daniellevw

I can relate to your situation because I myself was there last month. I had been working towards nursing and I like you never had a reason to go into nursing. I worked in healthcare during my time in the Air Force and took some pre-reqs for nursing and loved that. I love healthcare and thought nursing was the only avenue. SO, I spent the last few years working on pre-reqs and got accepted to nursing school and when it began I didn't like it and knew right away my heart wasn't in it. I am 25 years old, so don't feel bad about being 22 and having this happen. Your young and your parents will understand and you will find something you love and this too shall pass. One thing I would like to mention is that if you have a Bachelor's degree you could join the Air Force as an officer. Being a nurse in the Air Force is a lot different. Just a thought. But, I too am strongly considering a career in physical therapy. Good luck to you. :)

Am posting here because I need a little advice. I have worked as a resident aide at an assisted living facility and a geriatric nursing assistant at a nursing home to gain some experience before nursing school and it wasn't too bad. However, I didn't go through with nursing school because I realize it's not what I want to do with my life and I moved back home with my parents (long story short). Anyways, my plan is to re-join the Air Force, but the process can take up to 4 months. I would like to work in the meantime and I don't have an issue working as a CNA for the next 4 months. I applied for a job at an ALF as a Personal Care Attendant/Med Aide and I honestly didn't think they would consider me since my cna license is in another state and I don't have any med aide experience. So when I got a call from them today it was really unexpected, but the lady was very short and rude. She asked if I could come in for an interview today and I told her that I had some things going on today and could not make it and honestly I'm the kind of person who would like some time to prepare for such things (at least a day or two). She asked me when I would like to come in and I replied with Monday. She was very short about that answer and she replied with "We'll get back to you" and hung up the phone. I was really taken aback by this unprofessional behavior. My question is should I call back and explain myself or just let it go? I wanted to make a good impression and prepare for the interview, but I think she took it as I wasn't really interested since I didn't rush in to be interviewed the moment she called.

I started breaking out when I worked at a nursing home. I worked in the dementia unit and one old lady would say something about it. She was really confused and she thought that she spread something to my face. When I was giving care she was like "what happened to your face, I hope I didn't give anything to you". I was just like no you didn't and I felt a little embarrassed, but I know she didn't mean anything by it. In fact, one time she cried and was explaining how much she loved me and all the things I did for her and that I was so good to her.

Wow, it was great to read all of your posts. I actually feel a lot better about my decision. I spoke with the dean and she understood and withdrew me from nursing school. I got all of my money back. I feel a little bit of guilt because I have worked pretty hard the past 3 years on getting into nursing school and my family was really counting on me. I packed up all of my things and moved to a big city by myself so I was also super lonely which added to the feelings. I was trying to convince myself to stay, but it got to the point where I couldn't go against myself anymore. I was having to call my family in order to hear phrases like "you can do it" or "it's only 2 years and you will get your Bachelor's degree". And in my head it sounded good; like I will have a Bachelor's degree and job security, but that's no way for me to live. For me, nursing was a dream based on assumptions. I'm just glad that I realized this now rather than a semester down the road or even graduation.

I just started nursing school last week and am realizing nursing is not for me. I don't like it and it took me 3 years of trying to get to nursing school and now that I am finally here I realize it's not what I want in a career. But, I know that is what life is like sometimes, you have to experience things firsthand before you know. I had this dream of being a nurse and I really didn't even know what the job entailed. It was just the allure of being a nurse I guess. So, I spent the past few years working on my pre-requisites for nursing school and even got my CNA license and started working in long term care. I didn't like that and I didn't like what I saw with the nurses either. But, in my mind I kept telling myself "you got this far just keep going and deal with it" and my whole support system kept saying the same thing. So, a week before nursing school I felt so much anxiety and depression and I really didn't want to even show up. But, I did and now I know for sure that it's just not for me. I literally forced myself to go and even aced my first exam in med calc, but that feeling that I didn't really want to be there still hung in the air. I finally broke down and called my parents crying. I'm lucky I realized this now because I'm still in the window to drop my classes and get a refund. I feel like a quitter and I feel bad about it, but I just can't continue on. Has anyone else experienced this? I definitely would like a career in the health sciences field. I've been looking into physical therapy assistant or occupational therapy assistant to start. Maybe I need to talk to a career counselor as well. Any thoughts anyone? TIA!

Hello, I just started a job at a LTCF as a GNA. I was pulled off orientation early, but I won't even get into all of that. The bottom line is that I have mixed feelings about the job and I applaud all CNA's . I work in the dementia unit and have already been punched, kicked, scratched and called a b*&$# several times. Now, that is not a big deal because I can ignore those things, but i just feel down about my choice to become a CNA. I start nursing school this fall so I will only be working here for the next 6 months (if I make it) and then I am off to school. I thought it would have been a good idea to become a CNA first to get some clinical experience, but I wanted to work in a hospital (however they don't hire new CNA's in hospitals where I live so I settled for LTC). So, I just need some words of encouragement to boost my confidence or experiences about feeling the way I did upon first starting. I hope I get into the swing of things and start to enjoy it a little and not dread going into work everyday.

Thanks for the input everyone. It really helps put things into perspective. I have decided to take the position at the LTC facility. I know it will be hard work, but I'm sure it will be worth it in the long run (financially and for my future career as a nurse). I know I will have more free time, be able to take care of myself better and be more financially stable. I will go in with a positive outlook and the will to learn (and be well rested ). Thanks again!

Okay, so I currently work as an RA at an Assisted Living Facility. I enjoy working there-I like my co-workers, residents, but I don't like the hours, the pay is crap at $8.50/hr, the commute is 30 minutes each way and the additional duties suck (washing dishes, cleaning up kitchen, etc.). I was offered a job as a CNA at a LTC facility that is about a 5 minute walk from my house, pays $13.65/hr and I got 2nd shift. So, I know this sounds like a no brainer to take the job at the LTC Facility, but I am nervous. I feel comfortable in assisted living because there are only 15 residents for 2-3 people to take care of, but at LTC I will have that many on my own. I will have to orient for about 4 weeks (which is good). Also, I will only be working there for 6 months. I start nursing school in September and am moving. ANY input or advice would be greatly appreciated-I think I am just nervous. TIA.

Hi KatieP86, I have only worked two shifts as an orient. Maybe I am getting ahead of myself, but I'm already dreading going to work and I feel somewhat down about it. The ALF that I was going to work at pays about 5 dollars less than the position I am in now, I had originally taken the position at the LTC facility because the pay was so good. I'm just so overwhelmed and am not sure what to do. I would be a resident assistant at the ALF, and the hours are 11pm-7am which is also going to screw up my sleep schedule. So I am going back and forth in my head about what to do, but I need to figure things out pretty quickly.

Hello all, I just starting working at a LTC and am trying to decide if it's the right fit for me. I got my LNA license in New Hampshire in August and moved to Maryland shortly after. I was offered a job about a week ago at a LTC care facility as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant. I start nursing school to get my BSN in Sep 2011 which I am excited for. I thought it would be a good idea to get some clinical type experience before I start nursing school. I really just did not get along well on my first day of training and it was overwhelming to me and not in a way that I can see myself getting over. I was offered another position at an assisted living facility and am thinking of resigning from the place I just started to go work at the assisted living. Any input? I only will be working about 7 months and then I head to nursing school so I think it will take me that long to get a routine anyways, so what is the point? Any input on LTC facilities vs. Assisted living would be much appreciated. I'm also nervous that if I can't hack it as a CNA how will I be as a Nurse? TIA.