Is this right for me?

[kkx81]

Hi everyone,

I've posted here before. 4 years ago actually. 4 years ago I had thought of becoming an RN. Took the first step and went to College to do some general education courses in order to simply qualify to be accepted in the RN program. Unfortunately, I never completed my gen ed's. I couldn't balance school, work, and my finances to be able to stay in College. Story of my life. I have ambitions, but when I get things started, I don't seem to ever finish.

Which brings me to now. I want to do something with my life. Something meaningful and rewarding. I have many relatives (aunts, cousins, etc) who are in the nursing profession. I recently returned from visiting my relatives and one of my aunts (who I love very very much, and who is a nurse) kept telling me that I would make a wonderful nurse, and that she sees me as being a nurse.

Since that conversation, I've been rethinking about becoming a nurse. More specifically, a practical nurse, at least to begin with. I've been thinking of what my role as a practical nurse would be and what my duties and responsibilities would be. I really want to make a difference in someones life and to help others.

I've read a lot of posts on this forum about what the duties of a PN and a RN are. All very informative. I'm mostly worried about maybe 1 or 2 things. (1) Am I right for this profession? (2) If I have difficulty with vomit or performing enemas, does that mean I shouldn't become a PN and should pick a different career?

I've thought about being a nurse of some kind for a while now. It keeps coming up (in my thoughts and in conversations). Talking to my relatives, recently, made me rethink about becoming a nurse all over again. Is that a sign?

[caliotter3]

You could start by becoming a CNA and working in a hospital or long term care facility to get a taste of what nursing is like. Some nursing programs require the CNA certificate to apply or will give points in the application process. You should explore the job market in your area. If you want to take another small step you could become an LPN. However, if you are not getting any younger, you should shoot for an RN program to get a better chance at a job once you finish. I suppose that by now, your science prerequisites completed before may be too old for consideration for the programs in your area, so don't be discouraged if you have to repeat any of your classes. Visit the programs you are interested in, or check out their websites, and determine where you stand, then just go for it, after you have given it enough thought and have decided upon a course of action. Good luck with whatever you choose.