Unsure about major?

[Aehvball]

Hey guys! I just came across this website and figured this might be a good place to get some advice!

I'm a Pre-Nursing student. I have around a 3.2 GPA after finishing my freshman year. I had to retake Physiology because I dropped it near the end of Winter Quarter (we're on a 3 quarter system). I ended up getting a B-. I finished all of my other pre-reqs except for MicroBiology, but I need to retake Anatomy since I got a C+ and I would have a better chance of getting into my college's program if I got an A. Anatomy is only offered Fall and Winter quarter, whereas MicroBiology is only offered Fall and Spring. Due to this and not being able to take summer classes since I work, I essentially have to wait another year before I can apply for the program, which means that I would be just getting my BSN requirements out of the way while I wait.

Despite all of this, I'm just unsure of whether Nursing is for me. I know that there is a large need for Nurses and I've been told numerous times that I would be a fantastic Nurse due to my patience and positive attitude in hard situations, but I don't have much motivation to work towards this goal. I hate studying, but I struggle with the concepts due to being lazy, having ADD (which I do take medication for but it does obviously wear off at times), and just simply not caring. Nursing is hard work and takes a lot of time and effort and I'm just not sure it's for me. I did it because I didn't know what else to do and my parents told me I should because I would be good at it. I never put much thought into what I wanted to do and at this point, I have absolutely no idea. I'm not sure if I should just continue with this major, or if I should just stop now and try to find something else I would actually enjoy (which is something my parents probably would not like to hear). I want to do something where I will make a decent amount of money simply because I don't want to stress about money when I have my own family. Regardless, I would love anyone's input. Thank you so much!!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

It's very refreshing to see how honest you are about your own weaknesses. You're absolutely right in assuming that becoming a nurse takes hard work, time and effort. Nursing practice requires a high degree of continuous cognitive focus, including management of multiple complex issues simultaneously. So this is probably not a good career choice for anyone dealing with significant ADD.

The amount of money employers are willing to offer is pretty much determined by the availability of qualified people willing to do the job. The fewer the supply of qualified people, the higher the salary. So, in order to qualify for a career that will offer "a decent amount of money", you'll undoubtedly have to jump through educational hoops to gain the required skills and knowledge. Have you sought the advice of a career counselor to determine what might be a good fit for you? Many schools provide this service for their students.

Best of luck on finding the path that's right for you.

[elkpark]

In addition to what HouTX said, there is not "a large need for nurses." Many parts of the country have surpluses and nurses in those areas, esp. new graduates, are having difficulty finding employment.

[SapphireKitten, CNA]

I'm unsure if your current situation in life permits you to do so, but have you considered taking a semester or year for a break? It could give you some time relax and really consider if nursing is meant for you (without the stress of your class assignments and grades), or if there's another major you'd be very enthusiastic about and also be great at! I was always discouraged from taking breaks in college because "you'll never want to go back!" 2013-2014, I was majoring in elementary education and just like you, I really started to consider if I actually wanted to be a teacher. People said I'd be great at it and even my mom is a teacher, but I just started having second thoughts. So despite what other's said, I took a year break (which turned into 2 because of my job...). I'm ecstatic that I did because I realized I belong in nursing! I'm so much more motivated and even though it's hard, I know that it's what I want to do. If you take a break from college, you just have to make yourself go back. It was never a question for me whether I would or not, I knew I would. I just needed time to think!

Good luck, and I hope you find your life's calling!