Starting to doubt everything...anyone else?

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Dec 30, 2008

Thinking too much into it I think. I want to specialize in Trauma and ER and most if not all the hospitals I want to go to require some experience somewhere else in the hospital. Look at it this way, you have to start somewhere. I know with me, I started as an aid back in HS, then got my EMT-B, then re-cert for my aid and now in nursing school. Start from the bottom and work to where you want to go. Once you have that goal in mind, dont let it go!

mcknis · Dec 31, 2008

You will do fine when all is over with. I felt the exact same way during each quarter and even after graduation. I felt that way up until boards and then sometimes after that. Just relax and you'll be great. These last few months are hard, but you'll make it! You have made it this far and will do well as a nurse. Just keep your eyes on the prize, grasshopper! :)

tommsbomb · Dec 31, 2008

I can relate totally to you. I feel the same way, except that I want to move back to my home state after I get done. I know that you do have to start somewhere, but the good thing is, there is a shortage of nurses and eventually you will get there. And about getting tired of it, the good thing is, you have something in your pocket to bank on. If in case you don't want to be a nurse, then at least you will have a great job in the mean time. During the summer, you should try to get on with a peds doctor that will open doors for you. I would even work for free just to get the experience. And when you do your peds rotation, get to know some of the doctors. Yes, it is going to get harder, but you will eventually get through it. And there isn't a person one that at times felt this way.

RNDreamer · Dec 31, 2008

Have you thought about volunteering at a Children's Hospital? You can start now, and by the time you graduate you will have gotten to know the staff and hopefully get your foot in the door or at least great references.

I'm in my second semester of nursing school and I am seriously doubting everything right now. I get good grades and I love clinicals but I know that real world nursing is completely different.
My heart is set on working in pediatrics, specifically oncology. However, I am worried that when I graduate I will not be able to find a job in peds due to lack of experience and I will have to accept a position that I am not really happy with.
I am fairly young and am wondering if I can do this for the rest of my life. I don't want to be a burnt out nurse.
I have a lot of passion and I have been told by instructors that I will make a great nurse but I am just terrified that I am going to put all of this time and effort into nursing, only to be unhappy in the end. Or that I will not be able to handle all of the nursing politics.
Can anyone else relate or am I just thinking too much into this?

rockexrolloh · Dec 31, 2008

Thanks for the replies everyone. I am feeling a bit better about things today. I thought about volunteering at a Children's Hospital but the nearest one is a little over an hour away. I honestly can't afford the gas money while in school. I did, however, just get hired as a student nurse in a step down unit. Hopefully, it will give me some general experience and maybe I can even float to peds occasionally. I'm just glad to know that I am not the only one that has felt this way.

RNDreamer · Dec 31, 2008

that's even better! You never know, you may get a chance to float. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies everyone. I am feeling a bit better about things today. I thought about volunteering at a Children's Hospital but the nearest one is a little over an hour away. I honestly can't afford the gas money while in school. I did, however, just get hired as a student nurse in a step down unit. Hopefully, it will give me some general experience and maybe I can even float to peds occasionally. I'm just glad to know that I am not the only one that has felt this way.