I'm choosing to withdraw from NS. And that's okay.

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Hi all!

I am a newbie nursing student, from a family of medical professionals. Although nursing was never my "passion" or "calling" I felt it I could both enjoy and do well in the field. After finishing my first semester with glowing recommendations and a 4.0, I am withdrawing. Nursing is a wonderful profession, and I highly respect those who enter it. It is a field that can be both overlooked and undervalued, but its importance cannot be denied.

This is just a shout out to any nursing school students that have that sinking, awful feeling that maybe nursing is not the career for them. If this career is not one you want, it is okay to leave. It is not shameful, nor cowardly. It is wisdom. That being said, from talking to other nurses, I believe most nursing students do experience discouragement/doubt/"I JUST CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!" in some way or form, but they power through and graduate into a profession they excel at. For some, like myself, nursing is not what makes you happy. The thought of becoming a nurse brings no joy or anticipation to me. I'm leaving for a degree in humanities (yes, I know. I'm under no delusions about those job prospects:)

It's scary. What will people think? What should I major in now? And there goes the optimistic salary ranges that have been spouted off to me. Hehe.

Ah, well. I feel at peace. I have gained invaluable health knowledge even in one semester. Hospitals are no longer strange, unfathomable things to me.

So, good luck to all you students! Nursing is a hard and rewarding field, and if it is what you want, persevere! I'm cheering you on. :)

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What is causing you to backpedal? No judgment, as I started out in pharmacy, got a Bachelor's in something else, and am now in nursing school. Do you find any classes that you particularly enjoyed? Do you still want to pursue a career in healthcare? What majors have you been considering or sound appealing to you?

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

.....

You'll be back.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

It takes a courageous, smart individual to realize a career pathway isn't for him/her. Many other people in the OP's situation would have continued pursuing a nursing degree while constantly ignoring the feelings of doubt.

Good luck with your future endeavors.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

I would caution you against a degree in the humanities. I would advise you to take some time off from school and do a variety of things so you can see what it is you enjoy. I have a bachelor's degree in English that isn't worth the loans I took out for it.

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.
I would caution you against a degree in the humanities. I would advise you to take some time off from school and do a variety of things so you can see what it is you enjoy. I have a bachelor's degree in English that isn't worth the loans I took out for it.

Exactly. I have a bachelor's in psychology -- I realized far too late that this was a terrible decision and that I should have stayed with medicine in some capacity. It may not be medicine for you but there are many other scientific things that you can do that are infinitely interesting and pay well too (i.e. environmental engineering).

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Ha I have a degree in psychology...I was able to land a job in the hospital with a psych degree. However, money in psych nerd a Master's then it's 50K if lucky. Then have to deal with insurance politics, it's a pain. If you can become a Psychiatrist that is where the money is made in Psych.

It took me five year's to decide nursing was for me. Wanted to run far away from Healthcare. It is a royal pain in the tush. You will be back stabbed many times, you will feel like the world is against you, you dread waking up, and money is decent. However, have moments when I really connect and challenge myself in my experience on the floor saying I want to do more.

That is why I want to be a nurse. I am irked that nursing higher ups argue the fact that having an associates degree is obsolete. I really have no intention of becoming an APRN nor a Doctor. I want to be a nurse to help people to lead people. Don't really want a specialty unless in Psych or Management. I have no intention to be independent or run my own practice. Content working in a team environment ha.

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Once had a room mate who was majoring in English. A visiting parent made sad comments about the fact that I was pursuing a major that would lead to a lifelong occupation while their daughter seemed lost. Their doubts materialized when the room mate disappeared one day and after being gone for several days or weeks, materialized to move her belongings out of the dorm room. Asked her what she was going to do. She said that she had no idea, but a degree in English was not it. Just hope that you are able to find something with which you can earn a living. Good luck.

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i don't have the guts to make such a final decision. good for you OP!

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Thank you for all your input, folks! Your advice is appreciated. Currently, I am planning to pursue a BS in Computer Science with a minor in English (my humanities fix). If all goes as planned I'll be out by the time I hit 23. Although I was highly tempted to go full on humanities and major in English Lit, the job prospects are certainly a cautionary aspect, as you all pointed out. A win for practical skill.

In response to the poster who asked why I'm choosing to withdraw, I'm not sure that there's a simple answer. I found I simply don't enjoy (want?) nursing enough to endure some of the negative aspects the profession faces, as well as the lack of autonomy. Do you, as a patient, want to have a nurse that hates her job? I did have to deal with the guilt of leaving a profession that is so respected and service oriented. ("You don't want to help the sick?!" or the dreaded pitying look paired with "Does it gross you out?") There's a certain (good) pride that comes with being a nurse, and I had to accept that it wouldn't be mine.

I just wanted this post to be an encouragement for those students who want to be nurses to endure nursing school - there's a great profession ahead of you! (this per all my nursing family members and friends:])

I also wanted to encourage those who feel they have certainly chose the wrong major to consider other options. What you have learned in your classes has not been a waste, even if you choose to leave nursing.

Best wishes to you all.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Good on YOU!!! Nursing requires far too much personal investment to pursue if you are not absolutely sure that this is what you really want. You're very smart to make a change before you have invested more time, energy & money.

FYI, one of my offspring is a software engineer..... compensation is very good. Hit 6 figures after 6 years of experience. AND, unlike nursing - there is really no salary compression, and career progression is not limited -- so compensation will will continue to increase with progressive career advancement. You're wise to make the switch ASAP... IT is not very 'friendly' older career-switchers.

Wishing you the best of luck.

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Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

When I went to NS-many,many years ago, the problem with changing majors after Nursing credits, was that most or the science content in the pre-reqs weren't hard science courses, rather they were "Science Light". The only alternative degrees that accepted the science classes from the Nursing program were AD medical adjunct programs. No BS program accepted the BS Nursing science credits. I would advise anyone who has any question about whether Nursing is the final goal- take the "hard science" options. If you later find you want a MS in biomedical engineering you won't have wasted your hard earned $$$ on half strength course offerings.

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