No one thinks I can do it!

[MKO90]

I am a mother to a 9 month old baby boy and soon to be married. I start school for pre nursing this fall. I have been sooo excited about it..I love to discuss my future goals and dreams to other people. When they ask me what I am going to school for they look at me like there is no way I could ever become a nurse. Some have responeded "Nursing is hard with a baby, I would be suprised if you could do it." "I don't know if the time right now for you" "Oh really? You are going into nursing? That is really hard you know?" I don't know why people keep saying these things to me. It really discourages me to the point that sometimes I wonder if I CAN really do it. When I told my parents I am starting school for nursing this fall, they weren't even excited for me. They said "I see..." and that was the extent of the conversation.... I am very motivated and can't wait for school but no longer want to discuss my dreams with people because of the reaction i have been getting.. Has anyone else been under my circumstances and been discouraged by other people about going into nursing school? Any advice?

[NGeorgia]

My dad said he never thought I could do it. A couple family members said "Wow, she so timid" or " She's so shy and sensitive" when my parents tell them. Not sure if they don't know me as well as they think or just because THEY couldn't do it, they assume I can't. Kind of bugs me, but I think it is funny and will smile when I graduate while thinking how dumb their comments were.

[tkm2005]

:) I say you use their put-downs to fuel your desire to get through nursing school! That way a few years from now when you sign your name with RN after it, you can just smile and say "I told ya' so!" Good luck because you can do anything you set your mind too! Plus having a good job will only better your life for your family!

[LJR2010]

People have a tendency to say some of the dumbest things. When I started talking about nursing, a lot of people were against it. I wasn't that "type," whatever that means. You are the only one who knows what you can do. Yes, nursing school will be hard, especially with a small child and a wedding coming up. But, really, that doesn't mean anything. People in much worse circumstances have made it, and people with no obligations have dropped out. It's all up to you.

[Tricia76]

You can do whatever your heart desires..Don't let anyone keep you from your dreams..I want to be a nurse to and I don't care what others think.

[racquetmom]

Some of life's biggest stressors are wedding, buying a house, having a baby. Perhaps your family is hesitant because you have a lot of starts coming at you. People are always going to make comments whether you go to school or not, whether it is positive or negative, you just need to keep what's important to you at the frontline. The only person that needs to think they can do it is you. Does it help to have people being supportive and positive comments....YES.....but bottom line only you can do the work and make it happen. I also wouldn't let people disuade you from talking about your "dreams" as you say. You will be fine and I wish you an uneventful wedding....meaning no mishaps.

[Kyla.ann]

I just quit my job and finally told all my coworkers that I am returning to school for nursing. My favorite boss, one that I absolutely respected and had a great deal of trust in, was one of my worst naysayers. I would be lying if I said it didn't sting.... a lot.

I have a few "friends" who every now and then, will ask me if I am still doing that "nursing thing" as if they have expected me to change my mind about it and are suprised when I tell them yes.

My parents were pretty much indifferent to the news.

The only thing I can tell you is that if YOU really want this, there is no one that can stand in your way but you. You have control over how YOU react to the criticism. If you let them tear you down, you definitely will fail. If you ignore them and set out to prove them all wrong, you will suceed and watch every single one of them eat their words.

Stop thinking about how others view you. The only ones that matter are you, that precious little boy, and your future husband.

[Intern67]

Has anyone else been under my circumstances and been discouraged by other people about going into nursing school? Any advice?

Consider it an early lesson in developing thick skin. You will need it!

Remember that people can say whatever the heck they want but you and only you are responsible for how you feel about it.

Work hard and good luck!

[Anne36, LPN]

Oh yeah, I have had my ex husband and husband both tell me I should quit school. My ex used to tell me I was stupid all the time. (one of the reasons it took me 18 years to begin college) My husband was also very skeptical that I would be able to do classes like Anatomy. It was one of those conversations that went like "Dont take this the wrong the way, but. All this from someone with no college, I love it!

My advice,

Hit the ignore button all those people in your life and dont bother to include them in your goals, dreams, or update them on your education. Its none of their business if they are not paying for your education.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I agree with Intern67, you need thick skin, because you may run into patients who will criticize your nursing ability.

But, you must always believe in yourself and that you can and will become an excellent nurse. I've seen many stories on Allnurses.com from women who got their nursing degree while holding down family life as well.

Keep posting in here (or private message us too) and we all we share our excitement for the career choice we've made. I was so excited to start my pre-requisites as well and I'm finally finished with them this summer!! Hang in there, because the ride will be bumpy and a bit scary sometimes.

[TwilightRNurse]

My parents were very enthusiastic. My then boyfriend, now husband said "no you can't do it" well he ate his words and he will be the first to tell you how proud he is of me. I grauated with a 3.9 and highest honors!

You go girl! I eventually got my BSN working full-time and with 4 children at home.

[mariposabella]

Ignore people, you can do whatever you put your mind to. As long as your future hubby can help you out and you have supportive friends/family (hopefully some of your family is supportive) you will be okay.