I was asked If I really want to be a nurse.

Daggummit! · Nov 1, 2006

You don't sound like a wimpy kind of guy being a former US Marshall and all, so your situation must be fairly nasty in order to make you feel this way. Everyone has their high points and low points, and lack-lustere grades can be a pretty powerful amplifier of any self-doubts you are experiencing (I know they were/are for me). You're definitely being hindered by not being allowed to practice relevant skill in your clinicals, which you properly pointed out to the instructor. Her remarks about your efforts could be either a trivial, snide remark, or an honest attempt to make you work harder in order to prove her wrong. IMHO before you make any decisions about quitting/continuing, you should evaluate whether your current doubts about nursing are just a temporary thing brought on by this one class, or if it has been a persistent, nagging problem for you throughout the program.

Just my $.02, good luck with whatever you decide.

psalm, RN · Nov 1, 2006

...hope you can get thru maternity and onto what you will be able to be more involved in. Keep studying for the knowledge!! How many more semesters do you have? We had maternity in 2nd semester of 4 clinical semesters.

Let us know how you do and don't give up! A man CAN be a great OB nurse, but may not be as accepted.

adrienurse, LPN · Nov 1, 2006

Wow that's really unfair that you're not getting to do as much as you should. Not like they're not letting male MDs deliver babies! Please don't let their pigheadedness get you down.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2006

I'll tell you what. You are obviously a very capable guy who has a lot of critical thinking and decision making skills, along with the physical aspect. it takes a lot of character to work in law enforcement. Don't let one instructor push you out! Take time to sit down, and reevaluate WHY you want to be a nurse. Sometimes one good huge reason is all we need! Also, i know the feeling. My instructor basically said the same thing to me after week #1 of clinical care, after I'd failed 2 concepts of patient care. I got a progress note, had to make goals/plans, and explain why I made mistakes. (I couldn't put "because you didn't explain patient care fully to us and we'll make mistakes the first week." Go figure. Keep the faith, I know you can do it.

cinja · Nov 2, 2006

Thank's for the pep talk Coach Loco. I really was nice.

cinja · Nov 2, 2006

...hope you can get thru maternity and onto what you will be able to be more involved in. Keep studying for the knowledge!! How many more semesters do you have? We had maternity in 2nd semester of 4 clinical semesters.
Let us know how you do and don't give up! A man CAN be a great OB nurse, but may not be as accepted.

I am at the half way point in the accelerated BSN. After this semester its Adult 1, Leadership and Nursing Issues. Summer semester is Adult 2, Community Health and Senior Seminar. I am hoping the Adult's will be more interesting.

fishngolf · Nov 3, 2006

good day,

you mentioned that your passion and/or drive has diminished since you started. can you recall what it was that attracted you to nursing? was it nursing in general or a specific aspect of nursing? sometime we lose the "drive" because we lose our focus. often the big picture hides behind the detail, words and petty aspects of class and instructors.

i've used the following as a reminder that life is difficult....

the road

the road to success is not straight.

there is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, detours called friends, red lights called enemies, yield signs called family. as well as flats called delays.

but, if you go down the road having a spare tire called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith, and a map called focus; you will make it to a place called success.

the road to success is not straight.....

finally, take a break from it all... go golfing or fishing or what ever makes you smile and laugh!

out, fishngolf

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2006

I think every student hits the road block of doubt and fatigue. Like you said, you just have to do it. Also, expect that when you graduate you're going to have some of the same doubts "why did I do this???". Heck, I sometimes ask myself that today.

Hang in there and good luck.

jov · Nov 3, 2006

II have been doubting about if I want this. I no longer have the desire I had when I first started this journey which includes pre-reqs and the program I am in now. I feel I have way too much invested to stop now, I guess I just need to find a gear and get through this.

I guess my advice would be to not necessarily discount your doubts. The phrase I have way too much invested to stop now sounds like something thought while standing at the front of the church hearing the tune Here Comes The Bride, and we all know where that ends up. Deciding nursing is not for you would be a decision probably better made sooner than later. I had a friend who went through that last semester, and she decided to take a semester off and explore the idea of dentistry school. She did decide that nursing was for her, and now she's back, stronger than ever.

Not saying you should or should not drop out of nursing school. Just saying be sure to explore your doubts.

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Nov 3, 2006

I was thinking the same thing about males MD's delivering babies. What a weird thing that is--pt's let them deliver the baby, but the male nurse can't check them.

maryloufu · Nov 3, 2006

When I was in school- none of the nursing students were allowed to check ladies in labor- pretty much all I did was look at the monitor all day and listen to gossip at the nurses station. (sigh) that was a long 12 hours.