NO CONFIDENCE

[changes14]

Hello everyone last year around this time I posted a similar question but a fear of never getting a job. I want to apologize for the long post but here it goes. My name is Anthony I am 25 years old. I live at home with my mom and dad and work part time. I dropped out of two different colleges and in my third college because when I was 18 I was hospitalized for massive OCD and anxiety. Now at 25 I can finally hold down a job without medication and am in my second semester of college even though I only take 2 classes at a time. OCD is not the issue although I will have it forever I love being around people and honestly if you met me you would never see anything wrong with me that is why its so hard to live with because I hide it so good but when I am home everyone knows. The problem is I am having healthy issues although I eat healthy and stay in shape I am 5'8 140lbs and I have scoliosis of my mid back. I get low back pain and I get hip pain. I am not sure if I have a disease yet or not but its been progressing for a few years after I went to a chiropractor and was unable to walk without pain all over for almost 6 months. I have been depressed for over 2 years because the pain. I have almost no pain when I am sitting or walking and I can do that for a long time. I know for a fact though I could never work a 12 hours shift on my feet without sitting down. I know it sounds week and it sounds pathetic but I have no life path and I just am looking for advice is there a way to never work 12s or to never work in a hospital. I would do whatever it takes to get into nursing. But if I had to work a 12 hour shift on my feet it would cause so much pain in my back hips knees and feet. I am great with people and love the human body. I also have a little add but I got a 3.4gpa last semester and this semester I am going to do great too. I just have to work at my own pace. Is this a dream or is it a possibility. I once spoke to a woman that said she never worked in a hospital and she said she loves her job she was a nurse at a dermatologist office. I just am wondering if this is even worth it. Its not like I really have anything else I am interested in besides a business degree or a physical therapy assistant program.

Thanks to anyone that can help me.

[firstinfamily, RN]

Wow!! A lot to deal with!! I truly do not think having ADD or OCD is going to make a difference in nursing. We all come with baggage we all learn differently etc. You have to make what ever you decide to do work for you. Actually ADD people most likely multi-task better than those who are not ADD. You might have to get back on your medications at some point because of the stress of nursing school. Already having degrees most likely has prepared you for higher education and the stress that comes with it. Nursing is usually a little competitive and instructors sometimes make the students feel intimidated. As an older student you most likely will do well, the more mature attitude will help you in times of stress. Having physical difficulties may make the patient care environment much more difficult. You still have to lift, reposition patients whether you work 12 hour shifts or not. Have you thought about having your scoliosis corrected by surgery?? Your hips most likely hurt because of the malalignment of your spine. I would not recommend you go into a PTAsst. program because it also involves a lot of physical lifting etc. Perhaps a business degree would suit your physical needs better. You do have to take care of yourself before you can care for others!! Good Luck!! You can still volunteer at a hospital or LTC facility to meet your needs of taking care of others and this would be much less stressful than going through nursing school!!

[Nola009]

First of all, don't let us or anyone else tell you what's possible for you. I am a big believer in the human ability to learn, adapt, and grow. Although different from yours, I've had many obstacles to overcome too. The advice I will give you now is to not idealize nursing/nurses too much. Oh, and 12 hr. shifts are usually only necessary at hospitals.

[RschIVF40]

I'd have to agree with Nola009 and firstinfamily.. I've had my own share of healthcare issues / pain that developed over many, many years and have learned to work through these. If nursing is your true passion, you certainly won't have to worry about just "standing" as there is always work to do! However, If business / mgmt is the other path you choose, yet you prefer the healthcare field, perhaps you can merge the fields and go into healthcare administration (in a hospital / clinic / doctor's office). That way, you would be able to limit the amount pressure on your joints as you definitely spend your time walking as well as sitting at your desk. (Just a thought)

Some things that have always helped me include: writing out a list of my goals, (education goals, and life goals), as well as writing out my "action plan" to attain both, along with the needed steps. Taking each step one at time should also help to reduce stress. I've also found that using positive affirmations (i.e. "I can do this!", "I will be successful!"), is much more helpful, as opposed to thinking negatively about oneself. I've also found that thinking / caring for others, has helped me not focus so much on my own pain / discomfort. I can understand that is may be a challenging time for you, but I am sure you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Best Wishes!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

first of all, let me point out that your label of "no confidence" reads as "no knowledge yet". Once you learn more about expectations and opportunities then the confidence will appear. Good luck

[changes14]

Thank you everyone for the advice I went to the orthopedic doctor today and found out I have 4 bulging discs. So that could explain why I feel like this.