Is the hard work worth it?

[StayOrthostatic]

Yes, I realize that in general, something that's good is worth fighting for...but although my grades are decent, my stress and emotions are off the charts! I'm just now learning that I can't have the social life or working hours that I want, and that school takes first place. Is the rest of my school and career going to be like this? Nursing first, life second? Is this a sign that nursing isn't for me? The only thing that has kept me going thus far is the thought that settling for anything else than nursing would be "giving up," and I hate being a quitter.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Some people are simply better at balancing their personal and professional lives than others.

Some people are better at delaying their gratification ("sacrifice now for a reward later") than others.

You can have a good personal life while also being a nurse if you are willing to work hard and make a few sacrifices to achieve that goal. For example, to get the job of your dreams might require that you spend more time in school than you would like to spend ... or spend a few years working at a job that is NOT your dream job.

The fact that you are having some doubts is normal -- and does not mean that nursing is the wrong choice for you. Neither is the fact that you have identified some negative aspects of nursing that you had not realized before. Those facts are not what determines whether nursing is right for you or not -- most of us have some doubts and disappointments along the way. What is important is how you choose to respond to those "reality checks." Are you only interested in an easy job? one that perfectly matches your fantasies? Can you learn to handle the stress better? Can you learn to manage your time better to free up a little more personal time? Can you learn to make the best of imperfect situations? Do you think that other careers won't have similar stresses and disappointments? Will you be happier in another career?

[dorkypanda]

From what I read it is possible to still have a life outside of NS. with a real job you're most likely still going to be busy. it's about organization and prioritizing your time wisely.

have you done volunteering at a hospital on a nursing unit? perhaps you can do that and observe if you like what they're doing

[nlitened]

Nursing school is just 2 years out of your life...short enough to sacrifice a social life. But you can find balance. As already stated, time management and prioritization are key. And once you finish school your life won't be as hectic. Still stressful...yes. But you have to decide for yourself whether you think a career in nursing is worth it.

[andrea3434]

I know a lot of nurses, and they definitely all have outside family/social lives.

While in nursing school it's different, but how Nlitened put it, it is only temporary:)

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I have a life outside of nursing school. I'm 38, a single mom, a homeowner, and my son does competitive judo so we travel a lot. Plus, I have a boyfriend that I give some of my time to. Not going to say life doesn't get stressful at times. Right now I have no walls or ceiling in my basement. I had a flood, which led to the walls and carpet being torn out. They discovered termites, my fireplace wall was falling over, and my ceiling crashed. My son has competed out of town the past two weekends, and he has practice every Monday and Wednesday. I have class until 7 on Tuesdays and clinicals until 7 on Thursdays. My boyfriend is starting a new business and I have been helping him with that. I still have laundry and cleaning my house to do. But I manage to get it all done and pull A's in my classes. I get to go out with my girlfriends and blow off some steam once in a while also. Nursing school will only rule your life if you let it.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Part of doing this is a leap of faith. You make a decision and you go with it. I am a huge believer in starting something then completing it. If you develop a pattern of quitting when things become difficult it can become the norm for you. Tell yourself you are going to do this. End of story. If that means studying 100 hours a week so be it. If you graduate and decide you do not want to be a nurse..well at least you completed what you started and have a bachelors degree. Focus on the here and now. Good luck

[Julie Reyes, DNP, RN]

There were countless times I wanted to quit as well. My husband always told me that if it were easy, everyone would do it. The time goes by really fast, though. I did have to sacrifice a lot, but I think it was worth it. Getting a degree will require some amount of sacrifice to succeed anyway, so you have to decide if what you are sacrificing for is worth it to you.

Best of luck!

[StayOrthostatic]

Thanks for taking the time to write that! After I read those questions, there honestly isn't anything else I could picture myself doing. The whole ordeal is just so nerve-racking...

[StayOrthostatic]

Yep :) I spent a whole year doing clinicals/job shadowing while I was in high school...It's just so different when it becomes a reality.

[GoodnessFlows]

There is always a point during the semester that I ask myself, "Is it worth it?" Usually, it is just as I'm winding down the semester, and I am tired from the sheer volume of work. It can be extremely overwhelming and there are moments that I feel like a break down is in order. BUT, something happens, I get my second wind, I push through, and I make it happen. It is at that point, at the end of every semester that I know without a doubt that it is indeed worth every ounce of my energy, grit, and determination.

Beyond today, I don't know what the future holds. I will continue to follow my instincts that seem to say, "Just keep going!" GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

[Dalton925]

In my opinion, almost any career that you get involved in that you are passionate about will most likely involve some aspect of stress and take up a lot of your time. If its something that you truly love then it will be worth any hardship that you initially have.