Confused Nursing Student

[AlisaGrace]

Hello Everyone! I need some advice on my current situation. I just started my junior year in the nursing program but my whole life has literally just changed in the last few months. I realized that I was going to be a nurse because it would please my family. But since everything has happened. I have learned that I need to make my self happy also. I have realized that I feel no calling to be a nurse what so ever. I would love to stay in the medical field but I am not sure what would be a good opportunity for me. I would like to do something that is one on one with the patient. I am torn because I am already halfway through nursing school but I am almost 100% certain I do not want to continue it. What would be other good healthcare careers? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

[ICURN3020]

Whta do you like about the medical field? What type of personality do you have? Do you want to work with the public would you rather work behind-the-scenes. Do some soul-searching and ask yourself these questions to lead you in the right direction. Although you've invested considerable time towards a nursing degree, it's probably better that you realize now that it's not for you. Keep in mind though that real world nursing is often very different from nursing school. Ultimately, you have to find a career that fits you and makes you happy. We can't live to please others. Good luck!

[AlisaGrace]

Thank you so much for your reply! I have not considered all of those questions yet. I love the medical field because I love helping people. My personality type is really relaxed but I can work decent under a lot of stress. I do consider myself more of a behind the scenes person. I think it is best that I do something else also. Thank you again!

[JBudd, MSN]

If you like the one on one interaction, have you considered one of the related therapy fields? Physical or occupational therapy? My PT/OT lady works just with me during my appointments, and is marvelous. I always feel better after my session with her.

[firstinfamily, RN]

I would also recommend PT/OT. They work one on one usually, sometimes in a group. They do have a certain amount of stress on them as well but not as much as nursing. They pay just as well as nursing, usually there is not as much shift work, still have weekends to work. And, you might have to take a few different classes, but most of your sciences and other courses would still meet their requirements. This way you are not losing all the credits you have worked so hard for. It is good that you discovered this now instead of later. I truly cannot say I was "called" to nursing. It was something that interested me, that challenged me and that I could support myself with. I did not really understand the entire scope of nursing until I was deep in it. I love it, just not all the bureaucratic stuff that comes along with it. I hate upper managment making decisions that do not include the clinical staff but affect the clinical staff. Like deciding on a new computer system without our input. Making sure we meet all the "requirements" for other funding that creates a lot of extra work for us. They never take into account the amount of time all this takes up, but it is great for the facility!!! Other than that, it is great!!!