Getting over the fear

Follow your passion. I just finished my first semester of NP program. My advice, just go for it. Graduate school is difficult but do not let fear stop you.

I think we all have some fear and trepidation when going forward with something that was just a dream not so long ago. Go for it!! I am entering the ACNP program at Vandy in the fall. I have been scared every step of the way. I am sure most who have entered these programs have felt the same way.

Go for it! It is nerve wracking, but they will prepare you in your program. Take it one step at a time- there is a long way to go before you are expected to know what you need to know and have large amounts of responsibility! It is never a bad thing to go for your dream!

Thank you all for your replies.

I just can't seem to pull the trigger. Maybe this is not for me after all. Every time I get set in my mind that this is what I want, I keep thinking of a million reasons why it is not.

I think that I need to take a step back and make sure that this is 100% what I want before I spend the time, effort and money. Part of what is holding me back is that deep down, I have regrets about pursuing nursing. Vet Med is my first love, but I was a flake in college the first time around and changed my major to business. Went back years later for the aBSN. I love being a nurse, but deep in my heart it is always the back up plan

I firmly believe not sticking to Vet Med when I had the chance was a mistake. But, the past is past and I have made peace with that...I just do not want to make another career mistake. Maybe I need to keep working, or give hospital nursing another shot, or change specialties, before committing myself to grad school.

I dunno. Any advice appreciated.

I just can't seem to pull the trigger. Maybe this is not for me after all. Every time I get set in my mind that this is what I want, I keep thinking of a million reasons why it is not.

I think that I need to take a step back and make sure that this is 100% what I want before I spend the time, effort and money. Part of what is holding me back is that deep down, I have regrets about pursuing nursing. Vet Med is my first love, but I was a flake in college the first time around and changed my major to business. Went back years later for the aBSN. I love being a nurse, but deep in my heart it is always the back up plan

I firmly believe not sticking to Vet Med when I had the chance was a mistake. But, the past is past and I have made peace with that...I just do not want to make another career mistake. Maybe I need to keep working, or give hospital nursing another shot, or change specialties, before committing myself to grad school.

If your heart is in veterinary medicine, maybe you owe it to yourself to apply to a vet school, just to see what happens. Or you could switch gears and become a vet assistant, see how that goes, keep up your RN license and if you find you prefer nursing humans to nursing animals, you can go back for the FNP then. Sure, it seems like a lot of education but a vet assistant program is what---one year? One year is nothing compared to the rest of your life.

You know, you could always find a way to incorporate your love for animals into people nursing. Many grad programs require some sort of project and several students I know are looking at using therapy animals in different settings. You could also just get involved with animal therapy on your own, separate from your educational program, just as something to enrich your life.

I would hate to lose you as a nurse because, from previous posts, you seem like an awesome nurse, but you do need to go where your heart is. If something other than the natural grad school jitters is keeping you from sending in that application, maybe you need to do some soul-searching first so that you have no regrets. :hug:

You all are so sweet, I have tears in my eyes. It is cool to know people out there care about me, a perfect stranger :)

sirI, I think you are right. Maybe time will give me more perspective and let me get a grip on what I really want.

Moogie, I definitely don't want to stop being a nurse! At this point in my life (married with a barn full of responsibilities that I would never ask my DH to care for alone), Vet school is out of the question. Had I stuck with it when I was 18, unattached and Mom footing the bill, it would have been great. Now I just cannot afford to devote four years plus to Vet school. My horse Doc is a good friend, and I see the insane hours he works and how it has affected his relationships, and maybe it was for the best. I probably would not be with my DH had I gone that route, and we have been married for 10 years. It has been a twisted path, but I think I ended up in the right place, personally and professionally. I still have that twinge of disappointment in myself for not seizing the dream when I had the chance, though. Just don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past and make a hasty career decision I may later regret.

My own horses, cats, dogs and goats give me a great outlet for my animal passion, and to be honest I would prolly not enjoy them as much if I was a vet, LOL! I have been looking into Equine therapy. There is autistic kiddo at my school I would love to get involved in that, so I am researching programs as we speak.

Again, thank you all for caring and taking the time to reply. This has been a very emotional decision for me and it is great to know people care. :)

You think that's bad, wait until you get to the several weeks of waiting for the answer after you've applied...