So Many Options

[Zelda, RN]

Does anyone else feel crazy lost and like they don't know what they want to do with their life? I just graduated in May, and I've been working on an acute inpatient peds psych unit for almost 3 months now. I've been off orientation for a while and it's going pretty smoothly.

But I have no idea what I want to do with my life! There's so many areas of nursing that I love - Peds and OB mainly. But there's so many options in both those fields! I always think I'd like the intensity and adrenaline of PICU, but I capstoned in OB and loved it. I'm not a huge fan of hospital hours, 12 hour shifts and working weekends/holidays. Clinic hours may be more my thing. I've also been very interested in becoming a nurse-midwife - that's why I originally chose nursing in 11th grade. I just don't know what I want!

I'm one of those people who likes to have a 5-10 year plan. Not knowing where I'm going next is very unsettling for me. And I know, everyone says you can always switch and that's the beauty of nursing, but I feel like the more experience you have in one area, the harder it is to get into a new area.

Is anyone else in the same boat as me?

[Zelda, RN]

Thank you! Your story is encouraging. I'm just so scared of missing opportunities! I suppose I should just sit back and enjoy the ride.

[cocoa_puff]

rkaymay,

I understand how you feel. I'd also like to have a 5-10 year plan set in place. I love how many options there are in nursing, but not many are for new grads. Missing opportunities scares me as well. I just need to learn to go with the flow, I suppose. Good luck to you!

[kimj0591]

I can totally relate! I feel the same exact way. I just started working on an acute care inpatient oncology floor and I'm having so many mixed emotions. There are so many opportunities as a nurse to do and I just don't know if this is where I want to be.... Yet you can't do much without the "experience".. Hang in there!