Should I try becoming a nurse again?

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I'm new to the forum, and I was looking for some advice.

I went to school for nursing in 2011. I chose nursing for a few reasons.

1. I wanted to work in the health field.

2. I wanted to work with children and I had intentions of becoming a L&D or neonatal nurse.

3. The work schedule was appealing.

The classwork was tough, but I knew to expect that. However, it was hard for me to really concentrate enough to really learn everything. I tried for some time, but the information would always soon be forgotten. On top of that it was hard for me to talk to others, form relationships with the other srudents, and I felt virtually ignored by the instructors.

What really got me is when I started clinicals. I was assigned to L&D and Med-Surg. I was confused about a lot of things (like measurements and meds), kept making mistakes, wasn't very sure of myself, and very awkward. I felt like I was lagging behind. I also realized that I couldn't handle taking care of med-surg patients.

I also admit that I have a problem with socializing. I'm not very open and bubbly. I'm quiet and reserved, and it's hard for me to connect with people and carry on conversation.

I ended up not passing my clinicals, and I dropped out and did community health, graduating with a BS in 2014. Since then though, I've not been able to find any work in it. A lot of the jobs I'm interested in, like case management, require nursing degrees, and I'm just not motivated to find work in the field anymore. I almost feel like I made a mistake in not trying again for nursing and that community health was just something to do because my first plan fell through. I could have just waited to repeat the next year. But everything that happened before has me scared to try again. If I did pursue nursing again, I'd go to another school.

Would it even be a good idea to try nursing again, and if I did, would I have to do med-surg work?

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What would be different this time if you went back to nursing school?

My program had 3 Med-Surg clinicals. There's just no way of getting around Med-Surg.

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What would be different this time if you went back to nursing school?

My program had 3 Med-Surg clinicals. There's just no way of getting around Med-Surg.

I wasn't clear. I meant as the thing I have to do once I graduate. I don't think I could handle working in med-surg after graduation, and that's where most new nurses end up. I understand I'd have to get through the clinical, and I think I might be better prepared for things this time around.

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Well, you wouldn't have to work in med-surg if you didn't want to. You would have to successfully complete your med-surg clinicals in school, though.

When you ask if would be a good idea to "try nursing again," my first thought is, what has changed since the last time? What have you done to identify and address the issues that kept you from succeeding the last time? If nothing is any different, the outcome is likely to be the same again. Humans are enormously adaptable; people can always change if they really want to. But you have to do something, not just hope that things will be different the next time. Are there steps you need to take, and changes you need to make, to improve your chances of success the next time around, and are you doing that?

Best wishes for your journey! :balloons:

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I got my BS in Community Health before I did nursing so I completely understand the lack of job prospects with that degree alone. If you decide to pursue nursing again, you won't have to do med surg (unless you want to) once you get through your required med surg clinicals. New grads nowadays are starting in all areas of nursing. When I was a new grad, I started in med surg. I thought the experience was invaluable... But it all depends on your interests and long term goals. Best of luck to you

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Specializes in kids.

Do you have (or have you ever considered being tested for) a diagnosed learning disability?

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Do you have (or have you ever considered being tested for) a diagnosed learning disability?

No I've never been tested. I really think my problem has always been a lack of motivation and a habit of procrastination. I've been trying to work on that. I think that trying nursing a second time would be better because I really know what to expect and I can't let myself or others cause me to lose motivation to finish.

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Specializes in nursing education.
No I've never been tested. I really think my problem has always been a lack of motivation and a habit of procrastination. I've been trying to work on that. I think that trying nursing a second time would be better because I really know what to expect and I can't let myself or others cause me to lose motivation to finish.

I was thinking similarly. Could be ADD, depression, anxiety, avoidance behavior... CBT or DBT could be helpful. Therapy is useful for both learning about yourself and learning strategies to be more successful. (I'm my own roadblock, too.)

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Specializes in TICU.

It wouldn't hurt to get tested for ADD/ADHD and/or anxiety. Talking to a DR may be helpful in finding a way for you to be more focused during nursing school. I didn't care for med surg clinicals during nursing school. I already knew I didn't want to work there when I graduated. If nursing is really what you want to do then make a plan and go for it. Also talk to your professors and classmates if you feel you are struggling and falling behind.

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