discouraged :(

[prisicruz]

hello :)

I'm going to be starting an LPN program at Lowell Tech in Mass this September. First and foremost, and before I continue with my "story", let me just say that I want to go into nursing because I LOVE helping others and I am def a people person. That being said, I told my mother-in-law yesterday about my plans to go into nursing and she said that it's rediculous. She is a CNA and has been for over 15 yrs. In her opinion, I'm too much of a girlie girl to be a nurse. She thinks I'll be grossed out just by my clinicals and wouldn't even try to get a job if I even finish school. And she said that the money won't be satisfying unless me heart is in it. WHOAA!!!!

Personally, I have no problem with bodily fluids, or fowl smells or needles or anything like that. Plus I have a 3 yr old so I'm used to dealing with things like that. And I know that being a nurse will be a lot more demanding than dealing with a 3 yr old, but I have experience dealing with puke and blood and that sort of stuff. And I'm not doing it for the money either because really I can go into other fields and make good money. I just really like working with people and helping people and I know I can be a damn good nurse.

However, the fact that she said that to me threw me a little off gaurd and off course. I've gotten tons of words of encouragement and well wishes from everyone else. She was probably just trying to be honest, but I feel like she's judging me based on what I look like and what kinda girl I am, and not on what I can achieve and/or become.

I just needed to do a little venting. My husband tells me to stick with my plans and see for myself. What I decide should be my choice and not his mother's. But maybe he just wants to be nice and sugar coat his feelings?? GRRRRR!!!! I hate that she said that to me! Now I'm questioning my potential. :angryfire

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Some times someone will say something that you don't really want to hear, especially if you have doubts on what you are doing. Your husband is right and stick with your plans especially if it is something you really want to do. Prove her wrong.

Good luck

Vent away we are hear to listen and hopefully offer some advice :)

[bebahloo]

Well the way I see it, your MIL's opinion is a good motivator to prove her wrong. It sounds like you will become a great nurse. Before I started my courses back in 2005 I went to a few schools to find out about the program. Massasoit's program advisor told me not to bother. Its too competative and I didn't have any courses and I probobly would never get in because I needed so much stuff and the Biological Principles exam was so difficult and I would be competing against applicants that already have a bachelors degree, blah, blah, blah. She tried her hardest to persuede me to go into another program. I could have let this woman bring me down and change my mind about going for it but I really wanted to be a nurse. Now I have completed all of my courses with an almost perfect GPA and I have applied at BCC and am waiting to hear if I got accepted. There are going to be so many people who are going to try to bring you down and be negative. It is true, the process to become a nurse is a long difficult process BUT if you really want it you can do it and you will be a nurse and then you can sit back and smile while you proved eveyone wrong. Devise a plan, stay focused and work hard and you can do it. I still have not been accepted yet but if I don't it will only make me work harder.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

The school accepted you, as a nursing instructor I see all types and most succeed.

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

Do you think your mother-in-law is a little jealous that you will be an LPN while she has been a CNA for 15 years? Maybe she does think you can hack it and that's why she's trying to discourage you from pursuing nursing. I'm sure she is a very nice lady, but don't let her drag you down.

[kekecruiser]

Congratulations on getting into the Greater Lowell program. I was planning on applying here also. Was the interview difficult? Did you find out you were accepted at the interview? I am nervous about the NET but I think I will do okay. Did you get high scores on the NET? I know I have a lot of questions :)

Good luck and don't let anyone discourage you from your dreams!

[VM85]

dont justify yourself to anyone. its your life, your better it for your self your child and your husband. yeah she has seen alot in her experience, but a cna and nurse has totally different responsibilities-and i know shes prob worked alongside the nurses but there are many different feilds of nursing. some people just have to put their two cents in, even if its not welcome. you do what you want to do with your life- its yours!!!dont live it for anyone else, and most importantly let her know you need her support, not her down your back- dont get discouraged!!!