I seem to need a little guidance...

[OUNursingStudent2010]

Okay, I am sure each and everyone has felt this way at sometime in our student nurse career, but I'm still wondering--is this really what I want to do?

I am beginning my second year of my ADN program and I'm still not sure if this is right for me. I love learning about the disease processes, medications, mechanisms of action and so forth, but I really don't feel that this is a career that I want to do for the rest of my life. For example, I have been working as an extern for about a year now, and I always DREAD going to work. I like the people I work with, and some patient's do make the job worthwhile at times, however if I am choosing this as a career shouldn't I be enjoying what I am doing?

Maybe it's all nerves, and I'm completely crazy--but this has been a thought that has came across my mind recently. I was just wondering if there is anyone out there who is going through the same dilemma or just some advice to figure this all out.

Sorry so long, and thanks in advance.

[newbebop, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I would bet a good part of it is stress. How did your first year in the program go? I imagine it is a different world of nursing once we are no longer "students". The stress of schooling, grades, and studying can take a serious tole on what you are looking at as work environment. An externship, in addition to your schooling must be difficult at times. Maybe once the stress of the program is off your shoulders you may find joy again in your work. or at least have some flexibility in working in different areas of nursing.

I hope you decide to stick with it. Even if you decide later it wasn't the stress and go on another path. That may be easier all around than giving in now and finding regret. ;-) you can do this. I think we all have moments where we wonder what we were thinking. some times we just need a little reminder. ;-)

Best of luck!

[biblepoet]

I think it is stress related at this point. Maybe everything going on is stressing you out.