I don’t know if I want to be a nurse anymore

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I failed nursing school twice. I always thought I had a love for nursing! I was kicked out of my nursing school in 2019 and have been waiting to get back into a program ever since. I have the opportunity to apply for a program that starts in December; however, now I’m having doubts about entering the nursing field. During my weird break from school, I worked in a hospital as a CNA right at the start of COVID. I became soooo burnt out after a year and a half that would call out constantly and finally decided to resign. I got my EKG certification and am currently working as a telemetry technician on a PCU unit. I hate it just as much. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I love helping people and I love the art of caring. I would consider myself to be highly empathetic, understanding, and patient. I’m an introvert who tends to tire easily from a lot of constant stimulation. I hate stressful situations and environments and I’m worn down from the patients that complain their food is too cold and management reprimanding us for not making their stay as lovely as possible. I hate the abuse and being short staffed. I love caring for people; but, I don’t think I could work for a big corporate hospital. Not only that, I’m $80,000 in school debt, have a three month old baby, and just want to get a degree. I just don’t think nursing is for me... but, I have no idea what else I would do. I’m stuck and confused! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

"Helping people" and "the art of caring" cover a lot of ground. What specifically do you enjoy about caring for people? Teaching new knowledge and skills? Helping with ADLs? Using science to help improve a person's health? Listening to them and providing acceptance and perspective? I think that narrowing this down would give you better direction on other potential options.

I will say that, while I completely identify with being tired of people complaining about things out of our control, any career that involves helping people will come with some complaints and negativity. My boyfriend is a social worker and I'm a med-surg nurse, and we both sat on the couch yesterday lamenting how very difficult it is to give people everything they need. All this to say, no matter what, it's an asset to develop a thick skin, know what gives you resilience, and identify your dealbreakers in a workplace - no matter what human services work you do.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
6 hours ago, Vigirl465 said:

Not only that, I’m $80,000 in school debt, have a three month old baby, and just want to get a degree. I just don’t think nursing is for me... but, I have no idea what else I would do. I’m stuck and confused! 

Wow, Vigirl. This sounds like the plane has already crashed into the mountain and is just now requesting bearings.

Getting back to the basics, meeting our needs, and those for whom we're responsible, is of primary importance.

Our happiness will come once we're at peace with who we are, and not from some sort of external validation.

GOOD LUCK!

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
3 minutes ago, Davey Do said:

Our happiness will come once we're at peace with who we are, and not from some sort of external validation.

Oh Master

This Padewan requests to use this on occasion as a tagline, but only with your permission

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You're right. Nursing isn't for you. Good luck with your future endeavors.

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Have an evaluation by your PCP to make sure your physical and/or mental health is in order. That's the first step here based on what you wrote.

Don't try to make any more big decisions without understanding yourself and your goals. Attend to yourself then revisit your options when you are on solid footing. There are lots of ways care for others or to provide a service that helps others.

IMO nursing is most definitely not a profession to enter without some significant motivation and without being pretty sure that it's what one really desires to get into.

 

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Specializes in Pediatrics, NICU.
4 hours ago, NurseBlaq said:

You're right. Nursing isn't for you. Good luck with your future endeavors.

that's a pretty bold statement for someone (I'm assuming) who doesn't even know the OP

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
4 hours ago, NurseBlaq said:

You're right. Nursing isn't for you. Good luck with your future endeavors.

 

27 minutes ago, pinkdoves said:

that's a pretty bold statement for someone (I'm assuming) who doesn't even know the OP

When we have been repeatedly exposed to numerous situations for years, there are earmarks- characteristic or identifying features- that are identifiable in deducing an outcome.

A Physician told me nearly 40 years go that if a Patient presents with seven out of ten symptoms of a disease, there's a very good chance that the patient is suffering from that disease.

15 hours ago, Vigirl465 said:

I was kicked out of my nursing school...I’m having doubts about entering the nursing field... I became soooo burnt out after a year and a half that would call out constantly and finally decided to resign... I got my EKG certification and am currently working as a telemetry technician on a PCU unit. I hate it just as much....  I’m an introvert who tends to tire easily from a lot of constant stimulation. I hate stressful situations and environments and I’m worn down from the patients that complain... I just don’t think nursing is for me...  

At least ten "symptoms" show that NurseBlaq has made a consensually correct "diagnosis".

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Specializes in oncology.
16 hours ago, Vigirl465 said:

I’m $80,000 in school debt,

What credits have you earned that you can transfer into some major (not necessarily health care?

 

16 hours ago, Vigirl465 said:

have a three month old baby,

I am sure you are extraordinarily tired also. Hope you have some reliable help. Best wishes..

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2 hours ago, pinkdoves said:

that's a pretty bold statement for someone (I'm assuming) who doesn't even know the OP

The OP told us themself. Nothing about what I read screams "should be a nurse". Nope, just don't waste any more time going down that path. Choose a new one and good luck.

2 hours ago, Davey Do said:

 

When we have been repeatedly exposed to numerous situations for years, there are earmarks- characteristic or identifying features- that are identifiable in deducing an outcome.

A Physician told me nearly 40 years go that if a Patient presents with seven out of ten symptoms of a disease, there's a very good chance that the patient is suffering from that disease.

At least ten "symptoms" show that NurseBlaq has made a consensually correct "diagnosis".

That's it!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
17 hours ago, NurseBlaq said:

You're right. Nursing isn't for you. Good luck with your future endeavors.

I laughed when I first read your post, NurseBlaq, due to the sheer candor of the statement. I wanted to give it a positive reaction immediately, but believed my action might be taken as a kicking somebody when they're down.

11 hours ago, NurseBlaq said:

The OP told us themself. Nothing about what I read screams "should be a nurse". Nope, just don't waste any more time going down that path. Choose a new one and good luck.

Most times the truths most difficult to take are the ones we most need to learn.

There are certain endeavors in my life I attempted to successfully pursue and The Forces That Be told me, ""No no no...", but I did anyway. I learned that sometimes no matter how hard we want something and work hard at attaining it, it is not meant to be.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
12 hours ago, londonflo said:

What credits have you earned that you can transfer into some major (not necessarily health care?

Good idea, londonflo, making use of what we have!

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