Dropped out of ASN Program. Advice?

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Unfortunately I have come to the point that nursing wasn't for me. I've been on a hard road to reach the point to where I have 2 semesters left but I couldn't hold on. I was immensely afraid the closer I got because nursing is overwhelming when you go above patient care. I was struggling just to keep up with balancing skills, medications, charting and studying. I just realized I love taking care of people but nursing is another level as well. I don't want any judgment or criticism for my decision to drop because I feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. All I ask is for some advice to other career paths I could go with my current credits. Also other jobs in the hospital like a patient care technician. Thank you.

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It takes a lot of courage to drop out after putting so much in. As far as jobs, what do you like? Dislike?

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My job right now is a patient sitter and feeder which I enjoy because on good days I spend quality time with patients and helping them be comfortable while making sure they're safe. I love assisting the cnas. Also I think I would love something with x rays and such.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Is there a community college near you that would have some sort of career counseling service? If so, they may be of great help to you.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

There really isn't much you will be able to use your nursing courses for, unfortunately, but you have the basics presumably and can use those on another path. Many people who do not care for nursing have thrived in respiratory therapy, surgical technician, ultrasound technician, radiology technician and other technical careers that involve patient care. Good luck and good for you for recognizing early this isn't your path. No harsh words here!

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You say you love taking care of people and you enjoy your job as a sitter. Why not get a CNA/HHA certificate? That would give you the option to continue what you are doing at a slightly higher rate of pay. You could also work as a PCT in acute care, while you explore your options in radiography, etc. The more relaxed pace will give you the opportunity to enjoy patient care without all of the stress that comes with licensed nurse duties. Nothing wrong with this route. Whatever you choose, good luck with your next steps.

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Isa95 said:
My job right now is a patient sitter and feeder which I enjoy because on good days I spend quality time with patients and helping them be comfortable while making sure they're safe. I love assisting the cnas. Also I think I would love something with x rays and such.

There is nothing wrong with not being an RN. I love it my job. I never had a desire to get my RN. You do what works for your life. It's not worth being miserable every day.

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I agree with all responses and being a nurse is not for everyone. But...I dropped out of nursing school 1/2 way through my 3rd semester. I just HATED it, had no idea what I was doing, what a nurse was. Hospitals, the responsibility, scared me to death!

All I wanted was some plain old no responsibilities secretarial type job. I got a job in a banks mortgage dept. So ha ha on me, it was AWFUL and I was fired! (No, I didn't mess up someone's mortgage payment!) They even accused me of using their stamp machine for my personal mail!

I don't remember what I was thinking...but I went back to my school, was able to apply for the 3rd semester, was accepted. Some stuff started to make more sense...applying what I was learning in the classroom to actual patients in the hospital....it was still scary and hard but I became a nurse.

The first two years were still hard and scary, but I am glad I did it. After about 10 years I was nominated for nurse of the year at my hospital.

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Specializes in ED.

Like someone said, you do you and do what makes you happy. I would suggest that you relook at all the work you put in though and if not transfer it to another health care program, then look at finishing your degree because it is more transferable than pieces of one. There are sooooo many opportunities for nurses and ways we can perform our job that does not entail an acute hospital unit. In the end I hope you find what you love!

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Maybe it was all about timing. I'm glad the second time around worked out good for you!

Oh brother, as if you would use their stamp machine haha!

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Hi,

What about going to school to be radiology technologist? My sister does that and loves it, and she is 20 plus years in. Like her, you can do some additional schooling and move on to doing Cat scan, MRI, or ultrasound.

Respiratory therapy may also be another option, although you are responsible for patients it is one one aspect and not multiple.

You may want to look into those two options and talk to the college about it. You would have to go for another two years, but at least you may enjoy it more. I don't think you can afford to live off of CNA or sitter pay, I am just guessing.

Annie

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Genetic counseling? Maybe? Although I think most have a master's degree. The work flow may be better since you see one person at a time in a clinic setting. Not sure how many classes would overlap though.

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