2 years and is offering me really gret terms. Problem is....I HATE WHAT I DO!!!! It is so boring. I just signed up for classes and gave him my 2 1/2 month notice because I am taking out a second mortgage to replace my income while I attend school full time. It will definately be hard to work and go to school but you can do it if you are motivated enough.

P.S. My husband thinks I am CRAZY for giving up the chance to buy into a business I could clear $70,000 after expenses, including the payments for buying it. He just doesn't understand that money is not everything.

[newns05]

Don't wonder what it might be like. Nursing and the road to becoming one is hard but fun. There are so many opportunities as a nurse to find a spot to settle down, love your job and make good money too. I pined away at that chance and last tuesday I became an lpn after being a cna and alittle of everything else for 8 years. If this is your dream you won't regret it in the long run.