Really want to go into nursing but..?

[Claraaa]

...I have my doubts. I'm a rising senior and I have to apply for college soon. I would love to go into medicine, particularly nursing, but am still undecided as to whether I would be suited for it. I love caring for people and am really interested in science, but sometimes I fail under pressure. I know that this question has been asked before, so sorry for asking, but I just need a little more reinforcement! So do you enjoy your job? Would you say the better aspects rule out the negatives? Thanks :)

[Altra, BSN, RN]

You have a bit of time before you'll be filling out college applications. Is it possible for you to volunteer at a hospital this summer? Or can you shadow a nurse for 1-2 days? See your guidance office at school - they may have some information about job shadowing programs for high school students.

When doing your class schedule for your senior year, choose the most difficult science classes that you can handle and that fit in your schedule. If your high school offers an anatomy/physiology course - take it. You will take it again in college if you decide on nursing, but exposure to the material will be helpful, and it's likely to be a class that you enjoy.

Hopefully you'll take some time this summer to visit some schools with your family. If at all possible - plan to get your bachelors degree. Yes, there are also associate degree and diploma routes to nursing, but if you can, finish that undergrad degree immediately after high school.

Browse this site and other nursing sites you may come across. You'll read negatives and positives - and they are both true. Personally, I love my job, and I am very comfortable that I am in the right place in the right specialty area for me.

Good luck to you - senior year will be an exciting time! :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

we all fall under the right type/amount of pressure. Sounds like you need more confidence. Nursing school will help with that. You might also consider medical technology (no direct patient care but pay is good), radiology, respiratory therapy---I suspect that all grown up jobs have a level of stress. The good news is you are not expected to act expertly till you have training, education and experience.