Should I pursue a career in nursing? Or should I take a different route?

[briannad]

I'm a recent hs graduate and I'm doing community college for my prerequisites before going to a university. Since junior year of hs, I've always had the plan to become a nurse. Because I decided on my career path a little too late, I wasn't able to do any nursing classes that my hs offered. I've been researching on the nursing field and nursing programs in my state and I've come across things that nurses do that I'm not too interested in. For example, I'm not interested in cleaning patients or dealing with their bodily fluids, like feces, urine, saliva, etc. (blood and pus I can handle). I also don't want to work in a hospital. My ultimate goal is to work in an outpatient facility or an office of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon and to work in an OR (if possible). Is there a different route I can take or should I just go into nursing school and suck it up in order to reach my goal?

SN - I am passionate about healthcare but I just don't know which route would be the best for me.

[Atl-Murse]

Take a different route

[araew2129, ADN]

Maybe check your community college for career programs related to medical office staff or becoming a surgical technologist? See if that's more what you're looking for?

[RSP.SN]

Hey briannad,

It is ultimately up to you obviously, but I am glad that you are asking yourself this question because some people will just go into the medical field for all of the wrong reasons. You did mention the options that you are aware of, which is another great thing. In my opinion, I think you should continue with your research and just write down the pros and cons of it all.

Do you plan to transfer to a 4-year to obtain your BSN or are you considering your ADN? Take those into consideration as well. I started off at a community college and was sure to study Accounting until my last Spring break before transferring to a 4-year that I wanted to become a Nurse.

As far as not taking those classes in time for your senior year of high school, it is never too late. I didn't declare my decision to become a nurse until I transferred, so in regards to that, the sooner, the better because you do NOT want your sophomore year to come and you're not sure on your major. Use your summer/winter breaks (or even weekends) to work around your schedule to volunteer at your local Hospice care or hospital to gain experience (I am in my junior year and just now taking heed to my own advice with volunteering more).

Nursing school is a lot to invest in, not only financially, but mentally, physically, and spiritually, so if that is something that you know that you can do and love without thinking about getting paid for it, then I say go for your dream. Lastly, the most AMAZING thing about the medical field as a physician is that it is such a broad career field, it is limitless, so there are so many things to do aside from what you would see on TV or hear from others. So, just continue to weigh out those options there, google the types of nurse and see which one interests you the most.

I hope this helps sweetheart!

[liathA, RN, EMT-B]

You may want to do some investigating into other allied health fields - there's a lot out there other than just nurses and doctors. Physical and Occupational Therapists and Assistants, Medical Assistants, Surgical Techs, etc. etc. etc. There's a wide variety of duties as well as educational requirements, job market demand, and pay. Maybe your local college, university, or medical center has a class or program about healthcare careers? You may decide nursing is for you after all, or not, but there's nothing wrong with investigating your options either way.

I'd also encourage you to go out and get some work or volunteer extra experience if you can. Also keep in mind that no matter what career you pursue, even the best jobs are going to have aspects that you don't like. That's just life.