Starting Pre-Reqs... Scared to Death!

[kjwarren]

I finally decided that this was something I wanted to do, and was very sure about my decision... for a while. Now I am just reading so much from people who HATE their jobs and it is really freaking me out. I realize this is a place to vent and not everyone is represented here, but I saw some comments even saying to "get out now!" ... should I honestly be looking elsewhere? I found myself getting really excited about the prospects of doing this, but I don't want to get through school only to find that it's the worst job ever. All the talk about physical and emotional stress scares me also, I come from a long history of depression, anxiety, and OCD. Just thinking about all of this is already bringing me down. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[BeeJayCeeYa]

As with everything I post, this is just my and MY way of dealing with it: you can be an effector or you can be an affected.

I understand your misgivings. There are so many posts on here that can give one pause: i.e. overly competitive nursing school entrance standards, nurses eating their own, male nurses upset with female nurses, female nurses upset with male nurses, everybody upset with doctors, and don't even get them started on the patients! I even read a thread from someone who is upset when people tell her to smile. For my money, this is a profession that you do for a reason. If that reason is money, you will likely have problems. If that reason is to make a difference in someone's life, now you're talking! But YOU have to keep YOUR reason in the forefront of your mind. Write it down. Put it on your bathroom mirror. Tape it to your dashboard. And if you can make it through your pre-reqs with that vision still intact, chances are you made the right choice.

Gee, that was so preachy that I'm going to have to throw in an extra !

[Sarah Hay]

Don't be afraid of the pre-reqs. [= Be afraid of the classes in the second year of nursing school. =o LoL, JK. It isn't THAT bad!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Nursing is not for everyone. Nursing school is hard. Nursing practice is hard. Some people thrive in this stimulating environment and some do not. Some find that working in a hospital is great while others prefer nursing elsewhere. If you are looking for a job that constantly challenges you physically, emotionally and mentally, then nursing might be for you. It can be very rewarding and even fun. I was 45 when I started nursing school and all I can say is I wasted at least 20 years of my life not being a nurse!

[seasoned hopeful]

hello,

i know exactly where you are coming from. here are some things to consider;

1. people like to complain. some people will complain about anything at any time

2. it looks like a mountain from where you are. ( i am starting ns in the fall after 3 years of pre-reqs) but you get there a step at a time. or think of it as building a house. first the basement (pre-reqs) then the house (ns)

3. it all happens a step at a time.

4. it is scary and exciting all at the same time.

5. it is hard work, as any thing that is worthwhile is.

6. you can make a difference!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if you are thirsty for knowledge about the miracle that is called the body, you will be okay!!!!!!!!!!

lorry:twocents:

[gillytook]

Everyone complains at sometime or another and this is a forum that lends itself to venting. Nursing is a calling. You either love it or it becomes too much. Ask any of those who say run now if they will quit, and most will tell you no. They love what they are doing stress and all. If you feel like this is what you want to do, then don't let the grumbling and wussing deter you. Every job has its bad days, but at least with nursing, you know you have made a difference at the end of the day.

[Cilantrophobe]

Everyone complains at sometime or another and this is a forum that lends itself to venting. Nursing is a calling. You either love it or it becomes too much. Ask any of those who say run now if they will quit, and most will tell you no. They love what they are doing stress and all. If you feel like this is what you want to do, then don't let the grumbling and wussing deter you. Every job has its bad days, but at least with nursing, you know you have made a difference at the end of the day.

Well said!

I think this is the reason why nobody will tell you what military basic training is really like, because if they did, nobody would do it.

Just remember, one step at a time.

[cpike]

Congrats! First I am working on my pre-reqs now and it's hard some schools that I am applying to for a Direct Entry Masters want a B or better and some want more classes etc. I have had to take two classes twice because I missed the B grade by a few points! It is frustrating but knowing that you are making the right decision, people to support you, once you get into a program it will all be worth it and in the end it will be worth it. Good luck~

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Stop reading the "I hate nursing" threads. If so many people hated nursing why is it that there is so little job turnover? Many, many more people are nurses and love what they do. The people who are saying "get out now!" are looking for others to join their "I hate nursing" Club. If you are that easily swayed maybe you are not strong enough to be the kind of leader that a nurse has to be. Nurses are problem solvers and leaders--not followers.

God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them.

[kjwarren]

Thank you so much everyone. This really made me feel a lot better, and more confident about my decision.

Also, you are right Daytonite. I need to stop letting other people's experiences determine how I will handle mine. I am sure there have been a lot of things I have loved that others have hated... and I am sure glad I didn't miss out on any of them!

You all are so great. I'm glad to know that whether I need to celebrate or cry you'll be here . :)

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

If this is something YOU want than you need to go for it. Don't ever let anyone else determine YOUR fate!