In nursing school, but not sure that I want to be a nurse anymore

[Emilyirene916]

I have been in college for almost 2 years now. I started out at a 4 year university, did a year of pre-reqs, and one semester of nursing school. I was struggling being away from home and decided to move back home and transfer to a community college ADN program. So now, I am back in my first semester of nursing school, about half way through. I am getting all A's so far on quizzes and exams. So as far as that side of schooling I'm not having any problems. However, when it comes to clinicals and skill check-offs, I am passing but I feel like I'm just barely getting by with luck. I don't feel confident in my abilites or like I can do everything on my own that I'm expected to at this time. I also am working a new part time job as an STNA, I've been doing it for about a month now...and I (very) strongly dislike it. I struggle to get everything done on time or feel like I've done all I need to, which is a feeling that I know will never go away with nursing. I have always been a 4.0 student, even in pre-reqs, and I know I am smart enough to be a nurse, I'm just not sure if I can handle the stress and responsibility that goes along with it without being drained all the time. This semester especially there has not been a moment that I have felt relief, or felt happy or sure about what I'm doing. I have been thinking about changing my major to something like a PTA, or maybe something on the oppsite end of the spectrum like medical coding. I know they will not make as much but I do know they will be less stressful than bedside nursing. And there is also an option of going back to nursing school later in life if I decide it really is something I want to do (I am only 19 y.o. now). I have never been a quitter, but I also don't want to be unhappy for the rest of my life in my career, and I don't see any guarantee that it will get easier or that I will feel better about it. Any input from nursing students and nurses alike would be helpful, I just really need some guidance! Thanks!!

[NurseEmmy]

Medical coders can make good money. I teach in a program, and some of my students make more than I do once they graduate!

I wouldn't drop yet. You are new to these skills. You aren't going to feel confident yet. That's normal. Now if you really hate this, and it isn't just nervousness or fear then drop. I would just really look into what you want to do next before you sign up for it.