Is nursing for me?

[michv9919]

Honestly, I never thought of doing nursing until my senior year of high school but until then I remember saying I didn't want to do nursing. After my first year of college as a pre-nursing student Im more lost than ever. I've always been a good student, getting an A's on everything. This first year of college was the complete opposite, I was barely passing my science pre-reqs , not because I wasn't capable but just because I wasn't motivated or even cared, even though I had a lot of pressure from family, money, and personally to get good grades so I could get into a nursing program, I still didn't do as well as I hoped. Everyday I would wake up for class with a heavy chest, crying b/c im not doing well, just feeling so lost and insecure in myself. I'm taking a summer course and again, I'm not doing well b/c im extremely unmotivated. For me, nursing is my only option right now. It is the only thing that will secure me financial stability, the only thing I know about, and the only thing that is keeping me in school. I dont know what other career to go into if not nursing. I took career placements and they all say something in the creative field like marketing or business. I personally dont want to be in school for that, I kind of hate school, I would rather drop out and just pursue a business and actually go out there and make things happen through freelance marketing or whatever it takes. This is possible but im extremely scared and lost, I dont come from a family with money so me going to school is really taking a lot from my family so thats why I feel like nursing is just a good investment. But this anxiety that is constantly on my mind on how Im so unhappy and lost is really making it hard to focus on anything. I guess what Im saying is, I dont know what to do with my life. I feel like im going into nursing for the wrong reasons and in my career I dont want to continue waking up with this heavy chest or feel burnt out b/c its not my true lifes passion but rather a security. Has anyone else ever felt like this? I just feel like I cant handle the stress but I also feel like Im being a huge baby and should just pursue this career. Anybody know any other healthcare profession that may be better for me? I've spoken to my family about doing public health but assured me that it doesn't make you as much money as nursing so it isnt worth it. I would really love any advice b/c Im really feeling scared, lost, and extremely depressed about this situation.

[FutureNurseCO]

I'm a pre-nursing student. And I've been a Medical Assistant for 7 years. Haven't had a problem finding a job (and I'm a military spouse and move often). And the pay varies by state and clinic. But that might be an option for you. It's typically a 9 month program and you'd work in a medical office. You'd get to work around doctors and nurses and get exposed to different healthcare positions. And if you work for a big healthcare company, they'll pay for you to go school after your first year.

Another option is CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant). More hospital and nursing home based but you'd get to see how inpatient care works and also be exposed to other healthcare positions you might be interested in. But being a CNA is very stressful and it seems you're already pretty stressed.

Just take small steps into the healthcare field until you find something that fits for you. Best wishes! ?