Do I have what it takes to be a nurse?

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I'm a junior in high school and its time for me to really start preparing for my future. I've changed my mind about what I want to be in life plenty of times, but I always end up back to nursing. I beileve it's a sign saying I should pursue it, but I'm terrified! I don't think I have what it takes. Math and science are not my classes of choice at all! I'm not in any honors or AP classes (I've been in accelerated classes since freshman year). I really want to be a women's health nurse practitioner/ nurse midwife, but I'm not sure if I can do it. Advice, opinions, and words of encouragement would be nice right about now :(

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I said before I started my prereqs that I was not a Math or science person either. I currently have an A in both a Math and a science prereq. If you want it, you can do it. I wasn't in anything special in terms of classes... I didn't graduate with honors. Understand that nursing is hard, but a lot of people in not so perfect circumstances are going for it. If you want it, go for it.

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Math and science are not "my thing" either, however, I made it through those courses and even came to understand them. I utilized tutors, YouTube videos, and study groups, in order to be successful. You can make it through you just have to give it your all. While we do use Math and science in our clinical practice...it is utilized in a different way than your pre-reqs. Nursing courses are a whole different ball game.

I would shadow a nurse if I were you and start talking to nursing schools/students to get steel for what you will be in for should you choose to do nursing. Best wishes.

side note: since you are still in junior high, you can utilize the assistance of your guidance counselor. They can help you get in contact with nursing schools to see what your options are. Again, I highly recommend you shadow a nurse prior to maki any decisions.

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Specializes in ICU.

I was horrible at math and science in high school. I did take one AP class either. I was in normal college prep classes and mine were considered advanced but I was in no way in 1 AP class. My focus in high school was not exactly my classes. Fast forward 20 years and I got all A's in my science prereqs. School is a little different when you are paying for it. Plus these classes held my interest. I am interested in being a nurse so A&P and Micro were interesting to me. I honestly could have cared less about my mouse trap car or dropping an egg off the top of my school. Some people were very interested in it. Same goes for algebra. I had to take remedial classes in college but did well in them because my focus was different. Just focus on what you want and go for it.

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After being in it for a while, your brain sort of rewires itself. It wasn't my best subject either, I'm an artsy fartsy person by nature, but by the time I finished my 1st science degree I was much more science minded. Math isn't ultra natural but with enough practice on specific skills I do well.

Since you're so young, I also recommend taking advantage of any shadowing opportunities that come up, and many high schools offer dual enrollment at community colleges so you can be well on your way to a nursing degree by graduation without paying for it.

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Just keep in mind that nursing is not for the faint-hearted. You are still fairly young, and there are many options lying before you. If you think that nursing is where you want to end up, try shadowing a nurse (if your area allows that). It may turn out that it's not what you expected or that it is exactly what you hoped and reaffirms that desire. Don't be hasty and take your time choosing your area of interest. After all, it can be quite a setback when you start working and find out you hate your job. Good luck!

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The best advice I can give you is take your studies seriously. Strive for your best and work hard!!! :)

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