Second Thoughts About Becoming a Nurse

[lovlina]

Hi everyone! I have been in a sort of personal turmoil for a few months, questioning myself and doubting my decision to go into nursing. I am in a 4 year BSN program, and I have 2.5 years left to go. (The first year was pre nursing, so I have technically only been in actual nursing classes for 1 semester.) I love the classes and have been very successful. I have always loved the sciences and have never been a slacker when it comes to studying.

My first hospital job was as a nursing assistant the summer before my first nursing semester began. Ever since, I have been doubting my career choice. I completely understand that a nurse usually delegates tasks like taking vitals and giving a bed bath to the assistant. So I am not questioning my decision because of that experience. However, I did get to work closely with many nurses and saw what a typical day for a nurse is like. I did not know that nursing is so stressful! Additionally, I am more of a thinker and an introvert, so doing tasks quickly and managing a hundred things at once are not my strong suit.

I was mainly drawn to nursing because of the sciences. And I did not want to go to school for 8 years to become a doctor. So I thought, why not nursing?

Now, I didn't do enough research. I didn't read any forums or comments made my actual nurses. I only read articles describing the nursing profession. Big mistake. I did not get a good picture of nursing to start out with. Even when I was applying to the nursing school while in pre nursing, I did not read anything about what it's actually like!

After working in th hospital and getting accepted into the program, I began my first semester. Everything was great, except I felt I didn't enjoy patient encounters and the clinical experience. Many of my peers are so excited to start learning more in clinicals, while I am dreading it!

I feel that I am often disoriented and do not have amazing observation skills. I am very detailed when it comes to reading something or writing or presenting, but not in terms of paying attention to everything that goes on around me. I also feel that I will be slow and disoriented when it comes to multitasking, which seems to be an inherent part of nursing. Talking to the patient and family while doing a procedure. Having many active orders and having to balance them and manage my time. It all seems too much for my personality.

I have not slept right in a week trying to analyze every option and wondering if nursing is right for me.

My alternative is to move to a major in psychology (which I would be able to complete before graduation). Then to get a Masters in HR Managment or Higher Education/Student Affairs. Alternatively, I could continue with nursing, get my BSN, and find a job at a clinic or office. Or I could become an NP in Women's Health (a topic I love!) or get an MSN with concentraton in Healthcare Management. (Before you say I am all over the place, understand that I like administration/office type things as well as the sciences, which makes this a hard decision.)

I have so many options that I am terribly confused. I'm having a very hard time making this decision. To stay in nursing or to change majors before it is too late?

I have recently discovered this website and have learned a lot more about nursing which only adds to my worry! So now I am writing here, in hopes of finding advice or inspiration from those who may have been in my shoes or who may have had doubts.

Sorry for the very long post! Thanks to those of you who read to the end.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

Tons of people don't graduate on time.. Don't let that be the deciding factor because you could end up in a field that you hate. Instead of bachelor's in psychology why not a bachelor's in business with a focus in HR? Have you looked into physician assistant? There is still patient contact but it obviously isn't as much as being a nurse. Get into the research field maybe? There are hundreds of options, don't limit yourself. I'm going to be upfront and tell you don't do psychology. Because if you end up. It going for your master's you'll have nothing to fall back on. There are many nurses that started out with a psychology degree and became nurses for stability and ended up hating their jobs. Good luck with whatever you choose. Oh, and don't forget to talk to your advisors. They have their jobs for a reason.