Only 2 semesters left & I want to change majors!

1. I only have two semesters left, but am feeling like I am not happy at all with my career choice. Everyone keeps saying, "You're so close, look how far you've come", but the truth is, I don't know if I want to be a nurse now. Is there anyone else feeling this way? I can't tell you exactly what it is, I have just started doubting that I would be happy in this field, or any medical field. I'm trying to figure out what other career I could go into where all of my pre-reqs would transfer. Any suggestions?
2. 

   About RN-BamaStudent

   Joined: Oct '03; Posts: 91; Likes: 1
   Full-time student

   5 Comments

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3. 
   Apr 28, '04

   Joined: Dec '03; Posts: 37,336; Likes: 5,525

   First, you need to decide what it is that you don't like. Is it taking care of patients and being involved in bedside care, or all of the science classes?
   There are many, many things that you can do with your nursing degree that do not even involve being in a hospital..............Since you are so close, I still would recommend completing the program, if for the sole reason that you will always have something to fall back on, even if you don't do it for ten years, and all of a sudden decide that is what you want to do, you could take a refresher class over a couple fo months and be all set.
   
   Do you have any idea of what you do like? What are the things that make you the happiest. I have been a nurse for over 25 years, sure there are things that I love, and things that I dislike immensely. But it has given me the option to do what I want and when I want. I have designed medical clinics from the ground up laying out all of the basics for the design of the facility, setting up and designing medical practices, worked in all of the specialty areas for the experience, etc. You just have to find your niche.
   Now, I like teaching and that is what I am doing and making a difference in some nurses' lives that never would have had the chance, it is a nice feeling. You feel good when you go home at night...................
   
   Hope that this helps...............

   Last edit by suzanne4 on Apr 29, '04
4. 
   Apr 28, '04

   Occupation: Medical Assistant Joined: Apr '04; Posts: 60

   I agree with Suzanne4,
   
   There are so many things that you can do with your nursing degree. You could work for an insurance company, utilization review, administration, etc without actually taking direct care of patient's. Think it over before throwing away what you have accomplished thus far, which is a lot!
5. 
   Apr 28, '04

   Occupation: RN - Operating Room (and prn at a hemodialysis clinic) Joined: Feb '03; Posts: 1,190; Likes: 11

   I agree also. There are many avenues in nursing that you can take. Look at what you like the most & what you dislike the most. Most folks are able to find their niche.
6. 
   Apr 29, '04

   Occupation: RN/ part time medical transcriptionist Joined: Jul '03; Posts: 604; Likes: 5

   I third and fourth the votes. Having a nursing degree will open up many avenues to you in the health care field. There are lots of great positions on the administration end of it if you enjoy working in that sort of environment. Try sitting down and making a list of your likes and dislikes so far about nursing. What fulfills you and what do you want to stay away from? Think about what made you decide to pursue nursing in the first place, and focus on those reasons. They could be the root of many great careers!
7. 
   Apr 29, '04

   Occupation: Dialysis Technician Joined: Mar '04; Posts: 46

   now, now that's just the exhaustion talking. i'm sorry that you are feeling like this now. it may be that you are sick of studying. it happens. but i have to agree with the others. a nursing degree opens many doors. there are so many roads that you can take. maybe if you took a weekend and rested doing something that you love. i like being outdoors. taking my dog for a long walk helps me put things into perspective. i like hiking and camping so i'll probably be doing more of that once i get there (nursing school)to relieve stress. anyway, hang in there. do some research. you will be surprised what a nursing degree can do for you.

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