Discouraged about being a nursing student

Published

I really need some advice so I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and are mature in their responses.

I've suffered from Anorexia, severe anxiety, severe OCD, and depression. After my grandmother passed away from stage four lung cancer and my other grandmother being diagnosed with cancer of the uterus, I've developed a phobia of getting cancer. I'm taking classes online and stay in my house most of the week. I'm really sad about all of this and I'm seeing a mental health counselor but it isn't doing enough. I want to take on a career that I am passionate about and will have to work hard for so that I can get my mind off of things. Since my mother has always worked as a secretary in a trauma unit, I was around physicians and nurses. I do not have much money but there is an affordable community college that has LPN and RN programs. I applied but now I am very hesitant about going after hearing that working in a hospital is hazardous because there are many carcinogens. I searched the internet every day about more information and after reading how many carcinogens are in the hospital on the OSHA website, I'm reconsidering my career as a whole. I know that I would like to work in a private practice or outpatient center but as a nursing student you have to spend a large amount of time in a hospital. Are there any suggestions? Should I forget this career all together?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Im sorry I do not have much advice for you. Just wanted to extend my warm wishes and good luck down whatever path you choose.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I really need some advice so I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and are mature in their responses.

-deleted-

I want to take on a career that I am passionate about and will have to work hard for so that I can get my mind off of things. -deleted-

As had been said numerous times on this board, you've got to take care of yourself before you can try to care for others. You've said that you're getting help for your problems but that it is not enough. Using nursing as a career to try to "get my mind off things", in other words, as therapeutic, is a big mistake, in my opinion.

I truly hope that you are able to work through this difficult time in your life and to work on getting help with your other problems . . . I don't think that adding the stress of a career in nursing would be a wise move.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

Nursing school is only going to increase your stress and anxiety. If you want to work in a doctors office have you thought about being a med tech? I'm sorry you're going through so much. Best wishes, whatever you decide to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I really need some advice so I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and are mature in their responses.

I've suffered from Anorexia, severe anxiety, severe OCD, and depression. After my grandmother passed away from stage four lung cancer and my other grandmother being diagnosed with cancer of the uterus, I've developed a phobia of getting cancer. I'm taking classes online and stay in my house most of the week. I'm really sad about all of this and I'm seeing a mental health counselor but it isn't doing enough. I want to take on a career that I am passionate about and will have to work hard for so that I can get my mind off of things. Since my mother has always worked as a secretary in a trauma unit, I was around physicians and nurses. I do not have much money but there is an affordable community college that has LPN and RN programs. I applied but now I am very hesitant about going after hearing that working in a hospital is hazardous because there are many carcinogens. I searched the internet every day about more information and after reading how many carcinogens are in the hospital on the OSHA website, I'm reconsidering my career as a whole. I know that I would like to work in a private practice or outpatient center but as a nursing student you have to spend a large amount of time in a hospital. Are there any suggestions? Should I forget this career all together?

It sounds like you have a problm that is interferring with your ability to do what you want-- I would definitely try and get this under control before you start nursing school/invest in nursing school. There is definitely help out there, and seeing a psychiatrist may not be a bad idea or asking about different types of therapy that may help you.

I will say that medicine/nursing is so broad and that you could do a ton with it; it sounds like you already know that you could be in a setting where you have very little contact with oncology patients.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just curious about something you said. You described be "yelled at", so does this mean that the person speaking to you actually raised her voice, or was it that what she was saying was said in a really rude way? Not that it is acceptable to have a co-worker who is supposed to help you but instead is rude to you, but I just wondered if she also raised her voice when saying these things (which would be REALLY unacceptable!).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

moved to nursing career advice forum :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, PACU.

if you feel that counseling isnt working for you, perhaps you should discuss some other options such as medications with your physician to augment your counseling.

I agree that you should get your mental health in order before starting nursing school if possible.

I had panic attacks before nursing school and they got much worse during school with generalized anxiety but nursing school was healthy for me because it taught me how to deal with my anxiety and now I havent had a panic attack in more than a year. Its also important to consider what is anxiety inducing to you and how it will interfere with nursing. For example, I would panic over scholastic things but oddly enough thrive in critical care and emergency situations with little anxiety so my anxiety doesnt affect my job.

Maybe you should discuss your concerns about nursing with your therapist since she/he is familiar with your condition and how it affects you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Posted was the site that I was referring to.

http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vi/otm_vi_1.html

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Oh Hon - I really think you need a big old hug >>>>>>. But as previous posters have said, you need to get yourself in a much better place before you can do anything. Nursing is tough. It is tough to get into and tough to stay in. The environment and performance expectations can be absolutely toxic for emotionally fragile people. You sound like a big ol' hot mess right now... the experience would probably just chew you up and spit you out.

Get yourself together. Then figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion