Need Help!!

Undecided013 · Jan 14, 2015

Thank you so much for your response. I think it was the most helpful. Just knowing that others have felt this way too really helps. Everyone I've spoken with, friends etc have never doubted their decision to be a nurse or ever said they were nervous about it. It's comforting to know that some have and I'm not alone in feeling this way. I just don't have time to waste and wanna make sure I stick with it.

luluRN14 · Jan 14, 2015

You're very welcome! I would be worried for you if you weren't nervous or weighing your options. Nursing isn't a profession one can 'float through'. The fact that you are weighing your options this carefully shows that your decision will be well thought out, and you'll be better prepared for the road ahead because of the time you're spending now. Congrats, one of the hallmarks of a good nurse is learning how to make decisions based on the evidence in front of you, and the situation you have to work with - you're doing that now. Just remember you're not alone, the majority of other nursing students are shaking in their Danskos with anxiety over their first hospital rotation. :up:

NICU_Nightingale, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2015

Hi! Yes, I too sometimes questioned the profession while in nursing school. Mostly because I was exhausted and had so much school work to do. Nursing school is NOT a joke. But I always knew I loved nursing and wanted nothing else.

Here is my advice: get your BSN. Reasons: there are SO MANY facets of nursing. Literally so many. And a majority of them don't even step foot in a hospital! Yes you'll have to struggle through clinicals in school which will be primarily acute care and critical care but you can do it! It's temporary. You'll probably be able to land a community health (or public health- everyone calls it something else!) position after graduation.

However, if you get your LPN you'll quickly realize (depending on your area) you are extremely limited in where you can go. In my area LPNs aren't really used often and are obsolete in the acute care setting. Therefore, you'll wind up going back to school and you said you're looking for the expedited track (or something of that nature). Getting the BSN is bang for your buck- and everyone wants that.

Good luck!

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Jan 14, 2015

ok, no I do not regret going into nursing over four decades ago....

even though I had completed 3.5years of a biology BS program, I really do not regret going the "diploma"route first....

i would liked to have completed advance practice, post graduate programs....

I do not regrete the two year vaccation I took getting assoc degree in respiratory therapy.....

and today I get to be a nurse as "I want to"....it is not unusual to get at least one offer for additional work each week......, but I enjoy coasting my semi retired position in a physician office, but I still have "critical care game" ....best wishes for you

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Jan 15, 2015

Thanks. Besides the correction, did you have a suggestion or helpful hint to my post or just wanted to point out my mistake?

If in fact you decide to pursue a career in nursing, losing that chip on your shoulder will be incredibly helpful. It wasn't so much that I was correcting your mistake, more like clarifying and not allowing words to be put into another posters mouth

MandyJoRN · Jan 15, 2015

Hi, first of all congrats on deciding to go into nursing, whichever route you take! It's an amazing profession that can be incredibly rewarding and at times incredibly tough. It sounds like you might be in the stage of nursing school (pre-nursing school in your case) I like to call the 'Holy S**t! What Was I Thinking' stage. Looking back on my nursing education, I feel like I remember myself and many of my fellow nursing students going through a similar freak out period, and it often happened to coincide with first clinical. For you, it seems to have happened a bit earlier. Here are my suggestions: First of all, believe in yourself. We have all felt at some point like we are incapable/terrified/incompetent/combination of all. Second, I think what is really important here is what is important to you, what are your lifestyle and achievement goals (do you want to direct care, flexible hours, upward career movement, etc.?), and what are your barriers to achieving those goals (how's your support network, financial concerns, family obligations, etc.?)? With either option, you put yourself in a position to achieve your broad goal of working in a profession that allows you to help people.
I am biased because I did a 2 year BSN program without having any prior nursing experience. It was probably one of the most difficult things I've ever done, and more often than not I was terrified I couldn't do it and worried I didn't have what it takes to 'cut it' as an RN in a hospital. Despite this, it was the best decision I have ever made. Personally, I feel like I have a lot more options open to me as a BSN than many people I've spoken with at job fairs who have their LPN. However, this is because I want to work in a hospital with a 5 year career goal of going into nursing education.
And just remember, part of the nursing school experience is having dozens of other students at your side who are going through the exact same thing. Knowing that you are not the only one with these fears and concerns makes a world of difference. I wish you the best of luck in your career, whichever path you choose.

^^^This exactly! I would be worried if someone wasn't scared when beginning their nursing career. Being scared means that you genuinely care about the outcomes of your patient! Just know, when working in the hospital setting, you are never alone. There are always people and resources available to help and support you.