I don't know what to do (literally!)...

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Okay.

Some of you may think I am talking down about myself, but I just need to be honest so that you can help me to the best of your ability. I do NOT want to rack up anymore student loan debt only to 'fail.' So with that said here it goes (Oh, and hello everyone I'm new lol :D):

I am a recent college grad with a BS in education. My major was Community Health Promotion and Education which I loved. Unfortunately, I did not know exactly what I wanted to do before picking this major. Now and I do, and it hurts me to say chances are my degree will not help me.

I do not want to be a nurse per say, but rather a child-birth educator or a diabetes educator. I always wanted to do education, but with this degree, I'm limited to non-profits (the money sucks!) and schools (which I really do not want). But the irony in this is, to get these types of jobs (around here) you need a nursing degree.

The things that stops me are: 1. Blood, guts, and glory is not my type of thing. I can't really see myself doing hands on things that involve touching people, but I would LOVE to be a childbirth educator (which 99% of the time requires a nursing degree). 2. My grades weren't that good in school. My college GPA was a 3.1 but my overall GPA was a 2.9. Not really ideal to compete with other students trying to get in nursing programs around here in Ohio. And 3., I am NOT a good standardized test taker. Enough said.

I guess what I am asking is: Am I a lost cause? If you were in my situation, would you go back to school?

And 2., why do I have to go through clinicals/bedside training only to do education? Is there a way around this such as nursing programs specifically for people who want to do education?

I'm in Ohio if this helps.

TIA everyone. I really appreciate you reading!:bowingpur

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes you are a lost cause.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you say you don't like nursing, except of OB/GYN, your grades were not that good in college and you are bad at taking the standardized tests... Then I believe you should not go back to the school for RN BSN. Try to get a job with whatever education you have now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
Yes you are a lost cause.

:nono:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mother-Baby.

You are definitely not a lost cause, I'm sorry someone said that! I'm a firm believer that if God put a dream in your heart there is a way to make it happen - no matter how long it takes, so don't be discouraged!!! :)

I'm not sure about requirements for Ohio, or even Texas for that matter, sorry. I think if I were you.....I'd start looking at listings for jobs you do want to see what education/training they require....OR...call the HR dept at an organization/company you'd like to work for and talk with them about what you want to do & how exactly to get there.:mad:

If you need to go to Nursing school....your GPA is probably a little low to be competitive, but is clearly within the required range. Just apply, and retake a few classes if needed. You may also find that your "overall" GPA is not as low as you think once the non-nursing pre-req's are taken out. Woohoo! :)

Another option since you'd like to become involved in childbirth or diabetes education is to get some certified training in those areas. Maybe even become a doula. Please no flames people.....but becoming a doula, though requiring time & work, is not as hard as Nursing school. I haven't done it personally, but know people who have. That along with certifications in Lamaze training, breastfeeding, etc. should prepare you to teach childbirth classes.

I hope something I've suggested was helpful - even if it just spurred another thought.

Good Luck & God Bless!:heartbeat

txpixiedust

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

The reason you'd have to go through "clinicals" is; What if you were teaching a new mom to breast feed and she suddenly collapses? Or what if the baby suddenly turns blue? Or what if as you teach a new diabetic they say they feel light-headed and are diaphoretic? There are endless possibilities of what if's.Are you a lost cause, NO! But I'd recommend some serious soul searching. If you are not willing to go through the clinicals and put forth the time and effort nursing takes, then try another healthcare field like registered dietician. There are many other great careers in healthcare besides RN that include your intrests, just be proactive and look for them. I suggest a guidance counselor at your local college as a good start.:wink2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
okay.

i do not want to be a nurse per say, but rather a child-birth educator or a diabetes educator. i can't really see myself doing hands on things that involve touching people, but i would love to be a childbirth educator

no! you are not a lost cause!

since you don't like blood and don't like things that involve touching people...i don't think you could be an effective childbirth educator or a diabetes educator. i am being totally honest. also, i agree that a nursing educator should always be a nurse first.

perhaps you could teach health in a high school? or something along those lines. you are not a lost cause but being a childbirth instructor/diabetes instructor is not in your future.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mother-Baby.

No offense Melinurse, but the OP can take a CPR class and know what to do if the mom collapses or the baby turns blue! I teach CPR, and I've had a lot of non-medical people actually pay more attention & retain what they've learned than SEASONED NURSES!!! You'd be suprised at how much Nurses don't seem to remember when they renew their BLS certification every 2 years.

Nursing school & Clinicals would be good for understanding the pathophysiology of course, especially with diabetic patients.

Anyhow...not trying to attack...I see your point....Just wanted to add my :twocents:.

txpixiedust:heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU-CVICU.

Visit this website for information about Diabetes Educators

http://www.ncbde.org/eligibility.cfm

I looked at it briefly, and it looks like you'll need a Master's Degree in public health or another discipline (since you don't have other credentials) but it really looks like it could be a good fit for your situation.

Also, I think Diabetes NEEDS attention! It's absolutely epidemic...

Anyway, good luck

May

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

No offense taken:) Just offering other options and yes I was aware of what you are saying also. Just giving an explaination ( generalized ) of why. :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

Mayisontheway, excellent point!:bowingpur We need more diabetes educators in hospitals and elsewhere.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A childbirth educator does NOT require a nursing degree. If you are teaching in a hospital, maybe. You can teach your own classes, though, or through other organizations. I worked for many years at a birth center, and our childbirth educator was not a nurse, but she was certified through an organization, and she was very good.

Look at www.dona.org or www.icea.org for more information. However, unless you are teaching classes all day every day, this isn't a job at which you can make a living. Even hospital classes are often just two hours a day, one day a week. No one makes a living teaching childbirth classes.

But I don't think, given your present grades, inclinations, and situations that you should go to nursing school. You'd just be wasting your money.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment