Help! I can't decide whether to return to nursing school

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Hi all - I have a low threshold for stress. I have had melt-downs during each attempt at nursing school. I have taken the first semester twice - almost to the end. I'd say that each time I dropped it I allowed the clinical instructor to stress me out. I feel stronger now. I exercise, I eat right, I sleep well and think that I have a good attitude. I know what to expect and I know how to handle difficult situations. To attempt nursing school for the third time, I have to write a letter to the head of the department. I haven't sent it yet.

Any suggestions. I had no problem academically.

Thank you in advance.

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Why do you want to be a nurse? Nursing in and of itself can be inherently stressful. Yes, there are some areas where it's not. Is that where you want to work? In a doctor's office or an incurance company?

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Actually, I did want to work for an insurance company. I was thinking of legal nurse consultant too since I used to be a paralegal. I want to be a nurse to make a positive impact on people and to learn the material in which I am extremely interested. -

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Actually, I did want to work for an insurance company. I was thinking of legal nurse consultant too since I used to be a paralegal. I want to be a nurse to make a positive impact on people and to learn the material in which I am extremely interested. -

A legal nurse consultant isn't sought by attorneys for legal procedural knowledge, but for nursing knowledge and experience. You will not be able to get your nursing education, pass NCLEX, and go right to being an LNC; you will have no value as an experienced nurse. So you'll still need many years of working in nursing before that time. Check the Legal Nursing forum under Specialties for more discussions like this one.

That said, perhaps if you can't find work as an RN you can still moonlight as a paralegal to keep the money coming in. :)

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I have a low threshold for stress. I have had melt-downs during each attempt at nursing school.

Any suggestions.

My suggestion is that you give some very serious consideration as to whether you're cut out for nursing.

Nursing practice is generally much more stressful than even the very worst of nursing school ever was.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I want to be a nurse to ... learn the material in which I am extremely interested. -
There are much cheaper and easier ways to learn the material.

Buy used books of the web and watch YouTube videos.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

It seems like you may like the 'intellectual' aspects of healthcare rather than the down-and-dirty patient care part of it. Have you considered options that are more distant from the bedside? Maybe one of the more technical areas? What about laboratory science? Lots of intellectual stimulation but without actually dealing with patients.

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I think that is what I am going to end up doing. Are you a musician? I play violin and piano. I was just noticing your logo there.

Thanks for the suggestions!

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I just know I can do it. I wrote a letter to the department head today requesting to be reinstated and to be given the opportunity to challenge nursing 1 with their exam. It is going before a committee in May and I'll find out then. I know I can do it. My husband says that I shouldn't try and that I'm just not cut out for nursing. I know I can do it. Maybe I have grandiose thinking? I had two meltdowns due to stress. But I am wiser now. I know I can do it.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You need to deal with the reason behind the meltdowns before you will be successful. Have you gotten any professional help? If you haven't dealt with the problem you will find yourself in the same spot again.

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I've been working with a clinical psychologist regarding the meltdowns and they are due to my inherent hypersensitivity. I may be able to improve that, but I don't think I will ever totally get rid of it. I just have this hunch that everything is going to work out this time, though. I know that there is no logical basis for me to think this way which worries me. I am afraid that I am deluding myselt. not good..

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Hi! I couldn't help but leave a comment after reading your post ..& I hope to bring you some inspiration!! I am the product of a highly anxious and meltdown prone student who is now a working nurse..who had a lot of great job offers!! The key is picking the right job..that's not as stressful.. Maybe one on one patient care if you want to go that route or the other options you were talking about in previous posts. Here is the thing .. I left school once & then ended up going back and having another breakdown at the end of one of my semesters to my clinical instructor . I am a 4.0 student but I didn't have confidence in my abilities. If you really want to do it.. You will ... But the key is you need ALOT of support ..& constant .. I was always calling my family & friends to push me and keep reminding me why I want to be a nurse and get the degree! And .. I 100% believe that God & alot of prayer works ! & your hubby just doesn't want to see you stressed..my dad told me multiple times why are you going into this field if you get like this.. But I am telling you .. You can conquer it & be successful & happy! Good luck, God bless!

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