My final steps - nervous as hell

[sweetbriar]

This is going to be long, but I need to put it out there...get it out of my head. Any words of encouragement or realism are greatly appreciated. And thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this whole thing. Bless you.

I've got one pre-req left (A&P) before I could apply to the ADN program here (it's all I can afford at this time)... and I'm scared sh**less. I had to drop the course last semester because I couldn't afford it due to an exceptionally high utility bill and having to get a car. I was planning on taking it in the Fall until just over 2 weeks ago I was informed that the place where I work will be closing on June 30th. The OH-SH*T meter went off in my head and I realized that I may have to speed up the process of getting my nursing degree.

I've been teetering on the idea of going to nursing school, mostly because I've been listening to the opinions of others...perhaps too much...and money is a huge problem. My granddad apparently told one of my family members that "he didn't pay for part of my BA for me to become a nurse" (I'm a second-degree seeker). Ouch. My boyfriend thinks I'll be unhappy in the profession because of the long hours and stressful situations and so he's not 100% supportive. Double-ouch.

The whole reason I even began thinking of nursing as a career is because 1) I freaking respect the hell out of nurses, 2) I consider myself a compassionate person and I genuinely love helping others, 3) I know it's a hard profession, but it honestly seems rewarding, 4) Our bodies are amazing and weird, and 5) I think I'd make a good nurse. So it hurts to hear so many naysayers...I'm not completely unaware of what difficulties lie in both nursing school and then actually entering the nursing world.

Then there's the money... As a second-degree seeker, there aren't a plethora of scholarships out there, so I'm going to need to take out loans. I'm almost finished paying off my undergrad loans, but now I have a car note and various other living expenses. I made a spreadsheet of my "have-to" (rent, utilities, gas, etc.) expenses and it totals about $13k per year. Because of those things, I'd have to have a part-time job during nursing school.

Quick question: What sort of jobs have y'all found to be the best while being a nursing student?

Anyway...so I'm nervous. I'm nervous about dropping over $500 for a 5-week A&P course (I've never done a short summer session course before but the professor said she's willing to be flexible with me), trying to also find a job before June 30th, trying to find loans to cover nursing school, juggling nursing school and a part-time job, and all that without going bankrupt. I feel crazy. Am I crazy? No, scared. I feel scared. What the hell is that all about?

[mirandaaa]

Hi sweetbriar,

This is not meant to be taken the wrong way, but it's refreshing to me to see that others have issues with "naysayers" in their schooling journey. My family were supportive of my decision, but my boyfriend, the guy I've been with for nearly three years and we have a home and a life together was much less than supportive so a lot of what I've done has been on my own (I have no family where I live). I'm currently in my second semester and after maintaining a high GPA, getting on an honor roll and an honor society, he's much more supportive now that he sees how dedicated I am. Maybe you will have the same luck!

As for a part time job during school, it depends on what you're interested in. Bartending and serving although not the most exciting, offer flexible hours and as long as you do a good job, you should be able to bring in some good money.

I'd also suggest getting your CNA or CMA certification. A lot of places offer PRN (as needed) positions so they'll list their available shifts and you sign up for the ones you want (however, the PRN scheduling is different everywhere so it depends on the facility). Otherwise you can check local classifieds and Craigslist.

Good luck!

[sweetbriar]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and then reply :) I'm hoping that people in my life will also be more supportive once they see how dedicated I am. My friends, on the other hand, are all psyched and have been encouraging from the beginning. A strong support network, especially right before you embark in a difficult program, is so important and I think even helps one succeed better. I think the hardest person I'll have to overcome is my granddad; he has never seen too keen on the idea, and I wrote him a diplomatically passionate e-mail yesterday informing him of my decision. He's usually quick to respond and hasn't, so that might mean he's not too happy about my final decision. Le sigh. But, I'll try not to assume the worst until I actually do hear back from him.

Anyway, thanks again. My anxiety can be so ridiculous at times.

[krrbrr, ADN]

Hang in there sweetbriar! You sound like you are a very driven person to be able to overcome those that are opposing you already. If this is what you really want, then chase those dreams girl! For me, it's when people tell me that "you're not good enough" or "you'll hate that" is when it gives me the extra fuel I need to prove them wrong.

Since I started my pre-req's 2 years ago I have gained some amazing friends along the way, but I've also lost some as well. Your grandfather is family and even though he might be upset that he spent his money on something he realizes you won't use, just remember that he still loves you! The boyfriend not supporting you though? I would be quite upset about, if possible could you have a long chat with him about it and why it's important for you to try this? I know trying to get into and attending nursing school can be hard on spouses, maybe he's feeling a little upset that you're trying so hard to be able to take care of others and is a little jealous? Who knows, just talk to him and find out what his real opinion is on the matter.

You can and will do this if it's what you want, stay strong and kick *** girl

[sweetbriar]

Hang in there sweetbriar! You sound like you are a very driven person to be able to overcome those that are opposing you already. If this is what you really want, then chase those dreams girl! For me, it's when people tell me that "you're not good enough" or "you'll hate that" is when it gives me the extra fuel I need to prove them wrong.

Since I started my pre-req's 2 years ago I have gained some amazing friends along the way, but I've also lost some as well. Your grandfather is family and even though he might be upset that he spent his money on something he realizes you won't use, just remember that he still loves you! The boyfriend not supporting you though? I would be quite upset about, if possible could you have a long chat with him about it and why it's important for you to try this? I know trying to get into and attending nursing school can be hard on spouses, maybe he's feeling a little upset that you're trying so hard to be able to take care of others and is a little jealous? Who knows, just talk to him and find out what his real opinion is on the matter.

You can and will do this if it's what you want, stay strong and kick *** girl

Thanks so much for your encouraging words!! Yes, it's the people that tell me that I'm going to "hate" nursing either because it's hard work or because I'm an introvert that really bug me. I honestly have no experience in nursing, so how can I know what I will love or hate? The only way I will ever find out is if I give it a try. For now, it feels like the right path for me and I have to pursue it for that reason.

My boyfriend says he thinks I'll dislike it because I'm introverted and nursing is a "people" job. He's also concerned that nursing school will be very stressful and that after I graduate that I'll be working long hours. I think his fears stem from his own career choice and experience. He went to grad school for chemistry and hated it because it was so stressful. He says he often questions whether or not he made the right career choice and fears I'll be in the same boat with nursing school and after I become a nurse. I never know how to respond simply because I'm not a fortune-teller. I won't know what I'll think of the career until after I actually start doing it.