I'm new here and have a few questions!

[EricaSAFJAF]

Hello! My name is Erica, I've been reading the boards for a few weeks now and decided to finally post some questions I have lol!. I'm applying to my schools nursing program next month, and I am pretty confident I will get in. I tend to doubt myself alot, and I've worked so hard in school so far, that I freak out when I think about if I happen to hate nursing! I recently got married, and have a child so I need to be 100 percent sure this is what I want..and as of right now, I feel it is my passion, and I can't wait to do it.

BUT...I see alot of people on here complaining about soo many things I never even thought of! Has anyone else ever felt this way, and how did it turn out? When I graduate nursing school, I hope to get into Labor and Delivery, will this be difficult? I am also assuming I will work 3 days a week, 12 hour shifts...does this sound realistic? What can I expect from nursing school, good and bad? What about as a new nurse? What about the pay? My husband already works a pretty decent job, so I figure as a nurse we will be able to provide decently for our one son, and future children.

Okay, I think that is all for now but I'm sure I can think of some more lol! Thanks in advance ladies!

[shock-me-sane]

I am at the end of nursing school. Several of my classmates have secured jobs in L&D. I think that nursing is an incredibly dynamic field, you have so many options and can find a niche that suits your needs. If you feel that it is a passion, I say pursue it! There are issues (that I have seen) in nursing, but these things can be overcome. I am not an L&D fan, but I have found some amazing fufillment in working/clinicals in the areas that are of interest to me.

Nursing school is hard, but it makes you someone who is competent to care for others. 3 days, 12 hours is realistic. Some places want 3 12's plus an 8 every other week. Totally doable.

And yes, it pays well. But your mileage may vary depending on where you live. Some places have a nursing shortage while others don't.

I wish you the best.

[JBudd, MSN]

If you have totally unrealistic expectations about nursing, you might decide you hate it. But reading these boards should give a picture of our lives, although we do tend to come here with the worst of our experiences and questions, to vent, rather than the best of what we get out of nursing. Notice many of us have been nursing for a very long time! and still keep at it.

I would ask if your local hospital would let you shadow a nurse for a day or two, and get to talk to various staff. Or, volunteer as a Pink Lady for a while.

[EricaSAFJAF]

Thanks everyone! I feel my expectations are realistic...I am expecting nursing school along to be VERY idfficult to say the least, but it truly is my passion and this is what I want! I am just trying to gather as much information as I can, it seems there is so much to know lol! Anyways, thanks and keep em coming!