Here I go again. cant make a decison.

[undecidedjp]

Hello :) I have posted on here before with a similar question months ago, but I need more help! :)

I am 28 with 2 young kids. I have been a CNA on and off for ten years now. On and off due to a few years ago I decided to try something different because the nursing home I was working at at the time really pushed me away from anything nursing!.. I came back because I missed it.. I have also wanted to be a nurse since in highschool. I have always felt something when walking into nursing homes or hospitals.. like its what I wanted to do. I have also thought of other things which is part of the reason I never continued school.. because I just cant decide! Alot of the other reasons are.. money.. being foolish and not going right after highschool... Now, in the next couple years, I have a chance to go back to school part time once I decide what to do! I am scared to go into nursing even though its been the career I have wanted the most and thought about the most. I love the idea of it. I love helping people and I am very caring. I actually love working with the elderly and making them smile. Whenever I see someone who is a nurse I feel almost envious.. not bad.. just wish I had done it.

The problem I have with this decision is that I am not sure I can or want to handle all the responsibility and stress that comes along with it. I am also not sure about all the schooling at this time in my life. Am I going to be able to sit back and enjoy time with my children whie they are young?? Will I pass the classes?? Do I really want to have to sign something about it being mandatory to stay another shift if the next nurse cant come in.. do I really want to work christmas and other major holidays??!!.. Then on the other hand.. and I do understand in this economy even nursing is not doing well and also want you to know that the money was not a reason why I wanted to become a nurse in the first place.. I actually would get very annoyed with people that I knew that wanted to go into nursing for that reason years ago.... I just wonder if all of the things I am not sure about being able to handle about nursing is worth giving it my best and getting through it for myself and my family and our future?? I really don't know why I am making this decision SO difficult! I had wanted to be a nurse SO bad at one point in my life ( I still think abolut it and am still wishing I did it).. that I guess I feel like if I don't do it I am letting myself and family down????..but I do want to do SOMETHING.

[laughing weasel]

You are probably talking to the wrong crowd for objective advice. Most of us love the job. Their is no better feeling than saving a life, none. Only police and fire fighters have as good of odds as us as this happening any particular day at work. I feel that when we die we will be called to account for the gifts we are given. How are you using yours? Being a good parent counts bookoo points in my book. Their will never be a truly secure job but nursing is close. The opportunities are astounding. What is wrong with being a nurse for the money? If you give your very best it is right to expect good compensation. Why is this true of every field but nursing and teaching?

[undecidedjp]

Hey laughing weasel :) I definitely am strong about being a good parent and being with my kids as much as possible..thats why I am afraid to go back to school and be a nurse. I hear so much how it takes over your life!! :) I definitely think you should be compensated well for the work you do!.. I just meant I'm not thinking of being a nurse just because I hear it pays well .. I like what you said about using our gifts!... I do feel that I would be a great nurse and feel like I HAVE to do it.

I am just afraid of not doing well in class and also missing out on alot with my kids.. but on the other hand I partially want to do this for my kids! I just have some friends whos mothers were or are nurses and they wish that she was around more instead of working so much... but again.. you don't HAVE to work ALL kinds of crazy hours.. not all nurses do..????.. I'm glad to hear you love your job. :) I have heard some negativity from some nurses and its discouraging! How long have you been a nurse?? and do you have kids?... if you don't mind me asking!! :)

Thanks! :)

[laughing weasel]

5 glorious years. Nope I am just the cool uncle to my 13 nieces and nephews. Ahh!! half the reason for this site is so we can vent to other people who understand. I know a nurse who works 7:30 to 5:00 x 4 days a week because that is all she wants to work. If you are firm most places will bend fairly backwards to work with you but they will keep applying pressure for their needs/wants so stand up for yourself. Remember that the nurse who graduates last in class is still a nurse. Just learn your stuff because there are times when things move way to fast to google the right answer. Like everything else it is a balance and you have to access and prioritize. Just do not let the urgent overide the important. My mom had seven kids and one semester to go when pops and her got a divorce. We still give her grief about her parenting but never her love. Your children will be able to take it for the short period of school and perceptoring. The security and resources that your nursing degree will bring will make their lives a lot easier in the long run. While you are at school remember quality will trump quantity every time. 1/2 an hour of devoted attention is worth 2 of supervision. Good luck!!

[Back2Nursing09]

Well Nursing school will take over your life,but not forever.You will graduate and move on with your life.You have to make sacrifices sometimes and they do pay off.Once you become a Nurse,you will enjoy going to work,doing what you love,not having to worry about the bills or providing a good life for your kids and you could work 12 hr shifts just 3 times a week.You will have time for your family.If you do end up spending a little ess time with your family,it'll just make the time spent with them even more valuable and special.If you desire to be a Nurse,I say go for it.Your kids will appreciate the sacrifices you made.It'll even inspire them to go to college and pursue their dream when they're older.Nursing school won't be a piece of cake but you will make it.Think of your children for a little inspiration.You'll make them very proud when they're old enough to understand and you'll also feel great about yourself.

[undecidedjp]

:DThank you both so much!! Just what I needed to hear. :) I am a little nervous, but I know I will be so happy once I am done!.. and I am sure my family will be too! Thank you for your responses!