How Did you Know?

Hi Nathan! I think people come into the thinking that they want to be a nurse in a variety of ways. I have wanted to be in the medical field ever since I was a little kid and played with a toy stethoscope and syringe. I never pursued it though because I got married young, then went through several jobs that were just 'fine' and had a family. I am actually working in a very good job that has decent wages, but I feel like I am not doing what I am supposed to be doing. I am meant to be helping people.

When I finally decided to quit procrastinating was when I had my second child, the nurses were so awesome and I was thinking . . . wow, they are getting paid to care for me and my baby and they got to attend the delivery, what a special job. Then I thought, what's the matter with me, that could be me? I decided enough was enough and it was time to revisit my dreams. So, I am finishing up my last two pre-reqs this semester and am on the dreaded wait-list, but I don't care, because I know I am finally headed in the right direction.

On a side note, I have a friend who works in Hospice and she is in one of those jobs everybody thinks they wouldn't want. Well, she couldn't imagine herself anywhere else, she said it's great because she gets to learn about people's lives and ultimately, she gets to allow them peace and comfort in their last days and allow them to die where they want to, which is very important to them. She was scared to go into it at first, but now she says she will retire there, it touches her in a way nothing else could.

I think if you are unsure, you might try shadowing some nurses in different settings to see what they do and talk to as many as possible. Follow your heart and if it's only fear that is holding you back, then jump in there because I think all of us who are just starting out are scared, but that is why we go to school - to learn how to be the best nurses we possibly can.

Ok - sorry, I ramble. Best of luck in whatever you choose. :)

My mother and grandmother TOLD me that I was going to be a nurse. OH NO!!! It was my destiny to be in the U.S. Marine Corps-I thought! After 8 years of the Marine Corps I started feeling like that wasn't what I was supposed to do. I found myself playing mother and doctor to my troops and decided that Yeah, I am going to be a nurse.

I'm scared to death though. If I make a mistake in my job right now the worst that can happen is some computer programs screw up and some files have to be replaced so I can start over. If a nurse makes a mistake the consequences are far more drastic. I'm scared I'm not mentally capable of becoming a nurse. I've never been accused of being the smartest cat on the block anyway. My undergrad GPA is only a 3.4 and I had very little science courses. I need two more classes to have all pre reqs. I made B's in A and P which I'm afraid is not good enough. I'm scared I do not have the "stomach" for some of the rougher sites and chores of nursing. I hope this is completely mental and something I can control but I just do not know until that time comes.

Nathan

Nathan, you remind me of myself. I too struggle with second-guessing myself. Will I be good enough? Can I really handle what it takes? Will I be nice to people when I'm having a bad day? Will I pass all my classes? Will I pass and still not know what the heck I'm doing? Or, what if I dont pass??!?

I've been tossing these questions around and I still haven't found answers. The only advice anyone has given me so far is to just stop worrying, don't sell yourself short, and you'll never get anywhere until you try.

I've decided that I'm tired of living... or rather, not living, because I'm always scared of failure. We all have to eventually take that leap of faith and see where it takes us.

Just imagine, in another few years, we'll probably be here saying, "I Did It!!!"

Best wishes,

-lisa :)

Nathan, you remind me of myself. I too struggle with second-guessing myself. Will I be good enough? Can I really handle what it takes? Will I be nice to people when I'm having a bad day? Will I pass all my classes? Will I pass and still not know what the heck I'm doing? Or, what if I dont pass??!?

I've been tossing these questions around and I still haven't found answers. The only advice anyone has given me so far is to just stop worrying, don't sell yourself short, and you'll never get anywhere until you try.

I've decided that I'm tired of living... or rather, not living, because I'm always scared of failure. We all have to eventually take that leap of faith and see where it takes us.

Just imagine, in another few years, we'll probably be here saying, "I Did It!!!"

Best wishes,

-lisa :)

Ok Lisa, I'm thinking you and I may be twins. You and I seem like we are one in the same. I hope you're right about being back here in a couple of years with the "I did it!!!" advantage!

I know something that has given me some piece of mind is support from a very special friend. She lives in San Francisco which is several thousand miles from me but it feels like she is right here with her arm around me whispering encouragement. I was talking with her this week about my anxiety and fears and she has decided she is going to be my accountability partner as I go through this process. She is going to be reminding me that this is something I can do and that I need to do. She is also a great supporter who will keep my head up. She is awesome and her support is going to help me beyond words.

I need all the help I can get though and want to be here to offer an encouraging word to anyone I see in doubt so I will be using this forum frequently. I wish everyone here going through this same thing all the best. Remember any of us can do it!

Thanks again to everyone for sharing and for the encouragment.

Nathan