Should I finish nursing school when so close to the end?

[jazz1915]

I'm in an ADN registered nursing program and just started my last semester. The entire time that I have been in nursing school I have not enjoyed it, although I have excelled in all areas, but I don't know if I should continue. I know that I would not want to work in acute care afterwards because the stress is too much for me to handle. The reason why I went into nursing in the first place is because I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and am highly interested in the human body and the medical profession and I'm also very caring.

I left my previous line of work in the biotech industry to pursue nursing and I find myself missing working in the laboratory as biotechnician. I guess my question is, is it worth finishing the nursing program since I'm so close or is it better to quit now and reenter the career that I once loved? The positives of finishing would be that I would feel more confident in myself (which is something I struggle with) and have more career options down the road. The positives of leaving would be that I would not have to put myself through one more semester of clinical, which I find insanely stressful and which is the cause of me recently falling into moderate depression. Another option would be to defer a semester and do some soul searching about what I really want and then possibly complete the program later.

Thank you for any thoughts on this situation.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

This is a question you can only answer yourself. It seems as though you have the answer and just need us for reassurance. Do what you feel is best and what will make you happy. Some people will say drop out some will say keep going, what matters is what you think. Good luck with your decision.

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

Your last semester…you have to finish at this point. Even if you decide not to work as an RN, I would finish and sit for NCLEX. So that if in the future you change your mind, you have it to fall back on. There are many options besides bedside nursing. Perhaps you can get into research nursing. Anyway…at this juncture, you have to finish.

[spore2008]

I agree with Parker. Finish up school. I was 4 years into a PhD program in Molecular Genetics when I wanted to quit. I had simply had enough of experiments failing. My mother told me to finish or I would regret the decision later on and for the rest of my life (I believe she has regrets about never receiving her EdD). So I finished and have a PhD. Not that I am using this degree currently. But please remember, all knowledge gained is never for naught. As well, I truly believe had I not had this advanced degree, acceptance at nursing schools would have been all that much more difficult. You are one semester away. An RN will offer more opportunities for you and make you a more versatile and interesting job candidate. Good luck.