Pre-Nursing student.Unsure

Published

Hello everyone. I have a long probably typical story. I started going to school for biology, and ended up quitting school becaus of family issues. During my two years off i changed my mind and decided that nursing sounded perfect for me. Now that I have applied to a couple nursing programs I have doubts. I have read alot of threads on this website and alot of people make it sound horrible. I know some of them are just angry at the time, but I was wondering if it is really that stressfull. I work well under stress but some people make it sound unbearable. I like helping people, but if its gonna break me down maybe its not the path I should take. I just want some insight before I spend years of my life and alot of money on school. I don't want to make a mistake.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey Becky: I am in pretty much the same situation you are. I am just starting my 1st year pre-req's. I've read through a couple messages on this board, and yes, some of them do sound a bit jaded, but remember that everyone has bad days. Nursing as a profession isn't a walk in the park...I have a brother who has a Ph.D. in Nursing and a sister with an M.S.N., and both of them tell me it's tough, but highly rewarding.

I am just now starting in this profession, at age 42, and while I have zero experience at it, I do have nearly 20 years experience in the work force overall, and I can tell you that not everyone likes their job. Go with what your heart tells you....if you think the positives will outweigh the negatives, and you'll be happy working hard, then go for it. I spent nearly 20 years writing software for other people and am just now realizing that, although I was very GOOD at it, it wasn't something that made me particularly HAPPY. There's a HUGE difference between the two.

I used to know a pharmacist many years ago who gave me some good advice..."We spend too many waking hours at work to not love what we do." And you know, she was right!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There is nothing anybody here can say that can help you decide if nursing school is for you or not. Its a journey, and the toughest journey I have ever taken before. NS does not just hand out licenses, you have to work for it and of course it is stressful. Ive never been so stressed in my life, but its manageable.

To tell you the truth, Im glad I didnt find this website until I was already in a program.. it probably would have scared me too. However, this is a place to vent frustrations and share the trials and tribulations that come along with a nursing career.

You will have to search within yourself to decide if it is for you or not. Have you done any volunteering in a hospital? If you do, observe the nurses closely. Does it seem like a career you could do?... also you could get a job as a CNA, just another way to help you decide if this is the path you want to travel.

Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

NS is not a cake walk but it can be done. If not then we would not have any nurses. It is stressful but if you are determined then you can get through it. Everyone's experience is different. Don't let the boards scare you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hospice.
NS is not a cake walk but it can be done. If not then we would not have any nurses. It is stressful but if you are determined then you can get through it. Everyone's experience is different. Don't let the boards scare you.

I agree with doeRAYmee. NS is tough, and at times you may not feel like you can make it. But as long as you take it one day at a time, you should be okay.

To me, it's also been a big difference in between the classes you take and when you take them. I took Fundamentals, Med-Surg clinical, and skills lab over the summer. It would have normally been an 18-wk course, but we did it in 10 wks. Now, I'm taking OB, OB clinical, and Transcultural Health in the normal amount of time. I'm still busting my behind to get all of the work done, but I'm not quite as stressed (at the moment, anyway LOL).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion