Frustrated and don't know what to do.

daniedi77 · Mar 30, 2009

First of all, take a breath. You can do anything you put your mind too. It is possible to work and go to school. If you have to work full-time, start by going to school part-time and see how you do. If you can afford to work part-time, go to school full time. I worked full time and went to school full time and to be honest, it was hard. But I wanted to get it done so I sucked it up. Now I just work part time and go to school full time. Do whatever you are comfortable with. There are loans and financial aid available to you, Most schools have a work-study programs. Don't let A&P scare you. Yes, it is alot of info, but it will sink in. Just tackle one thing at a time. If your still unsure about nursing, you could always takes classes to become a medical assistant or patient care technician? Hope that helps!

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2009

First I would suggest looking into becoming a CNA. Most areas it's relatively cheap and quick and will give you a chance to see for yourself what LPNs/RNs do on a daily basis. This will help you know whether or not nursing is for you without the larger investment of time and money for those degrees. Plus you'll get paid to do it. Even better, see if you can manage keeping your full time hair stylist postion AND work partime as a CNA (or flip flop to full CNA/part time stylist) If you can physically deal with working that much, it will give you a better idea of what you can handle while in school.

There are loans out there for you as well, best thing to do is check with the financial aid deparment of any school you are considering. And of course, it's always best to keep your school loan debt as small as possible, so if you can manage to work and go to school, do it!

js408 · Mar 30, 2009

There's no such thing as a recession proof career.

Hi there! I've been pretty addicted to this site once I found it a little while ago. I would love some insight.
Around the time I graduated high school I really wanted to be a nurse, but I knew that science and math were not a strong point of mine. So I ended up talking myself out of it, and I became a hair stylist instead. With the economy tanking, and my desire to one day relocate, It hit me like a ton of bricks that I should get a recession proof career. So nursing came back into the picture.

tbell2 · Mar 31, 2009

There's no such thing as a recession proof career.

While this is true..... nursing is MUCH more recession proof than hair dressing. I recently quit a salon after 8 years. When the economy is tanking, what are people gonna cut out first? Their chemotherapy or their $57 haircut? I know there are hospitals laying people off or in a hiring freeze, but salons don't feel the need to do that because most of them pay commission, so if the stylists aren't bringing in $$, they arent' having to pay anyone.

Ninja Nurse, ASN · Mar 31, 2009

search this forum for the topic new grad nurses can't find work. our economy affects everyone, for sure, but don't let it discourage you. i'm hoping, for myself, that everything will start to turn around by the time i'm a nurse anyway.

but in the meantime, just so i could be sure this is what i really wanted to do, i took a cna class at my local tech school. during clinicals, i was able to experience alot of what to expect in my future. it was awesome! i suggest this to anyone who is unsure of investing in this career. i never thought i would become a cna first, and many nurses don't, but i am so glad i did. well, not quite a cna yet :rolleyes: , still have to take that darn state test, that's a whole 'nother topic .

i would also suggest doing what you're doing on this forum (it rocks) and meeting as many people in your community that are in our shoes. i haven't totally given up on my past life (bartending), and figure i will work p/t as a bartender/cna while attending ns.

good luck and take care!

amy874 · Mar 31, 2009

Thank you for all your replies! I do know there is no such thing as a completely recession proof career. When I said that I had seen different articles stating that nursing was some what recession proof. It just seems like there will always be a need for nurses, there will always be sick people.

I'm going to look into trying out the CNA thing. The more I think about nursing the more I get super scared, and almost talk myself out of it. I also feel like sciences are going to my complete obstacle.

Once again thanks for all your advice!

Kenrb27 · Mar 31, 2009

I too, am a hairdresser who is doing my pre-reqs for nursing. I've always really liked my older lady clients with their stories and their spirit. Helping them to a the sink or a chair has always made me feel good. With the economy the way it is I've been making a lot less than I used to, but I love my job. I've always been a people person and can't see completely letting go of hair.

I will be honest and say that what drew me to study nursing was the money and job security, but the more and more I research the job I realize nurses earn every penny that they make. The more I research the more the compassionate side of me comes out and the pride in my work at being the best. I'm glad I have beauty school behind me, because my experiences there will help me not to quit. Yes, they are very different but I know in Cosmo school I wanted to quit lots of times because I wasn't as good as someone or I didn't pick something up right away but with that behind me I know I can do it anything I put my mind too. I know I will have to work hard, and study hard but it's totally do-able. You can do anything!!