Realistically, how many people that go back to nursing are successful?

[EmilyGNursing]

My biggest fear of going back to nursing is that I won't be successful long term. I am looking into a few accelerated BSN programs. For the most part, I feel fairly confident now that I would be able to make it though. I finished my junior year of nursing as an undergrad when some unfortunate situations forced me out. In my new major, I was able to complete more difficult classes in genetics, chemistry, and biology, and advanced psychological research that I think would be beneficial long term and helped prepare me for post-grad options. (Bridge program for Masters to Ph.D. in human factor engineering). Overall though, I can't get nursing off my heart even though I have some great grad school opportunities available. I really struggle between the two, I loved nursing and my patients while in clinical, but the politics, drama, and burnout rates for nurses scare me. After a BSN I would be very interested in a masters in informatics or research but want to take nursing one step at a time.

Thoughts?

[MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN]

Well, my only thoughts to you are of my experience. I started nursing school about 15 years ago, had a bad experience outside of that, and switched majors and careers. Like you I couldn't get nursing out of my head and the "what-if" kept eating at me, so I went back. I graduate this week with my BSN & feel no regret or apprehension about it, I know the road won't always be smooth, but, I feel like my veering off into another degree/career all those years ago only helped strengthen my ability to do this, to be a nurse.

You only get one life. My motto is if you can't stop thinking about it, then make it happen, don't let fear govern your choices. I wish you the best.