I feel like my heads going to explode !!

[kb88]

I'm so burned out and tired of over thinking situations. I hope going to this forum will help me choose a better direction and gives a third person point of view. I have two situations that I'd like to discuss. Mines, and my girlfriends. I've posted in the "Nursing career advice" forum , but with little feedback.

1.)First, her situation. She went to a private school and attended to become an LVN. She failed second semester(med-surg) twice and transfered to the surgical technologist program. Now, she's thriving. Her grades are always between 85% to 95% on tests. Is it wise to keep going and finish ST or should she go back and try LVN again? What concerns me is if she fails again and adds on to her debt and wasted time. Where-as, if she keeps going through with ST and finishes, she will have accomplished something. The pay of ST will be less then LVN, but atleast she's accomplished something. She's 21 years old.

2.)My situation. I completed my pre-reqs at my community college and signed up for the Radiology program. Due to the waiting list, I've waited 6 months. I signed up June 09' and it's now December 09'. My parents are stressing me to go back to school and do LVN, but after seeing my girlfriend feel anxiety//stress out//crying all the time; I don't know if I want to do LVN. Instead, I considered doing ST. I'm also a part time phlebotomist. I am 22 years old.

Ultimately, I'd like for me and my girlfriend to make atleast $20 an hour. We both live at home and don't have any desire to have any children. Please give me some advice. Any comments, inputs, etc is well appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[Mulan]

What does your girlfriend want?

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

I know when you're young, but what does she want? it's unfair for you to try to do this without her input. there's a big push when you're young to "get a job, accomplish something, etc." well, if she wants to go back, maybe she's seeing where she can improve from the past.

what do you want? what are the reasons? If it's only money, you will be sadly disappointed. the money is middle class, but you will hate your job if you have no interest in it.

I think you really need to talk things over as a family...good luck with whatever you decide.

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I wouldn't worry about her, sounds like she found a program that is really working for her.

For you, I don't really know which route is best for you, but I wouldn't let your parents make that decision for you.

Children and living situations will change in a heartbeat, at the right time, so just be prepared to accommodate.

Best of luck,

Tait

[Mr I Care]

Sometimes life deals us a hand that is not in our favor, but we have to adapt and learn how to play our cards right. It seems as though your girlfriend has everything figured out and you should just be supportive. I know you want the best for her, but could it be that you feel she will be less happy as a ST or unsuccessful which cause for your concern ? I think you two should have a discussion and work on prioritizing, managing time and putting forth a greater effort to accomplishing your own goals regardless of your parent's opinion. At the end of the day you have to live your life and if you change your career plans based on someone else's experience then you might as well give up completely now. Sorry for my bluntness, but dude I think you should go for the LVN. Your girlfriend's experience does reflect your ultimately outcome in the LVN program. I know it will be difficult to make this decision with or without others in your life either supporting or discouraging you but ultimately you hold the key your happiness, not your girl or parents. Stay focus and driven. I am an example of this same situation. I have been accepted in one of most competitive register nursing program in my state and proud that I stead fast even when people who I was friends with failed and tried to discourage me but I am proving them wrong everyday.

[Blackheartednurse]

What makes you think your girlfriend will pass LPN school this time?

[kb88]

She and I want the same thing. It's just that our parents want us to have that title "nurse" for the prestige.

My parents tell me, " You don't want other people to look down upon you! You want to be confident in yourself so that you can hold your head high. If you aren't a nurse you will feel insecure about yourself. Radiology is ok, but it doesn't have that prestige as nursing does."

In all honesty, I don't give a damn what people think about me. We just want a peaceful life. All I need is a vehicle to get me there.