Want to be an RN, but....

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Hello everyone, I'm a 33 yr old male, that wants to go back to school and become a Nurse. I'm actually off work on Tuesday and plan to go and speak to the admissions person at my local community college to get the ball going... however,... yes there's a however... my problem is that I suffer from panic attacks.

Before I lost my last job due to the economy, I was in therapy doing CBT to try and beat this beast, but after I was downsized, I also lost my health ins. and had to stop the therapy. I'm now working a crappy job and no health ins for another 60 days.

I've been wanting to go back to school for the last few years, but kept putting it off due to thinking my panic attacks would keep me from reaching my goals and becoming a good nurse.

In all honesty, it makes me mad at myself for having to deal with this and even think this way. I want this so bad, but I've let my panic attacks control me. When I told my daughter (she's 10) that I was going to the college on Tuesday to begin the process, she gave me a big hug and said how proud she is of me. She's my motivation for wanting better in life... she keeps me going no matter how tough things get for us....

I've searched and read how there are others on this board that also have a panic disorder, and I guess in a way, that makes me feel a little better in knowing I'm not the only one and if they were able to beat it, I'll be able to as well..

As I get to the bottom of this post, I'm not really 100% sure why I posted this, maybe I just need someone to tell me to get off my @$$ and make sure I don't miss Tuesday's appointment lol

Thanks!

Rob

:clown:

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Specializes in Hospice & Palliative Care, Oncology, M/S.

Get off your @$$ Rob! LOL.

Good to meet you. I had panic disorder for quite some time, and managed it through medication and tons of therapy. Short and sweet - you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. Anything. Panic has no place telling you what you can or can't do. Every time I feel it bubbling up, I tell it that it has no ruling over me anymore and that I've done very well in school for the past three years without it, thankyouverymuch.

This is your life, not Panic's. Own it. :)

Let us know how it goes Tuesday!

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Specializes in Sub-acute, Rehab.

I just wanted to say good luck to you. Keep your head up and don't forget no matter what as long as you want it badly enough it can happen.

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Rob,

I am in the same boat as you, minus the panic disorder, I just lack the confidence to believe in myself. I want nothing more than to be a nurse, and to pass my compassion onto others. I have my mind set that I will be starting school in Spring '10 to begin my Pre-reqs. I have been out of school for 5 years and have been in the military for 4 years and counting. I know I am smart even though I try to convince myself differently; I always did well on my school work. I guess when I think of nursing school it seems intimidating to me; I am sure that is how they want it to be. My husband supports me 100% and wouldn't want anything more for me than to make my dreams a reality. We have a 8 month old daughter, and she too is our world, and I want to give her anything, make her proud of me, and give her more of an excuse to go to college herself and be whatever she wants to be. I have been through a lot of rough obsticles in my life in the military and life in general, and I am a strong person, I have been trained to accomplish anything, so I have came to the conclusion - I have to do this, and if I don't, I never will...so I HAVE too! Even though our reasons may be different, we have something in common. Rob, you can do this, get off your rear and go to that appointment and do it! I am going to do this, and I plan on preparing myself beforehand. Plus, when I think of going to school and read these threads, I get more and more excited. :) I hope you have a wonderful evening and I hope I helped you in some way. Sorry to babble so much!

Billie Ann :up:

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I have been suffering from panic attacks for the last 5 years (Im a 26 year old girl). I hate medicine because I'm scared to take it and alot of time I dont do things and go places I would like because it holds me back. I too am scared I am not going to make it all the way...I am taking prereqs now, just started last year plus I work full time so I go to school after work. My fear is I am going to do all this work and in the end my panic is going to affect me and it will all this work now willbe for nothing....but you know what...until I get to that point I am still trying. I am still taking my classes and taking it a day at a time. If god forbid the time comes when it gets too much and the panic makes me not even be able to continue I will deal with it then...I am going to try and push myself through or possibly even turn to meds if needed. My advice...Dont look at nursing school as the big picture....dont even think about being a nurse....think about it as "just taking a class or two" and the little steps will get you through. Start taking classes...it is just taking classes....if it tunrs out it is too much then you stop....but atleast try - and if you cant do it then you cant....but just take the classes!

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well, the first responder beat me to it, but...yup get off your orifice and keep that appt!

also contact your CBt therapist and see if some sort of reduced fees or trading off services (barter) would work, so that you can keep that progress....good luck

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it may help if you get a cna licence which takes a few weeks. with this you can gain experience dealing with patients. if you are able to work in a hospital you get to see what the nurses do and you could always request to shadow a nurse in a particular department. Good luck. This is a saying i hope helps - "feel the fear and do it anyway"

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