Should I go through with nursing?

EDNURSE20, BSN · Mar 6, 2020

There are easier ways to make money than being a nurse. If not having friends in your course is enough to make you quit, then I think you should. If you have no interest in actually being a nurse, other than the money, you will be miserable.

I strongly believe if your going to go to school for something, wether it be nursing or any other course, it needs to be something you actually have same sort of interest in. It’s waste of time and money otherwise.

get out now, While you can. There’s easier ways to make money.

Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP · Mar 6, 2020

10 hours ago, nursingstudent6 said:
Hi,
I'm a first semester nursing student for a two year degree. The program hasn't been too bad so far and it isn't as hard as I expected. I originally picked it because it's stable, the pay is decent, and I have the potential to make good money if I eventually become a CRNA. I enjoy helping people to some degree but since I work in customer service I am aware that most of the time it is a thankless job, which can be a bit depressing. My biggest concern is that I just don't have anything in common with my classmates or professors and I'm not able to connect with them. It's super lonely and I don't want to work in an atmosphere where I don't fit in for the rest of my life. I guess maybe nursing draws a certain personality type and I'm starting to think that it's just not for me? How can I tell for sure? I can handle doing a job I don't particularly enjoy but if I'm not able to at least have a good time with my coworkers I'll go crazy. Any advice would be really appreciated , thank you!

If your goal for a job is to have a good time with your coworkers, then go to work at a pizza parlor or amusement park where it is more relaxed and they can blast music a lot of the times.

Sorry to be so blunt, but you go to work to work. Certainly if great coworkers come with the job it's a bonus, but you are there to do a job and that's it. Most jobs are thankless. I second nznurse93, and think this may not be the fit for you if not being thanked will make you depressed.

Guest1118589 · Mar 6, 2020

@nznurse93 do you have any recommendations for a profession that would make comparable money? I originally wanted to study psychology but that requires a doctorate, and even then I’d be making $70-100k. Nurses with an associated make $70-$80 in my area and CRNAs make over $200. I’ve researched but can’t find anything similar. I know the most important part of the job is providing good patient care and so far I’ve been doing that, I would never want to hurt anyone or provide subpar care but it just feels tedious and my classmates are all really high strung and stressful. I know the job is stressful so I thought people would have to be more stable in order to handle it?? I knew the patients would be difficult but I thought I’d be able to get support by bonding with my peers like at other jobs. Maybe things are different in other nursing schools or a masters program? I’m just trying to do right by myself, my financial needs, and the patients. Thank you

HandsOffMySteth · Mar 6, 2020

You should consider going into business. I don't think nursing is a good fit for you and you will be miserable because your main goal is making money. Most of nursing is not "happy happy joy time", it's hard abusive work. You will deal with abusive staff and patients from time to time as per this forum.

The good thing is that you are seeing there is an issue that needs to be addressed before things get out of hand. Good luck.

16BitSalt, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2020

A lot of people have already mentioned not doing nursing if you're in it for the money, and I'm inclined to agree, BUT I'll add some of my two cents just because you're already in the program and presumably doing well:

There are TONS of different types of nursing fields, many of which either don't actually require a ton of patient/coworker interaction or involve people that may be more your type. My clinical instructor worked in IT as a nurse, doing things like looking at how charting systems function from a nurse's perspective. Clinical research nursing involves specific groups of patients and often involves more data-driven stuff. Clinic nurses work more of a traditional 9-5 healthcare role deoending on where you work. There's a lot of different types of nursing with different types of people (and a nice wage regardless).

Every place is different and so are its employees. I wouldn't give up on nursing just yet, you may just meed to find your niche. I'm a very social person and I know how hard it is to feel alone in a large group. If you continue, you may have to survive bedside nursing for a couple years until you find a field you enjoy and further your education, but in my opinion you could still have your "a-ha!" moment and find what you like ?

Guest1118589 · Mar 8, 2020

@16BitSalt thank you so much for the encouragement and understanding it means a lot ? I will look into what you said and also discuss it with a counselor. Thank you!

Guest1142305 · Mar 9, 2020

I don’t see anything wrong with being in it for the money/lifestyle. That’s my primary interest in nursing. I worked 5 12’s in a row as a correctional officer being threatened, harassed, and in danger of death nightly for a fraction of the wages an np will make. I would think making this kind of money and having the lifestyle that comes with it would be a huge motivator to enjoy your job. Getting to help people along the way is a nice bonus, at at the end of the day you work to provide for yourself and your family first; Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. You’ll never get to self actualization if you have financial insecurity and are stuck at the bottom.

Green Tea, RN · Mar 9, 2020

On 3/6/2020 at 11:41 AM, nursingstudent6 said:
@nznurse93 do you have any recommendations for a profession that would make comparable money?

I saw you listed psychology and nursing. What about others? Why don't you go to the field of engineering, computer science, or statistics?

Nurse Pink, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2020

I worked in customer service too before nursing. The job that I do, I wouldn’t change it, I love helping others. Maybe get a job as a tech in a hospital and you can get a better idea if nursing is for you. You can get a better picture on what your job will be as a nurse. Working in this field can allow you to connect better with classmates if you end up deciding that nursing is for you.

**CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN** · Mar 9, 2020

If it’s your first semester and you’re already disliking it, this is the time to get out! I know I changed my major multiple times; it’s not uncommon. Take some aptitude tests or talk to a career counselor to find out what might be a better fit.
I definitely don’t think nursing has to be a “calling.” If you were set to graduate two months from now, I’d be saying “Go find a great nursing job and make the best of it.” But you just started! You can find a field you love.

jlmcgrot · Mar 9, 2020

13 hours ago, Green Tea, RN said:
I saw you listed psychology and nursing. What about others? Why don't you go to the field of engineering, computer science, or statistics?

Because they don't have fun either!

sorry, couldn't resist.