Don't want to become a nurse anymore...

[yawn]

Hi. I think I don't want to become a nurse anymore. I am currently taking a break from school, I am taking a semester off. Because I "felt like it." It was mostly for self-discovery and other personal reasons. I do not have any regrets at all for taking this break, though. Meanwhile, I am working in the retail field and I am loving it.

I have 1 more year to go to finish my nursing program. I don't know if I want to go back. I am not sure if it is the break that is causing me to become lazy? or less interested in nursing? I, however, do want to complete school and get a degree in something. I am considering administration/HR department/business, or any office work... like receptionist/data entry/etc type... I am interested in that field... I already applied to hr management and reapplied to nursing... I'm waiting for an answer from the school. I'm trying hard to reignite my 'passion' for nursing like reading magazines, going on websites, but no... I don't feel anything. I feel like it's an obligation for me to finish the program for my parents. and also to prove to my uncle and his niece (who is finishing nursing this yr) that I can also do it. (I guess its my stubborness) Already, my uncle thinks his niece is better than I and that I would never get accepted to nursing and make it... I wonder if it is STUPID of me to abandon nursing all together and pursue another degree.... with only 1 year to go. I don't feel like I have any more interest in nursing, at all.

Anyway, I just don't know what point I am getting to here... I guess, I just needed to let my concerns out. I just don't want to disappoint my parents, my grandmother, etc... but I just can't picture myself nursing... I feel like a failure. I don't think they would understand if I choose another degree when nursing = secure, stable, guaranteed job and well paying...

[RN1989]

Don't let others influence you to do something you don't want to do. Only you can know what you truly want to do. Who cares what your family thinks. They don't have to live with your choices. Nursing is hard work. If you truly don't want to do it, then don't. The salary is not worth it, even though others tell you it is. If your heart isn't in it, you will be miserable. Money is not everything. Make a list of pros and cons of nursing, along with any other occupation you might think you would be interested in. Read the list of pros/cons, pray about it, search your heart. You will know what is right for you. You are an adult now. It is time to do things for you, not because people in your family have expectations. You can't please everyone and you will make yourself crazy with regret if you try.

[Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN]

I feel the same way you do, but I'm 46 and don't feel it makes much sense to quit after I've worked so hard to get here. When I was your age I dropped out of college algebra because it was "too hard". I wish I had hung in there, found a tutor, taken an easier math class to get ready for that one, ANYTHING but quit. If I had hung in there I might have graduate 20 years ago instead of struggling through nursing school at middle age.

I'm pretty sure I don't want to be a nurse either. I figure for as hard as I have worked to get here, I don't care if I don't like it. I'll make the best of it. The reality is most people don't like their jobs. Having a tolerable job is about the best you can hope for in life.

I would say finish what you started. It might come in handy in ways you never imagined. Life has a funny way of changing in the blink of an eye. Something that meant nothing one day can mean everything the next. I feel your struggle too, so I don't know if what you're feeling is a true desire to quit, or just burnout. Lately I feel so exhausted and just soooo ready for it to be over. I'm hoping that I'll get some rest during semester break and the feeling will pass. If it doesn't - well it's only 5 months to graduation after that. I can hang.

[GenXnurse]

Yeah- Do what makes you happy.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

Having had experience in the retail world first hand, the reality is you can get promoted many times over at one place of employment and spend a number of years earning that status back at another. The thing is with nursing, I can be working in California for a while then move to New York and still have the same status I had and still be paid nearly equal wages. And face it, would you rather be selling your soul selling something to someone who may not need that new something or be promoting the health and welfare of people as a nurse, the best nurse you know you can be? I say get the degree dammit and keep your license! And come back to nursing at age 50 when you burn out at doing retail!

[abruns]

you can't do something you don't want to do just because you are afraid to disappoint someone. You have to do it because it is right for you. Only you can make that decision.

[sunshines66, BSN]

Nursing is much too stressful of a field to just grin and bear it through for your career. I don't know your age or status, but if you are in your early 20's you won't be at retirement age for about 50 years. Don't do anything that you are not passionate about for 50 years. I agree nursing school is stressful, but if you dont think you like nursing, don't do it. If you feel as though you might still like it talk to your instructors and see if there is someone you can job shadow and see if you change your mine.