Thinking about quitting nursing school

[LucyJan]

Hey everyone ! So I need a little help here. I'm a 17 years old student nurse.

I never knew what to do with my life in high school. Then, nursing started interesting me. I know I had to do something in the medical field. I applied and got it. I'm at the second semester and it is hell. No social life and hours of studying : when you think you're finished, there's always more. But I deal with it. I got my first clinicals before Christmas and it went well, I was a little scared. Then after Christmas, I really started wondering if that's really what I want to do for the rest of my life. But I didn't quit.

I got other clinicals this week. It all went well until my instructor told me I should quit because she thinks I'm not where I belong, that I'm really immature (because I forgot my watch once and I chewed gum) and she went on and on, I didn't really listen because I was focusing on not crying. Couldn't keep it in , went to the bathroom and let it all out then went back and carried on with my day. It made me really insecure and I didn't really care about my patient after that (i'm a horrible person I know) and saw all the negatives points in nursing instead of the great ones.

Since then, I've been questioning myself hardcore. I went and see what other job I could be interested in but there wasn't. There was tec vet but the money isn't great. I only did clinicals with elder people which I do find cute but I'm afraid if i'm dropping out, I'll miss great opportunities like ped and L&D. I'm afraid to regret. I'm afraid of not finding anything else that I'll like. I'm wondering if I should stick with it and decide afterwards. I'm afraid of being and nurse and not liking it and burn out. I think I'm just afraid of doing what I'll do for my entire life.

What should I do?

[armychris]

When I was in medic training with the Army they'd tell you all the time you weren't cut out for the job. I felt like **** when I missed 3 IV's the first time because my instructor was yelling at me while I was doing them. You just have to drive on and not listen to ridicule (Unless it's to improve you, of course).

We can't decide what you want to do with your life for you. I know nurses who both love and hate their jobs. The same could be said with any occupation. You're young and have the ability to both make mistakes and learn from them. When I was your age (I'm 23 now) I worked at a night club and a hotel. I had no idea what I wanted!

I joined the Army as a medic with little interest in science/medicine. Now I absolutely love my job and hope to pursue it with advanced degrees. The point is.. Do whatever you feel is right.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I understand people graduate high school early. I was young and graduated at 17 because I started kindergarten when I was 4. But when did you get the prereqs done? I'm having a hard time understanding how you are allowed to do clinical. You have to be 18 at least in our school. For the mental health clinical you had to be 21.

All of that aside, you are very young. I know this is hard to hear because I thought I knew everything and was so mature at 17. Now I am 39 and can tell you I knew absolutely nothing until I hit around 30. You have so much time to figure out what to do with your life. Nursing school is hard and it is a lot of studying. That is the way it is. But honestly, there is so much you can do with your life. Take a look at different careers and see if this is truly what you want to do. I do worry that you are so young and nursing is tough. You need to have thick skin for this. Thick skin is something I had to develop over the years. I most certainly didn't have it at 17. There are tons of careers in the medical field. Go for your dreams. You are obviously very smart and can really do whatever you want in this world.

[BlueChocolateCat]

As a nurse, you are going to find yourself in similar situations in the future. You're going to have to figure out how to move on with your day (AND continue to actually care for your patient, because as nurse, it will be your legal responsibility to provide care).

[kward6]

Dont quite unless YOU truly do not feel like this is the position for you. Yes nursing is hard and at times people may tell you that you are not cut out to be a nurse. Dont let this statement get too you instead use it to your advantage and study, keep a book bag with all your supplies and kick butt. Nursing is a calling and if you enjoy it and are passionate about it, keep up with it.