Right choice?

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This is only my second week in nursing school, I am already reconsidering my choice and I need experienced nurses insight.

I just finished the prereq phase of nursing school with a straight A average. I am in my late 40s switching from a career as a computer programmer. I have always wanted to be a nurse, but I was afraid of the exposure to disease and the expertise needed to be a successful nurse.

Last week I started nursing school. I discovered that I could not make a bed. The teacher showed it once and that was it. I thought if I am expected to see a task one time, then do it, I'm doomed. I am not a visual learner. My back and hip were hurting like I could not believe. I have had problems with pain in one of my hips for 5 years, but it has been more of an ache, not a serious pain.

What do you think? Can an ex-office worker who is use to respect from fellow workers and clients, suddenly switch careers into a field that most consider very demanding? If so, can I hope to actually learn as I go and not accidentaly kill someone while doing it?

Do you have ideas about where a late 40something can go at this point?

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I do believe that anyone can do it.........IF they want it badly enough.

You are not expected to learn things first time around. That is why you need to practice, practice, practice. Get together w/ your classmates. You will be amazed at how much better 3 people's recollection are!

There will come a time that you will think back to this exact moment. You will think....OMG! Did I really freak out over making a bed?!?!?!? I can almost guarantee that you will chuckle. It's all a matter of putting things into perspective. Good luck to you.

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i am 3 months out of nursing school. i was hired one day before my 39th birthday. previously i had done office work and been a bartender and waitress. i've found that for the most part respect is there if you hold your own. (just like any where there are co-workers that thrive on undermining your self-confidence but you they don't think it gets to you it's no fun and they eventually stop) physically i would suggest z-coil shoes (they absorb 50% of your body weight with each step) - you can google it ("z-coil") on the internet, i've even seen some on e-bay. the coil helps eliminate joint pain.

i rejoice and doubt my decision to change careers a dozen times a shift - but over all i am proud to be part of a profession instead of just having a job and the satisfaction of helping a person (patient or family) through a stressful time is priceless.

truthfully nursing school and the actual practice of nursing is the hardest thing i've ever done in my life!!

good luck!

i will instruct you and teach you in the wa you should go; i will counsel you and waych over you - psalm 32:8

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When I was a child I remember reading a poster in my father's place of business. It read - "If the human mind can conceive it and believe it, then the human body can achieve it." Can you do it? Of course you can....as soon as you've convinced yourself you can do it. Like it's been said before, how badly do you want it? As for the physical pain, you might want to see a PT for it. Maybe they can help you with sitting up a series of stretches and exercises to strengthen that area.

By the way, I'm 37 yrs old and just recently took a sabattical from work so I can go back to school and get my BSN. Like you, I sat in front of a computer all day, so it's going to be an interesting switch to say the least.

If you like, I can contact my former Drill Instructor from bootcamp for you. I have no doubt that he can help train you in making a bed with proper hospital corners. :chuckle

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This is only my second week in nursing school, I am already reconsidering my choice and I need experienced nurses insight.

I just finished the prereq phase of nursing school with a straight A average. I am in my late 40s switching from a career as a computer programmer. I have always wanted to be a nurse, but I was afraid of the exposure to disease and the expertise needed to be a successful nurse.

Last week I started nursing school. I discovered that I could not make a bed. The teacher showed it once and that was it. I thought if I am expected to see a task one time, then do it, I'm doomed. I am not a visual learner. My back and hip were hurting like I could not believe. I have had problems with pain in one of my hips for 5 years, but it has been more of an ache, not a serious pain.

What do you think? Can an ex-office worker who is use to respect from fellow workers and clients, suddenly switch careers into a field that most consider very demanding? If so, can I hope to actually learn as I go and not accidentaly kill someone while doing it?

Do you have ideas about where a late 40something can go at this point?

I think that what you are dealing with is perfectly normal. You have taken a change in your life from the familiar to the unfamiliar and to question it is perfectly human.

You got straight A's in the pre-req's: you know how to study and you wanted it bad enough then

Expereince will help you with your fears with expertise. You are taught precautions in school to minimize risk & exposure. (Trust me-this has been of my biggest fears also!) We are at risk everytime we get in our cars and drive down the highway-but we do it.

The most important one: "I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A NURSE "

You can do it!!! Good luck!

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