How do I know if this is fit for me?

RunBabyRN · Jun 8, 2014

Do you feel like you're going through the normal burn out that hits periodically throughout the program, or is it that nursing wasn't what you imagined? Remember that nursing school is NOT nursing. It's building a foundation upon which your nursing practice is built. It's teaching you how to think as a nurse. Have you only spent one day in clinicals? If so, I would really give it more time. Every day is different, and every unit is different. You may find some other area of nursing really speaks to you. I'm going into women's health, and I love that kind of nursing. I could handle med/surg, but it's not where my heart lies. I did my preceptorship in postpartum, and I have an offer waiting for me there. Not much turning of patients, but you do have to check everything you do in nursing, because your actions are the difference between life and death. That's a lot of responsibility to hold, and if you can't pay that much attention to detail, then nursing may not be for you.

People do change majors. I have a few times, and I'm 34 and just graduated from my nursing program. It happens. But really examine why you feel the way you do, and perhaps talk to your classmates, because I'm guessing a lot of them feel the same way. A LOT of students, especially in the beginning, FREAK.OUT. in clinicals. Give it time! :)

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2014

Who cares why other people have chosen nursing. The real question is whether or not you like it, what your fears are, and why you're feeling burnt out on school.

We've all been there at some point. Nursing school is tough and I know I've had my own doubts about my ability. I like to think that doubt is normal. I've watched classmates go through it as well. Why don't you tell us what your fears are. I think you'll find that more of us than not have experienced similar thoughts and self-doubt. That might be more helpful than comparing our reasons to be nurses against your own. Also tell us what you really like about nursing and what you find enjoyable. Sometimes it helps to have both the positive and the negative to compare and contrast.

I hope you did well on your final, and I hope you have a break in courses that allows you some downtime to think/rejuvenate/recover. *hugs*

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2014

How did you know that nursing was for you internally? not external influences(money, family, friends, convenience etc)

I never quite achieved any internal, visceral feeling that nursing was for me at any time during nursing school or in the 8 years that I've practiced as a licensed nurse. Going into nursing was more of a calculated business decision for me. I did it for the career mobility, flexible scheduling and steady income.

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 12, 2014

If you are waiting for some magical moment of getting a "calling" to determine your career, you may be disappointed in life. Many people never get such a "calling." They choose a career based on the information they have at the time and then CHOOSE to make the best of it. The actively look for the positive aspects of their situation and maintain a positive attitude as they work through the various problems that arise. They seek ways to improve the things they can improve and learn to tolerate the negatives things they can't improve.

Try to figure out if it is truly the activities of being a nurse that you don't like (and you never will, which would make nursing a poor choice for you ).... or whether you are just tired of being a student ... or if you are currently in a clinical rotation that doesn't appeal to you, but that other specialties are still appealing. Then make a choice and make the most of it.

RubySlippers06 · Jun 12, 2014

I have gone back and forth SO many times when it comes to nursing. When I first started college, I was an English/Political Science double major and planned to go to Law School. This is something I had been planning for years. Law School had been my dream since I was 15 years old and I was not able to start college until I was 22, and had to go part-time. I had a 4.0 GPA and everything set to apply for Law School. Then, I got really bored with my English classes and most of the Poli Sci were a joke to me because they were just too easy. I wasn't challenged and I really started to doubt whether or not I should do something else. Nursing had always been in the back of my head, but I didn't want someone's life being my responsibility in a life or death situation. Then, my best friend decided she was going to go to nursing school. Hearing her talk about it made me look into it more. Finally, I decided to take A&P I. I ended up getting the second highest grade in the class and falling in love with Biology.

After that, I STILL went back and forth constantly because I couldn't stop thinking about Law School. Finally, I set down and made a list of what I wanted out of a career. What are the most important things to me? Then, I made a list of what I thought my strengths were. This is what I came up with:

Important things:

1. Helping people. When I say this, I mean as a whole person. I want to be able to make someone's pain/stress/etc. be lowered. I love being able to lift people up when they are having a hard time.

2. Being physically active. I was a legal assistant for a year and went crazy sitting at a desk all day. I have to be able to move around.

3. Having a skill other people don't have. This may sound strange, but I like being that person people turn to when they have questions or need help with something.

4. Making a true difference in somebody's life.

Strengths: 1. Intelligence. I feel so very blessed because I can easily understand just about anything.

2. Compassion. Due to having a pretty rough start to life, I can easily put myself in another person's situation and not judge their actions. People have reasons, consciously or subconsciously, to do what they do.

3. Fighter. Basically, if there is something I believe in or know is right, I won't back down. I will do whatever needs to be done, without breaking the law, to see that it happens.

4. Passion.

I feel that nursing will help me achieve this and utilize my own strengths more than being an attorney will. This is part of my list and I shared it with you to help give you an idea of what you can do. I suggest making your own list and see what fits with it. Do not think about nursing or careers while you make it, or your list will become slightly biased. Just think about you. When I first did it, I made it of what I want out of life, and then geared it towards a career. I hope that helps you!!