I just want to quit..

Published

So I'm a second semester nursing student. I spent a year doing prerequisites and ended with a 4.0. I was so excited when I got my nursing school acceptance letter..when I got my first stethescope..when I got to buy my school uniform..

I made it through the first semester clinicals, lectures, and labs with good grades. 75% of my classmates failed. I'm good at everything in school but I just feel like I can't take it anymore.

I knew what I was getting myself into before I started. I knew I'd have to get up a 4:30 for clinical and I'd have to study a lot. But for some reason I'm just not interested anymore. I can't bear touching my books anymore. I'm not interested in the content. I hate clinical. I hate doing head to toes constantly and all the documentation. I don't know why.. but I just hate it..and I always have since the beginning.

I thought I'd tough it out and become a nurse and it would be so much better, but honestly idk if I want to even be a nurse anymore. My interest lies in ob or peds, but even thinking about being that kind of nurse bores me. I'm just not interested.

I recently found out I'm pregnant also. After thinking a lot I realize how many holidays, ball games, school functions I'll probably have to miss as a nurse and I don't think I want to sacrifice time with my children while they're young. I've only ever wanted to be a mommy. I don't want my kids to suffer in their early years.

Maybe I should get a different degree for now and take a swing at nursing again later? I just don't know what to do. I'd feel guilty since my dad helped me pay for school so far by buying some of my books. I don't know how I'd repay him..ugh decisions decisions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

CONGRATS on your baby! Very exciting.

Honestly? It seems pretty clear that your interest has waned & there are other priorities in your life right now. It's OK. Talk to your dad and let him know how you feel. Speaking as a parent, I would be very supportive since it is evident that you have thought this through very carefully. There's absolutely nothing wrong with focusing on your family for a few years... This is precious time that you'll never be able to get back.

Wishing you all the best, no matter what you choose.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Except for the pregnant part, that could be me writing this post ! Same semester, got great grades, also hate clinical and suddenly developed an aversion to all things nursing. For ME, I took a week off and really analyzed how I would feel if I quit. I looked at what jobs I could get NOW, with no degree. Spent a LOT of time on here reading others experiences and at the end, talked with my clinical instructor (who was pretty much the only encouraging instructor I have come across yet !). Of course a lot of my program is self directed so except for missing one clinical which I will have to make up, I had the luxury of " pretend quitting".

I decided to stick it out. For me, I realized that it was the anxiety that I would mess up or the fact that I never feel like I know what I am doing when I am used to being a very competent person, that was making me " Hate" it all. Giving myself the permission to say " eff it" helped me stand back and realize what was bothering me and how I could best deal with it. I realized that NO one really knows what they are doing ( students that is) and I was letting "perfect be the enemy of good". I figure I almost quit anyway, so now what is the worst that can happen ? I fail out ? At least I will have tried instead of holding myself back.

Of course your pregnancy changes a lot of things. Do you have a partner who will support you and the child for awhile ? Could you maybe finish this semester KNOWING that you are going to take a leave after you complete the first year ? Does your school offer any sort of leave ?

At least step back and pretend you quit in your mind and see how it feels. Is it nothing but blessed relief, or is there a nagging feeling that maybe you gave up too soon ? I know what a huge and hard decision this is, so do as much soul searching as you can. I wish you all the best !!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We can't take leave in my program and I'm due in the middle of third semester. I've imagined all day and many other times that I emailed the leader of the program to drop out and honestly it feels refreshing to think about. I'm interested in accounting so hoping to move onto that instead and have a more family friend career as well as school life. My husband is the only one working already so I know he's not gonna care if I switch. It just makes me so sad to think how driven I was compared to how depressed and annoyed I am that I feel stuck right now. I think I'm gonna email the course facilitator tonight and be done with it all. I can't take it anymore

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

In all honesty, to some degree becoming a nurse seems to work out better for some people. Yes you may not make all the ball games but how many other jobs can you work 3 days of the week and earn benefits? Finding child care can be challenging though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I went through the EXACT same thing and took a semester off to clear my head. I went back, finished and am now trying to retake the NCLEX. I still don't know if I want to become a nurse, but unfortunately, I have a lot of debt accumulated while in school and have to repay them. So game plan is to pass NCLEX, work as a nurse for at least a year and see how it really is. If I decide to quit later, then I won't have any regrets because I KNOW I gave it a shot.

Take the time off if you need it. You can always go back.

As for the books, can you sell them? You won't get 100% back, but at least it's something.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you should still finish, and put off working as a nurse for a while if you want to spend a few years with your young kids. Having an RN you can always find a job when you think you are ready. However, if you do quit now, god knows if you will ever be able to finish your RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Personally, I do agree with some about actually completing school and getting your RN license but going through nursing school would have been tough for me without the motivation. However, my nursing class had so many different types of nrsg students other than the traditional ones. Ones that even waited almost their whole life until they were a grandma to complete nrsg school and get their RN license.

So although it may be harder to get into school later, I believe nursing will always be around so choose what you feel is right for you. So maybe nursing isn't right for you or maybe it's just not right for you right now or maybe when you let this go you'll find something you'll be even happier with. It's your choice, do what makes you happy.

By the way, congratulations on your pregnancy!!! Hope you have a beautiful, healthy baby!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you should do what is in your heart. Accounting is a great career, go for it. I had my third baby in the middle of nursing pre-reqs, the only thing that kept me going is that I wanted it. So don't waste time and money and do something that you feel will be more family friendly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To be honest I would stick it out until the third semester or you due date. Take a semester break (or whatever is allowed in your school). You want to focus on your child, especially in the first couple month.

And not all nursing is hospital nursing. Not everything is 7-7, 12h shifts. Doctors offices, outpatient surgery centers, health departments... they all work their typical 8-5 (or similar hours) - some with no weekends or holidays!

And if you change your mind later on that's ok - but you have a career to fall back on!

Good luck and congrats on the pregnancy!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nursing school is hard, really hard. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to be done with it all and do the exact opposite of healthcare. Do you have the option to earn your LPN? If so you could get yourself that far and take a much needed break. I made the decision to take some time off to gather myself and figure out my path. Three years later I decided to finished my degree. Even after I swore I never would. Anything is possible. Do you have an online option. I felt like I was more interested in my program when I was learning things in my own way. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I also advise you to complete school and obtain the license. You do not know what the future may bring. You could have an entirely different perspective when you are no longer under the influence of the pregnancy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion