Should I do it or try something else?

[nurse2bnoob101]

Currently work in healthcare as a MA and I am a bit uncertain whether I should do nursing. I already got into a program and I am scheduled to go in 4 months. I think like with anything there will always be a sense of doubt when investing some time and debt into something. I am naturally an introvert and I can deal with people but it is draining, especially the difficult patients. It is a very customer service oriented profession. I can do it and be good at it, but I am not sure if I like it. Yet I feel that I invested a lot of time in healthcare and I know what I can expect out of it. There is a lot of advantages such as in demand, job stability, good pay, a lot of career progression, job flexibility (go per diem, float pool etc..). I worked in other sectors before like retail and sales. They all have their pros and cons.

I am thinking about doing healthcare informatics or data analyst, but it is uncharted territory and I feel like I have the grass is greener syndrome. Nursing is something I think I can be good at, the others I will have to look into it more. I know that work is work and a lot of times there are good days and bad. I am just confused and lost on what I want to do with my life. I figure tho with nursing if I hate it I can do NP, nurse informatics, nutrition counselor etc... Plus working 3 days a week it will give me opportunity to have good free time to do hobbies, side businesses, that is what I want most of all. Is the grass is greener? Help me refocus.

[Dontstressdoyourbest, RN]

Had to say it there are no doubts when it comes to wanting to be a nurse or not be one. Go with your gut. Nursing today is very customer oriented but in many respects rightfully so. Are patients demanding, yes. But we know why because the most important thing to us all is our health. There is a dedication not unlike your being an MA that one either has or does not.

[EmDash]

Maybe call around and see if you can find a nurse you can shadow for a day or two to get a better idea of what it's like. Then really sit down to see if that's the type of job you can do. Beyond good pay or four days off, are you able to do the work well and will you at least be content while doing it? Because if you are going to be miserable every day or be so emotionally exhausted after that you really aren't enjoying your four days off or the consistent pay, then what's the point? Especially when there ARE other jobs that pay well and that aren't people-oriented.