Is nursing right for me?

[musicismylife83]

Hello, everyone. Right now I'm in the pre-nursing program at my university and I have just recently applied to the nursing program. I've been a little worried about my future and whether or not I've made the right decision in pursuing a nursing degree. I've always been a shy, anxious person (I have mild social anxiety disorder). I don't have many friends and I don't mind because the few friendships I do have are wonderful and long-lasting and I have a very caring and supportive boyfriend that has helped me through so much.

I decided I wanted to be a nurse when I realized that I wanted to help people directly and also that I was very interested in health/nutrition/preventative medicine/diseases. It feels fulfilling to me to help someone that is in need. The studying aspect is something that I don't think will be a problem for me. I feel like the clinical work will cause me a lot of anxiety, though, especially at first. I get very anxious, my face gets red, my hands get shaky, and I can't talk right. I'm also very bad at starting conversations, but it depends on who I'm talking to. Will this not be the right fit for me? I want to work in pediatrics. I love kids. I currently work at a karate studio, usually doing office work and data entry and occasionally working in customer service at the desk. I also assistant teach kids classes, which basically means doing warm ups and helping pairs of kids when doing their skills. I love talking to the kids; they have the most interesting things to say . Answering the phone and dealing directly with the customers is not a big deal to me, but I have gotten used to it as I have been at that job for a while and it is usually the same people that are there every week. Will I get used to conversing with patients and be able to ease my anxiety for nursing school? I'm just worried because I want to make the right decision for me.

[Squiggyrocks]

I personally know someone who is a nurse with a BSN who suffers from the exact same type of problems you do, and she destroyed all of her classes and clinicals. That was after her being crazy nervous and anxious pre-entry just like you.

I recommend just going in head first and getting the work done. Involving any conversations or socializing that pops up, just keep it as little as possible and start NO drama amongst fellow nursing students. Have a laugh every now and then and remember that the work is your first priority. Hope this helped, best of luck! :)

[musicismylife83]

Thank you for the advice, Squiggyrocks! I'm sure if my mind isn't preoccupied with anxiety and I focus on the work at hand, then I'll have a much better outcome. I'm glad there's someone similar that has succeeded in the program. It gives me hope :)

[nekozuki, LPN]

My advice would be to shadow a nurse. Spending a day in their shoes could do more for you than a hundred replies.