having second thoughts

[RN_Pursuit2b]

I've been thinking of becoming a nurse for a few years now, but I'm not sure I should now. Maybe there's a nursing path I can take that will work for me, or a different career, I don't know.

For the last ten years I've been successfully treated for depression and then anxiety. I've been antidepressant-free for three months and doing great, but still a little nervous sometimes. I get emotionally involved with other people's problems and have a tendency to ruminate until I get things resolved.

My dilemma is, will it level out for me or is nursing school and the nursing profession going to set me back?

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

First of all, know that nursing school is roller coaster ride with ups and downs emotionally. Some days you're so stressed and tired and questioning yourself. Some days you feel defeated and incompetent. Others you feel high and stoked. Being self-aware, sharing your concerns and making friends will help.

Next, it helps that you have the capacity to empathize. This is a cornerstone quality for all nurses to possess and it's a gift. However, you also have to leave after your shift daily knowing you have to leave their problems behind as you live your own life and take care of yourself. There's only so much you can do in an 8-hour or 12-hour day and you leave it at the door when you go home. You can't fix everyone's problems, and most likely you're going to be too busy to get overly involved.

Good luck!

[RN_Pursuit2b]

Thank you, Tweety, that's the kind of insight I needed. I guess I could hire a counselor for the next couple of years and suck it up until I adjust. Maybe I'm selling myself short. I have been dealing with a lot since I was treated for anxiety and I'm doing just fine, even though I lost my father recently and have had a lot of job stress and change. Maybe I can do this!