? for 2nd career nursing students.....

subec · Aug 1, 2002

You are not alone!!!!

I have questioned my decision so many times, that I am driving myself crazy. Change is a very scary thing. I know that my decision to go back to school is a good one, but some days I question my sanity when I think about what I'm giving up to get to where I want to be.

Hang in there Debi---once school starts, the time will fly by so fast that you will wonder why you didn't do this sooner.

School starts for me on the 26th, and right now I'm desperately trying to pack all of the crap that I have accumulated over the last 4 years. The people at Goodwill are going to think that they have hit the jackpot.

babynursewannab · Aug 1, 2002

Debi-

I had 14 years with my last career and worried the same thing...until I realized that on a luck chance of finding an AWESOME job somewhere, I would be making more after 2 or 3 years of nursing with my BSN than 16 years in my other career. Plus, the opportunities are unbelievable in nursing. You don't get choices like this almost anywhere else. Think, even Dr.s can't just change departments if the one they're in doesn't fit them like we will be able to. (i.e. L&D just isn't working soooo.... I'm going to go orient in neuro or ER)

Most importantly, remember there was SOMETHING that made you want to switch and decide on nursing.

-Alyssa

studentdeb · Aug 1, 2002

Originally posted by babynursewannab
Debi-

I had 14 years with my last career and worried the same thing...until I realized that on a luck chance of finding an AWESOME job somewhere, I would be making more after 2 or 3 years of nursing with my BSN than 16 years in my other career. Plus, the opportunities are unbelievable in nursing. You don't get choices like this almost anywhere else. Think, even Dr.s can't just change departments if the one they're in doesn't fit them like we will be able to. (i.e. L&D just isn't working soooo.... I'm going to go orient in neuro or ER)

Most importantly, remember there was SOMETHING that made you want to switch and decide on nursing.

-Alyssa

Alyssa,

I know you are right. I will be ok, it has to be the jitters as school approaches. In my current position, I certainly cannot switch around at all, that is probably why I am sooooo bored with it.

It's good to know others feel the same way and I am not crazy.

studentdeb · Aug 1, 2002

Originally posted by subec
You are not alone!!!!

I have questioned my decision so many times, that I am driving myself crazy. Change is a very scary thing. I know that my decision to go back to school is a good one, but some days I question my sanity when I think about what I'm giving up to get to where I want to be.

Hang in there Debi---once school starts, the time will fly by so fast that you will wonder why you didn't do this sooner.

School starts for me on the 26th, and right now I'm desperately trying to pack all of the crap that I have accumulated over the last 4 years. The people at Goodwill are going to think that they have hit the jackpot.

Thanks. I know you are right. I hope once I start school I will enjoy it so much that I won't have time to think of anything else. I think part of my problem also is, I am worried about the loss of the money I bring in. I don' t want to have to worry about whether I can buy anything or not. But I know it won't be long and I will be getting offers to work in a hospital as an aid so I can make a little big of money again someday soon.

Good luck when you start school.

Love-A-Nurse · Aug 1, 2002

any time someone steps out of their saftey zone, fear sets in. it can be a good thing but don't let it keep you from your heart's desire. we are here for you and when i post the same thing in a few weeks, just remind me of what i have told you! :)

Carleigh · Aug 1, 2002

I've had the exact feelings these past 2 mos. I left a very secure position as a Spanish teacher/department chairman. Could have been there until retirement since I had 14 yrs. in the system and was doing a good job. However, I was burnt out, no longer enthusiastic, had felt that I had accomplished all that I had set out to do in that field. Yes, I do feel like I'm wasting all the yrs. of education, dedication and hard work. But life's too short to stay in a job where you are not challenged, where you are not excited to learn new things, etc. My sister-in-law died in Feb. at the age of 46 when a blood clot broke loose and went to her heart. My dad is suffering from terminal lung cancer and my mother-in-law has been hospitalized for a month with Alzheimer's/Dementia and may not recover. So, that was enough for me to take a good look at my own life and to realize that life is too precious to not follow your heart! Good luck to Debi and all of the students out there. This board has already provided me a lot of support even though I don't post often.

Love-A-Nurse · Aug 1, 2002

originally posted by carleigh
i've had the exact feelings these past 2 mos. i left a very secure position as a spanish teacher/department chairman. could have been there until retirement since i had 14 yrs. in the system and was doing a good job. however, i was burnt out, no longer enthusiastic, had felt that i had accomplished all that i had set out to do in that field. yes, i do feel like i'm wasting all the yrs. of education, dedication and hard work. but life's too short to stay in a job where you are not challenged, where you are not excited to learn new things, etc. my sister-in-law died in feb. at the age of 46 when a blood clot broke loose and went to her heart. my dad is suffering from terminal lung cancer and my mother-in-law has been hospitalized for a month with alzheimer's/dementia and may not recover. so, that was enough for me to take a good look at my own life and to realize that life is too precious to not follow your heart! good luck to debi and all of the students out there. this board has already provided me a lot of support even though i don't post often.

(((((carleigh)))))!

Carleigh · Aug 1, 2002

Stephany,

Thanks for the hugs. I really need some right now! You are so supportive of everyone here. I am getting excited since school is 3 weeks away. We have an all day orientation on the 22nd and CPR training on the 23rd. I have my uniforms, my books, my steth., my shoes. Just need to pay that darn tuition bill. : )

mzmckim · Aug 2, 2002

I started to have cold feet, but then I decided to look forward and not backward. It is a scary transition, but after 11 years in my current career - I, like Carleigh, am burnt out and have to make a change! My family and friends are very supportive and that helps tremendously!

Carleigh - I am in virginia too! Which school are you going too?

Best of Luck to all of you!!

Judy

studentdeb · Aug 2, 2002

Thanks Judy. You are so right, I know it is just cold feet. I've always been that way it seems. When I get close to doing something new, I want to back out. That is how is was several years ago when I was looking into Physical Therapy, I just didn't think I could do it. I know in two weeks, once I start, I will feel much different. Just got to get through these two weeks.

Good luck you everyone!!

Mkue · Aug 2, 2002

originally posted by studentdeb
thanks judy. you are so right, i know it is just cold feet. i've always been that way it seems. when i get close to doing something new, i want to back out. that is how is was several years ago when i was looking into physical therapy, i just didn't think i could do it. i know in two weeks, once i start, i will feel much different. just got to get through these two weeks.

good luck you everyone!!

hi good luck to you too.. i'm in ohio also, if you have time send me a pm and let me know where you are... thanks, marie :nurse: :)