Having second thoughts....

Published

I recently got accepted to an accelerated nursing program for this coming January. After completing all of my prereq courses, I've been starting to have doubts about going back to school. I think this is the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life :banghead:. I have a decent job now in a lab, but it's not very fulfilling and there's not many opportunities to grow. I thought nursing would be a job that would allow me to put my compassion to work for me and would also allow me to give back to people in need. However, sometimes I feel that the pros and cons equal out and I'm having a hard time deciding.

I've never worked in a hospital setting as a CNA, and I don't want to go into this blindfolded to find that it's not what I thought it would be. Not to mention the $40K price tag. It's a pretty big gamble that I don't want to regret doing or not doing. I've shadowed a nurse at a private nursing home, but the experience was basically set in an office with a bunch of paperwork and no patient contact. People may say to work as a CNA first, but for me to quit my job to try it out is not practical financially. With the current economy, it is a major step to leave a decent job (I'm lucky I have one) to a career that I'm not sure is right for me.

On another note, I am a hard worker that enjoys a fast paced work environment. However, I am a sensitive person and I fear that the patients, doctors, and nurses would eat me alive. I know one of the characteristics of a nurse is to have tough skin, but I'm not sure if I can handle the abuse that sometimes accompanies a stressful situation.

I also feel like I if I don't go back in January and decide to give it more time, a lot of my prereq courses will be over 10 years old which would require me to take them over :down: I am not about to take Algebra and English all over again, that's for sure. I feel a lot of pressure to decide and I know I'm the only one that can make that decision, but your input would be greatly appreciated :wink2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you don't try, how will you truly know? I know the money is high to go but if you really do not like it, no amount of money should stop you from choosing a different path. It sounds like you job is ok not great. why not take a risk to see if this might be a better option. again, you won't know if you don't try. no one can tell you, it is something you must experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in none.

I say GO FOR IT!!!

Good Luck!:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I also say go for it, because if you don't you'll ALWAYS have the "What If...?" question in the back of your mind. I Think alot of people go into the nursing profession without ever worked in a hospital first and they do fine as nurses! I can see that you are considering alot of things and that is great, it really sets the point that you are interested in Nursing. If this is what you REALLY want then don't stop!

"I never said this was going to be easy, just worth it!" ~..?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with all the above posters. Also, are you sure Algebra, English, etc. are included in the prerequisites that can't be > 10 years old? I know they sometimes do that for the science prerequisites (a&p1&2, micro, chem) for Nursing but not the liberal arts/core requirements/electives, etc. If you find out that you don't have to take any of those over, it might make you feel more at ease. Either way, best of luck in whatever decision you make!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I also say go for it, because if you don't you'll ALWAYS have the "What If...?" question in the back of your mind.

Yes! It will torture you! Believe me, I changed majors from BSN to BS in Health Ed years ago and for at least 5 years I have been doing the "what if" dance and trying to figure out if I should go back and try again.

I say go for it; prepare ahead of time for moments of doubt so when they come you can handle them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion