Having second thoughts about going into nursing...

[JUSTYSMOM]

Hi,

I always thought that I would become a nurse. I have always been a caring, compassionate, loving people person. I have always been fascinated by the human body and mind. I thought that the nursing profession would be the perfect fit for me. But life and circumstances had kept me away from obtaining this goal..until now...

But I tell you, I have picked up more negativity, hostility,& burn out regarding this profession on this board, that I am seriously thinking of looking into another allied health career. (Radiology/Diagnostic Sonography)

The biggest thorn im my side has been the LPN/RN situation. I was going to do the LPN route because it is the best choice for me financially and personally. But jeez, I almost feel like WHY BOTHER? Why give myself heartache and misery?

(EX: bashing, not bashing, real nurse, not real nurse, can do this- can't do that, stuck in LTC, not good opportunites, not hiring LPN's, etc etc ...)

I live in S. Florida and I KNOW there is a shortage here of nursing. But if this is the real world of nursing, I DON'T want to be a part of it.

Thanks for letting me "speak"

Julie

[SmilingBluEyes]

I went into nursing school before boards like this existed. I HIGHLY doubt anything negative here or anywhere else would have swayed my decision one bit. WHY?

Maybe cause I am "old"....I graduated nursing school at age 34 and knew myself and my mind very well. Maybe because I am not one to let naysayers affect my life decisions and change what I know is the true me. Maybe because I look for positive as well negative in everything, not just nursing, but in life...... Maybe because I KNEW I wanted to be a NURSE badly enough....Maybe a touch of insanity .....(just kidding)....Please,

let me relate something encouraging to you:

When I applied way back in 1994 for RN school, the director (who had quite an evil reputation) peered over her glasses at me. Said, "what makes you think you will get in MY program? I have had over 100 applicants so far I will only take 30. What makes YOU think YOU stand a chance?". Now if ANYthing could discourage a person from nursing, this could. And that school was the only RN training in town.......

I just said to her, " I know I want to be a nurse...have for a while and if it's not here I get my training, I will get it elsewhere at another time. I won't let you stop me". And I walked out, shaking and upset. I was rejected that year. Now I had no option to move somewhere else, being military, I was quite stuck if I wanted to be a nurse anytime soon...so....

I reapplied the next year, still knowing what I wanted to do. Was accepted. Rest is history. I am glad I persisted. I have found my "niche" in nursing and KNOW this is what I was meant to be. I agree the with poster above who said it is a PASSION. It should be; if not, you won't make it. You will burn out fast.

But once in, you can do whatever kind of nursing you want, work when you are able/and/or want to, and enjoy it. I sure do. I wish you well in your decision-making. Don't let negativity here or ANYWHERE get you down; if this is what you WANT feel the burn and go for it and you will be GREAT! Good luck!

[oramar]

Someone posted about studying for sonographer, they made it sound really inviting. Wish they would pop in here and post again.