HELP! I may need to drop out of nursing school!

Nurses General Nursing

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I just started my pre-req's for nursing school a few days ago. I am really starting to have second thoughts on becoming a nurse. I have always been the caregiver type and know I will be a good nurse but I want to make sure I know what I am getting myself into.

It will take me about 3 years overall to get my RN (including the 1 year for my pre-req's). As of now, I have my esthetician license as well as CME (laser hair removal license), but want to make more money as well as have more respect from others in the work place. I know nurses have to "pay their dues" in the beginning (long crazy hours/days), but eventually I thought hours/days get better along with time. I want to start having kids after I get out of nursing school but how long do I have long/crazy work days? Is it better to not work when I get out and wait for kids to get older before I start working at all? Is there any hope of working part-time as a nurse starting out? Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry, Hospice, Home Health.

There is such intense learning in the first several years of being a nurse I would suggest working full time for at least a year before going part time. Plus with a good solid year under your belt you will have many more job opportunities. There may be a ton of jobs out there but jobs are very limited for new grads. Good luck - Sun

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Specializes in Government.

Just from my experience...please do not put off working after graduation. I know too many people to count that got their license, had kids or took time off and 10 years later found themselves never having worked as a nurse. Some never actually took the NCLEX. You'll never be better prepared to learn about being a nurse then when you are fresh out of school.

This board is full of tales of woe of people who graduated and never practiced. It hurts to read them. Good luck!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I agree. I have a friend who graduated in 2006 with me from the LPN program. I took my exam within two months, she waited close to a year to even register to sit for NCLEX. Then, waited about another 7 months before she started looking for work, and meanwhile most of us are either working or have even become RNs since. She calls me every now and then to mull over what she should do, and I told her the same thing-that the longer she takes to get her feet dirty, the more afraid she will be.

As mentioned, I would try to at least work a year or so before taking time off.

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Nah... don't drop it... Go for it!

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I don't see why you can't get a part time job during any shift you'd like once you graduate. Who say's you have to work full time and crazy hours? I look in the jobs posted at the hospital where I work all the time and it seems there's plenty to choose from, even for a new grad.

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I agree. I have a friend who graduated in 2006 with me from the LPN program. I took my exam within two months, she waited close to a year to even register to sit for NCLEX. Then, waited about another 7 months before she started looking for work, and meanwhile most of us are either working or have even become RNs since. She calls me every now and then to mull over what she should do, and I told her the same thing-that the longer she takes to get her feet dirty, the more afraid she will be.

As mentioned, I would try to at least work a year or so before taking time off.

Wow that was me. I graduated in May on 2007. I did not take my nclex untill late December. I finally got a job in late May of 2008. I really wish I would have done it sooner. I was a big @$$ chicken $#!^. I still am very cautious. I am 42 years old, I am not sure, that if maybe I were younger, I would not be so chicken to try new things. It was hard to go from waiting tables to taking care of people. But it is so rewarding.:redbeathe:twocents::twocents:

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Hey - Do it. Seriously. Life will happen as it happens - you will roll with the punches, and wherever you are - there you are!

I know several nurses that worked part-time (or are working part-time) as new nurses. Yeah, it may take longer to get into the flow of things (because X # of hours takes twice as long to acquire if you're working half as much), but of course you can do it. You can do anything you want.

As far as I'm concerned, it'd me much worse to have a child or two and look back, wishing you'd done nursing school. And sure, you could still do it - lots of people do - but it'd be that much harder with a baby or two to coordinate daycare and homework with.

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Thanks for your encouraging words:)

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Specializes in ED, M/S, Pedi.

This is just my opinion of course because only you really know yourself and your life needs.

I would suggest working full time for a year before having little kiddos. It is hard to start a new job and have the wants and needs that come with being a mommy...off shifts, holidays and stressful shifts become emotionally explosive when what you really long for is to be with your baby.

That being said I have seen many many young nurses (myself included) work part-time and have happy healthy families. I worked part time eves in the ED form many years and while pregnant with my 2 daughters.

If this is something that you really want you can make it work!

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Don't take off time after graduating. There are so many pre-nursing students who want to work as nurses now, busting their butts trying to get in to a highly competitive program. Don't do it until you're ready - save that spot for those who want it NOW.

If you want to be a nurse b/c the money is better and you want respect, go be a doctor cuz honey - the money isn't what nurses are known for ;)

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Don't drop out.. When I graduated in highschool, I cant even think of a course to take in college and in the end I end up taking nursing... It didn't bother me if it's hard. I just took it..

Just think of what you can do once you achieved it.. It's just a matter of time and dedication..

All I can say is, YES it is difficult field. But hey, everything is difficult the first time... There's NOTHING COMES EASY when it comes to building a profession...I'm sure of that

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