trying to figure out if nursing is right for me!

Scooby-Dooby-Doo · Oct 19, 2009

I'm sorry to hear your stuggles, but it's only going to get harder from here.

If you truly want to be a nurse, you've to work hard for it, and that takes so much sacrifice to do such a thing. I gave up so much from my life just to ace my prereqs, and I lost lots of my social life with so many cool people I met this semester, but there is never a day where I keep saying to myself..."this is all going to be worth it in the end."

Keep being motivated. Motivation, perservereance, and will are the keys for success in this route.

Good luck.

rickelli · Oct 19, 2009

When I first took A&P I and was there for a few days I freaked out and dropped the class so that another student on the waiting list could have my spot. I knew right then that maybe nursing wasn't for me and I thought I would never be able to pass these kinds of classes. Well a few years later I am now starting nursing school this week and I passed A&P I and II with good grades and I took them both in the summer. Sure it was hard and all I did was study and study but that is what has to be done in order to take nursing and pre nursing classes. If you truly want to be a nurse then no matter what classes you take you will always go back to wanting to be a nurse. I would get tutors and help from the professors or anything you can do to keep your grades up. And if you really don't think that nursing will be your cup of tea then do something else because the classes are just going to get tougher but anything is managable. I loved micro but hated chem. and I don't even know how I managed to get an B and A in the lab but I did it and so can you :). Good Luck

presnall4 · Oct 19, 2009

Hi - I can completely relate to your post...I am 34 and returned to college to be a nurse. I chose nursing because I have experience in the medical field (office & administration) and was always interested in that field and considered myself a quick learner.

With that said, during the first three months of school I've had several "breakdowns" where I was wondering the exact same things that you are. My mom has been a nurse for over 30 years and I asked her if she "knew" she wanted to be a nurse before going to school. I somehow felt that I should just "know" that was my calling. She said no and that she had never thought of being a nurse until I was born and she was single and had to find a relatively quick way to make a living for us. I asked her how she felt about it after she finished and went to work and she said she's loved it ever since and there is never a day when she doesn't feel a satisfaction that she has helped someone feel better. She is an AWESOME nurse!

I know she is only one person but I gained real peace with her answers and haven't had a breakdown since. I expect to get overwhelmed & stressed but this is our life and our decision and we will regret it if we don't carry through! You can do it! Mind over matter, dedication and A LOT of studying!

The higher the goal, the harder the climb == the sweeter the success! :redbeathe

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 19, 2009

The 'hard science' required for nursing education is not for everyone. Not all brains are wired the same - sure would be a dull world if they were!

There are many ways to contribute and "make a difference" in health care. Have you considered Art Therapy as a career instead of nursing? Art therapists work in a variety of settings - such as with inpatient pediatrics. They not only teach art, but help their very small patients use it as a way to cope with their illnesses.

want2banurse35 · Oct 20, 2009

I know its hard I had those same demons and not because the classes were hard but because of the hassle of getting in the competitive nursing programs. I ultimately changed by major but now here I go again and have changed back to nursing. @Rickelli you are so right about if you want to be a nurse no matter how you try to take different classes or change your major...it will always be in the back of your mind. I recently talked to the nursing dept at my school (CSU East Bay)...I told her I changed my major because I know it is hard to get into the program....and she asked me, "have I ever applied to a nursing program" and I said "no"....she then said to me, "well how do you know you will not get in?" And I swear a light bulb popped on in my head, chem is the only class I need to apply. Good luck! I hope you find your way!

talaxandra · Oct 20, 2009

Becoming a nurse was the best decision I've ever made, but it's certainly not for everyone. I agree with members who've pointed out that there are other ways to help people, but I think you should take a little time to think about whether the end point is still what you want.

Though it involves aspects of chemistry and microbiology, actual nursing is nothing like the classes you're struggling with. Sometimes just being able to separate out the problem and articulate it helps. Is it the subjects themselves that are daunting or are you reconsidering your decision for other reasons as well as the difficulty of the sciences?

If it's the former you could try tutoring and study groups to get you through - you certainly won't be alone in having trouble. If it's that nursing is now looking less attractive, eother because the inspiration from your brother's care is waning or because you've learned more about what it involves and nursing no longer seems like as good a fit for you, consider talking with a career adviser about other options.

Good luck :)