Help... not sure if nursing is for me

[samanthadaisyRN]

I am in my last semester of nursing school (BSN track) and I am feeling unsure. I havn't really liked nursing since I started the program- but I am not the type of person to quit sometihng once I've started. I really don't think I like nursing at all, I get so stressed out when I have to do actual patient care. I dont get stresed out doing the little things like vitals and baths, I really dont even mind giving shots. But I am terrified of giving IVs and doing any kind of patient care that is invasive. I always second guess myself and feel like I do everything wrong. I hate clinicals and dread going to them. The only ones I've liked so far was the newborn nursery. I just don't know what to do, should I just pick a different degree to go into after I graduate with my bsn? I like the medical field and I like knowing about illnesses and diseases and how they are treated. BUt Im not sure that nursing is for me. Has anyone else felt this way or have any positive advice on what I should do?

[samanthadaisyRN]

Thanks everyone for your support and advice! I am feeling a little better about things, I really appreciate you all taking time to reply to my post. I am just going to keep trying and hopefully wtih practice, I will become more comfortable and begin to love what I do!

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

I am a new nurse and I felt the same way you did throughout my schooling. Unsure if nursing was for me or not. I also did not want to be a quitter so I kept going and here I am a new grad on orientation. The doubts are still there, worse than when I was in school and I go home many days vowing to look for a non-medical job and never come back. After a few weeks on the floor you do start to feel more confident and comfortable dealing with IVs, putting in foleys, trach care, etc. The stress is exceptionally higher than in clinicals because this time you are the nurse. I intend to at least finish orientation than possibly search for another type of job if I still feel the same way in a few months.

[samanthadaisyRN]

Wow, I just found this post and had completely forgot I ever wrote it!! Just to update everyone I've been an OB nurse for almost 3 years and absolutely love it! I can't believe I ever felt that way about nursing, my confidence has grown so much the past few years. My next adventure is going to be travel nursing, can't wait for what the future holds :)

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

Congratulations to you. I pray that all who come here find such contentment and enlightenment. That is so refreshing.