What advice would you give your 19 year old self?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Im 19 years old and pretty much just thinking about the future and where I will end up in my career. I was wondering, what would YOU tell your 19 year old self back then? or if so, now? or later on?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Focus on school, not your boyfriend. Calm down! Get on some meds. I have anxiety & depression, but I'm a hot mess when I'm off my medication.

I wish I got my RN first but then I wouldn't have met my husband/have my amazing family.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Oh, I've thought of this often.

Go to college. Do an RN program NOW. Then immediately go into an APRN program. CNM, NP, CRNA, whatever. Do it right away.

Oh, and don't marry J. Move to Colorado and stalk M while he's in undergrad school in Fort Collins. He's your soulmate. You need to convince him of that, even though he won't believe you.

/Time Traveler's Wife

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

When I was 19, I was still living at home with my parents who were generally discouraging of my schooling efforts. They had never attended college themselves, and could not understand the point of general ed coursework. My father would always say, "What kind of job will an English class get you?"

To keep a long story short, I ended up dropping out of the local community college and entering the workforce full-time. As an only child, I had a weak sense of self, a lack of direction, and a desire to please my parents at the expense of my own wishes.

To get to the point, I'd tell my 19-year-old self to do whatever it takes to leave an unsupportive environment. Do not share your dreams or discuss your next plans with people who will discourage you, even if they might be family members.

Remember that this is your life and no one else's. Remember that time passes quickly and waits for no one. Do not misappropriate your youth. Complete your schooling now while you are young and relatively unattached. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Focus on school, not your boyfriend. Calm down! Get on some meds. I have anxiety & depression, but I'm a hot mess when I'm off my medication.

I wish I got my RN first but then I wouldn't have met my husband/have my amazing family.

This is exactly what I would tell my 19 year old self.

Focus on school, not boys. Calm down-life goes on (in regards to everything!). Dont be so dramatic, but still experience life and dont be shy!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Shop around for BSN programs; withdraw and try again while your GPA is intact...and get some outside counseling-it will be great!

Let that orificehole go, focus on what you need to be a nurse!

My above responses are as a result of failing during an ADN program...my heart was on the fence because I realized if I progressed, I would be doing 4 years of schooling without a four-year degree to show for it-my goal was to get a bachelor's degree; along with being someone who eventually would become my abuser that tried to end my life.

My experiences and lessons learned have made me a better person.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.

Well said Commuter. I realized early that someone will always have an opinion and try to cast doubt on your goals, whether that's family, friends or co-workers. Trust your instincts, decide what you want, focus and keep moving toward your goals. Everyone has different perspectives. Knowing yourself and your values are important.

At 19, I was living on my own and going to school. I wish I had pursued my degree sooner, but I chose to travel instead and the travel was well worth it. The years go quickly. Plan ahead and don't compromise your values.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Every decision you make now will have lifetime consequences.

The so called cute boy you met isn't meant for you and is just bad news.

Listen to your parents they usually know what's best for you.

Not going to Nursing School because some of your high school classmates have failed is not a good enough reason not to try.

You are smarter than you think.

Follow through with everything you start and make sure you finish it.

Not everyone will see your vision but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.

Choose your friends wisely they can make or break you.

Time waits for no one so use it wisely.

It's can be hard to go to school after you are married and with kids.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Pay closer attention to your grades in all of your pre-reqs.

If I would have done the above, I also would have told myself to go pre-Med.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Im 19 years old and pretty much just thinking about the future and where I will end up in my career. I was wondering, what would YOU tell your 19 year old self back then? or if so, now? or later on?

Stay away from broken boys (or girls) with tattoos, drug and/or alcohol problems, and/or various other multiple issues.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.

Just curious Jade, why are tattoos an issue?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Keep pressing toward the fire academy and medic school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment