Hey guys (if you remember me)

[nursestudentin05]

I have been avoiding this forum for a few months now mainly because my life took a different course. I got into Spring 2006 nursing program and had the worst time of my life. That lasted until March the 1st when I decided to drop out. It was a very difficult decision to me, but I just didn't feel like myself while I was there. I felt lost and not at ease with my decision. I feared my choice was wrong and that I don't have the caring personality necessary to become a nurse. Having unfriendly/arrogant classmates and unapproachable instructors didn't help either. I asked for help and guidance, I got an indifferent response. Interestingly enough, I got emails from my instructors once I was out, telling me how good I am and that they want me back. Anyway, I found the material to be easy and was doing very well academically, but my intuition was telling me I need to look for other options.

I went through grieving process, felt like a failure, but finally realized I have so much to give but need to find another field. My main driving force was helping people. As cheesy as this sounds, I didn't want to compromise who I am and stay in nursing just for the money and other perks. I felt as if that would be unfair to my future patients, and unfair to who I truly am.

Call me an idealist, but I chose Social work/Public Service. I am already involved in some charity work and am expecting to soon start a position in a teenage pregnancy shelter. I am back to where I belong.

I would like to encourage all of you who are having a hard time in nursing school to stick to it if you truly feel that is what you want to do. Don't let people tell you different. Decide and do it! Also, find or start a support group. I can't help but think that having something like that could have convinced me to stay and helped me sort out all the confusion I was experienced. Nursing is a wonderful profession, it truly requires special people.

Good luck to you all :) I just stopped by to say hi! :):):)

Edited to add: Fun2Care - congratulations girl! I am glad to see you made it in! You deserve it :)

[agent]

hi, good luck!

[tookewlandy]

I am so sorry you had a bad time, but like you said you found what you wanted to do and made the only choice you knew. I am starting this year and i will take your advise. good luck in all you do

Andy

[AllyRN82, MSN, APRN]

I wish you the best of luck throughout your journey.

[kllyhlls]

You sound like you'll make a great Social worker. You definately won't have to worry about "doing it for the money". lol Social work also takes a special person and you sound like you'll be great.

My first degree is a BS in Business Management with an emphasis in non-profit organizations so I've always been interested in that type of work. Good luck to you!

K