Second Thoughts..???

Lolita34 · Jan 24, 2013

I'm starting my program in August and I'm a school teacher now. I have always wanted to become a nurse and now that I'm accepted into a program, I can't help but wonder if I'm doing the right thing. I look at it this way. I will never know unless I try. As for you, what exactly is making you question your decision?

Stephalump · Jan 24, 2013

Im a first year (2nd semester) nursing student. Im having terrible second thoughts!!!!! Anybody feel the same??? Anybody gone through same feelings?? What did u do??????

I'm sure your feelings are pretty common. I think nursing is like teaching. You can have all the coursework in the world, but you won't actually know you like it until you do it.

We haven't lost anyone in our class to grades, but we have lost a couple to mind-changing. There's nothing wrong with that.

I also think it's normal to have second thoughts about something that you really DO want to do. Just like being married, you can't be riding high on feelings of romance all the time. Sometimes you're going to look at your partner and wonder what the heck you were thinking. And then you'll be reminded why you love them, and you'll be flying high again :)

I'd say it's time for some soul searching!

rubato, ASN, RN · Jan 24, 2013

It's normal to feel that way. On our first day back this semester, it was shocking how many of us had the thought over winter break that being a stay-at-home mom was awfully nice and what were we thinking? At least half of my class of 61. But, we all came back and we're busting through it. First exam Friday.

rafv · Jan 25, 2013

It's normal to feel that way. On our first day back this semester it was shocking how many of us had the thought over winter break that being a stay-at-home mom was awfully nice and what were we thinking? At least half of my class of 61. But, we all came back and we're busting through it. First exam Friday.[/quote']
Couldn't have said it better! :)

Krys1105 · Jan 25, 2013

I know the feeling all to well. I just entered the program and I have been in it for a week and honestly I fell the same exact way. Its to the point where I can barely sleep. I'm very frightened also, especially since its very easy to fall out of the program. Is it normal to have breakdowns already? My first exam is next week.

grpman · Jan 25, 2013

I've had some instructors that ran their clinicals paramilitary style. That can be obnoxious, but life changes when you get that one instructor with a gift for explaining. That clinical for me wasn't easier, (heck, I was reprimanded by him a few times) but more meaningful.

I think many of us have been where you are. I've been there several times, but I couldn't imagine wasting the money or effort without seeing a return. Nursing is a big field that you aren't privy to in clinicals or lecture.

I would say you either need to get out now (to stop wasting time and money) or put feelings aside and press on.

ncaru01 · Jan 25, 2013

Nursing school blows. I thought it was a cool experience though, almost like a study on human behavior seeing crack addicted family having a kid one week to a loving one the next. People dying with cancer, the crazy, the kind hearted. Anyway I am 3 years into nursing and I still have 2nd thoughts. There is a lot you can do with it though, the thought is do you think you will like the job. Nursing instructors tend to be *******s in my opinion. There are options of a PA, physicians office, computers, NP, every specialty under the sun. If you want to still be in healthcare I say press on as well. I am thinking of quitting clinical nursing because I hate working nights, not much salary potential, weekends, never a snowday, high stress, high patient loads.

RosaleiMae · Jan 26, 2013

I would suggest thinking long and hard before making any moves... I started in PA school right out of HS and decided that I really wanted to be a CNM so I transferred to nursing school. After a week I hated it and ended up talking myself out of my decision to become a nurse. I finished undergrad, went into grad school and a whole different field... now at 29 I'm finally going back to nursing school because I still really want to be a nurse and eventually a CNM. At least now I know to stick it out no matter what this time : )

Melysa1973 · Jan 27, 2013

I'm feeling the same way. We are nearly four weeks into the program (1st semester.) I left my job of 7 years where I was very comfortable and in a management position to go to school. We will be living on my husband's paychecks. He had to get a second job so that I could quit working to focus on school. We have three kids who are going to have to get used to me saying "no" to things that they used to have. Did I do the right thing? Am I strong enough to get through this?

YES. Because of all the reasons I listed above.

Nursing school is something I've wanted since we visited the hospital when I was four years old in Head Start. This is something I can do, something I will do, and I've started to chant to myself that I AM able to do this! Self-talk can be either extremely helpful or extremely detrimental. You need to decide which way you're going to go. No matter what anyone else says, it's your decision. Be true to yourself. If this isn't something that you want to do, there is no shame in quitting. Just make sure that's the decision you want to make before making it. Good luck!