Not sure I want to be a nurse now...HELP!

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I am 50 years old and went back to school after a divorce 4 years ago to be a nurse in order to support myself. (No significant other). I am to graduate in May, 2014. I don't have any other degrees and my current job will not support my needs (rent, insurance, car payment, electric bill, etc).

I know I am so close to the end....just a couple of exams, the rest of my preceptorship, and I need to pass the HESI with an 800 or better....then I graduate.

Study for the NCLEX, pass and get a job. Perfect, right?

The problem is I feel like a fish out of water. I love working with the public and I am outgoing. The problem is I doubt myself and the responsibilities being an RN carries. The 12 hour shifts at the hospital totally drain me and to tell you the truth I'm not sure I can handle them.

At the time I accepted placement into the nursing program, I was offered by my current employer to train to be a customer service manager. I sort of regret that decision. And now I have about 25,000 in student loan debt.....I would have had no debt if I had accepted the managerial position training.

I don't know what to do other then continue on and become a nurse because I don't have any other means to support myself....other than going out and finding a sugar daddy (just kidding, not interested).

I could really use some advice, please.....in tears over this.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Deep breath. I am 50 too and I hear what you are saying about the hours on your feet! My plan is to weigh less before I graduate in 2015, I only have about 20 pounds to lose but that's two ten pound bags of potatoes I'm carrying around putting more stress on my feet and joints! Also remember that there are other positions that don't require twelve hour shifts. Nursing is such a varied profession. I'd stick it out, take whatever job you can right off the bat to gain experience, then maybe look for something in home health that you can pick and choose your hours/days somewhat.

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Congrats for being so near the end! I'll be done in December and I can see the light! There's no reason why you have to work 12 hour shifts. There are plenty of other jobs in nursing that allow you to have a more manageable shift like home health, schools, health dept... I even see some nurses in hospitals that don't do 12 hour shifts. Just keep your eyes open to other opportunities. Good luck!! :)

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I agree about losing weight, I need to lose 20 to 30 pounds and that will make it easier. So home health would allow me more options? I don't know much about that area.

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Specializes in Hospice.
I agree about losing weight, I need to lose 20 to 30 pounds and that will make it easier. So home health would allow me more options? I don't know much about that area.

Absolutely! You can make really good money if you like to rock and roll like I do (stay busy). The only caveat is that since you are on your own after a short orientation, they require experience (from what I have heard).

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Absolutely! You can make really good money if you like to rock and roll like I do (stay busy). The only caveat is that since you are on your own after a short orientation they require experience (from what I have heard).[/quote']

Not necessarily. A friend of mine recently obtained a home health job as a new grad. I'm not going to say that it was easy for her to be on her own but it can be done.

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