Liz9

Thank you for all your input, folks! Your advice is appreciated. Currently, I am planning to pursue a BS in Computer Science with a minor in English (my humanities fix). If all goes as planned I'll be out by the time I hit 23. Although I was highly tempted to go full on humanities and major in English Lit, the job prospects are certainly a cautionary aspect, as you all pointed out. A win for practical skill. In response to the poster who asked why I'm choosing to withdraw, I'm not sure that there's a simple answer. I found I simply don't enjoy (want?) nursing enough to endure some of the negative aspects the profession faces, as well as the lack of autonomy. Do you, as a patient, want to have a nurse that hates her job? I did have to deal with the guilt of leaving a profession that is so respected and service oriented. ("You don't want to help the sick?!" or the dreaded pitying look paired with "Does it gross you out?") There's a certain (good) pride that comes with being a nurse, and I had to accept that it wouldn't be mine. I just wanted this post to be an encouragement for those students who want to be nurses to endure nursing school - there's a great profession ahead of you! (this per all my nursing family members and friends:]) I also wanted to encourage those who feel they have certainly chose the wrong major to consider other options. What you have learned in your classes has not been a waste, even if you choose to leave nursing. Best wishes to you all.

Hi all! I am a newbie nursing student, from a family of medical professionals. Although nursing was never my "passion" or "calling" I felt it I could both enjoy and do well in the field. After finishing my first semester with glowing recommendations and a 4.0, I am withdrawing. Nursing is a wonderful profession, and I highly respect those who enter it. It is a field that can be both overlooked and undervalued, but its importance cannot be denied. This is just a shout out to any nursing school students that have that sinking, awful feeling that maybe nursing is not the career for them. If this career is not one you want, it is okay to leave. It is not shameful, nor cowardly. It is wisdom. That being said, from talking to other nurses, I believe most nursing students do experience discouragement/doubt/"I JUST CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!" in some way or form, but they power through and graduate into a profession they excel at. For some, like myself, nursing is not what makes you happy. The thought of becoming a nurse brings no joy or anticipation to me. I'm leaving for a degree in humanities (yes, I know. I'm under no delusions about those job prospects:) It's scary. What will people think? What should I major in now? And there goes the optimistic salary ranges that have been spouted off to me. Hehe. Ah, well. I feel at peace. I have gained invaluable health knowledge even in one semester. Hospitals are no longer strange, unfathomable things to me. So, good luck to all you students! Nursing is a hard and rewarding field, and if it is what you want, persevere! I'm cheering you on. :)