RN but not sure it's for you

[MoriahRoseRN]

Hi,

I've been lurking for a while and decided to finally post. I graduated in May, and I have not started working yet. I am not really sure if I want to. I've been staying home with my kids (good excuse), but I feel like I have wasted all of my time and my families for the amount of time and money I've put into this. I feel very guilty. I think that I would like to work as a nurse if I found the right job, (something I'd love, & non-stressful {fat chance}).

I guess I'm looking for someone to tell me that it is okay that I feel this way. What I'm trying to figure out is what is wrong with me, what should I do, & does anyone feel the way I do? Are there other's out there that just walked away from nursing after they've put so much time and money into it? I guess I just needed to get this out.

Thanks for reading this.

[SouthernLPN2RN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

You must venture out to get any gain from this. Becoming a nurse is scary. I would definitely advise you to try it first. You could find a part time or prn (as needed) position at first to see how well that particular area of nsg fits you. Good luck!

[thumperRN]

There is a gal I work with that works every 3rd Tuesday each month. The rest of the time she homeschools her 4 boys at home (whoa!). She is an awesome nurse, and doesn't have to sacrifice a lot of time away from her family and is able to keep her license active. I would start slow at first - PRN, you may find yourself asking "why didn't I do this sooner?", if not, at least you'll know.

:wink2: I commend you on your courage to bring it out in the open. It could just be nerves.

[shodobe]

This is a feeling that I think alot of new grads feel. This is especially from the ones who have spent the past 2-4 years doing nothing but school. The feeling of neglecting family, friends and spouses is natural and nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. There have been numerous posts on this subject and they all seem to say the same thing, fear of working as a real nurse! The one nice aspect of nursing is the ability to work shifts and hours that you want allowing yourself to get back into the real life mode. I know some places in the country do not give you this option, but most hospitals will allow you to work part-time. I think some people get blown away with nursing when they try to take on more than they can handle. If you feel stressed out even before you start to work then going full-time will only make things worse. Baby steps! Get a feel for nursing, find out what you like,M/S, ICCU, even OR, then go for it. Step back and look at the whole picture on why you went to school, is the passion still there? Some people take some time off before working so they can get all their priorities in place, perfectly exceptable. Good luck. Mike

[sharann, BSN, RN]

You are not strange or abnormal. Just scared and stressed. Look, without a nursing job you would be too busy already. You did take the NCLEX right? I think you should try to get a nice part-time job in an office willing to train, perhaps the red cross? Or, if you want hopital experience make sure you get into one with a superb New Grad/re-entry program. You will see that you have much to offer, and nursing school for me was much harder than nursing(once I got over the shock:roll )

Now, please don't be offended by this but have you considered you might have a touch of depression? Sometimes that happens after a life altering event(graduating school). You might think if this is a possibility and if so you are in great company. Many nurses like any other people are on anti-depressants. Again, I am NOT diagnosing or implying, it was just a hunch.