What would you tell to your younger self?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi guys,

I'm 19 years old currently taking prerequisites courses for the adn program in a community college, I'm developing a big passion towards taking care of patients in and out of the hospital. I volunteer at a local hospital and it's one of my greatest experiences so far. What would you guys do if time has flipped back and you were 19 again?

Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

1. Get on a diet, hit the gym.

2. Do not marry her, run!

3. Get this powerball ticket, the numbers are...

4. When you see the ad for Boston Terriers for sale, that feeling of "I want one" will be one of the best decisions you make the next decade, since you won't have the wife to make you go get him- he's the runt!

5. Don't let your parents buy the Yorkie, she escaped from hell one stormy night, and she will hate everything about you!!

6. That Jaguar you want so bad when you graduate is a lemon, and just replacing one wood panel will cost $1800- because to replace one panel they have to replace them all. Oh yeah, water pump will be $600. Your going to win the lottery anyway- you can get a new one!

Specializes in PACU, ED.

Consider doing a 20 year stint in the military in a medical branch. You'll get great experience and have slightly less crud to put up with than other areas. Also, you will be able to retire at age 40 and have health care and pension for life.

Take a Dave Ramsey course and learn to stay away from debt like it's the plague. It really is a plague. I worked for years for the banks. Not at the banks, but for the banks. When I totaled up the interest on my loans a big chunk of my pay was going to the banks and they loved it.

Find a job you love to do and do that. I followed money for awhile but it led to gerd, HTN, and tons of stress. Now I'm in a job I love that pays half as much but my BP is great and I'm very happy.

When you date, pick someone you might want to marry because that sometimes happens after awhile. Also, date someone who also works in your field. They will be able to understand the ups and downs of your days and it's much easier to sustain a household with two incomes.

Specializes in ED, Telemetry,Hospice, ICU, Supervisor.

Instead of spending 2 years to get your pre-reqs done for the RN program at a community college and spending another 2 years in the RN program to graduate with an ADN go to University instead and be a PA. The military will pay for your education and living because of GI Bill so cost isnt a factor. As soon as you get home after 4 years active duty, either get your paramedic license or challenge the LVN board. You got 4 years EMT and combat medic experience, you will be fine. Then get a job as an EMT or LVN. Next go to University and major in something science or biological. Then graduate with you Bachelors Degree, make mom and dad proud, and apply to UC Davis for PA program. That way you didnt spend 4 years to get on an associates degree in nursing. Now if I only had a time machine..................I could do this or send myself the winning lottery numbers.

I was a poli sci major; it was 6 years prior to attending nursing school. Here's what I would tell myself: Put the books down from time to time, & go create & sustain more meaning in your life. Don't take friendships for granted. Make time for fun. Political science is a fluff degree, so change your major. Finally, you are an idiot if you think you're fat.

Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.
Forget him...he's not worth your tears and the breakup will derail your life's plan of going to nursing school by 20 years! ;) You will survive, you WILL meet someone so much better and deserving of all the love you have to give, and he will have Karma pay him a visit or how horribly he treated you and others. You just need to sit back and wait for it to happen. (and it will and DOES happen!)Education is key! Stay in school. Socializing should take 2nd priority not 1st! Don't let the normal life issues stop you from obtaining your education. School first, marriage and babies after. (and preferably in that order :)And finally, even though 'you' (aka my younger self) won't listen to this advice, the decisions you make will lead a delay in obtaining your dream of becoming a nurse, but it will also lead you to the love of your life and future husband and 2 healthy happy children.Wishing the OP the best.
Really could have used this advice 10 years ago!!!

Focused on my self-worth instead of dating the wrong men! (What a waste of my youth!)

Focused on education...

Focused on goals...

Said, No more often...

Removed the "door-mat" sign from my body...

Stayed away from the "dream-stealers!"

Sun-bathed less

Traveled more

Saved money, in the wise sense...

Oh, all in hind sight, right? Lol...

Really, just happy I got through it and still smiling today!!!!

Our life is a gift, no matter how rough of a road it was... some smoother than others. ;)

Merry Christmas!!!

Blessings~

Study harder and find a worthwhile endeavor.

I would tell myself to enjoy my youth more . 19 today 35 tomorrow. it goes fast . i should have taken more pictures of myself. maybe spent leas time worrying about school, socialized more.

Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

Spend less time "resting" and more time having fun, working hard, and doing the things I want to do. I wasted too much time sleeping in, watching stupid movies, and even reading books - not trying to knock reading or introverted days to myself, but I wish I'd used the time to either work harder in school or spend more time doing what I love with the people I love.

Not stress so much about whether my boyfriend is the one I'm going to marry, and if so, when and where and how. All of that will come in time, but right now growing up into my best self and encouraging him to do the same is more important.

Get into the habit of cooking and exercising regularly. This one gets harder to pick up the longer I wait.

Specializes in LTC and School Health.

Geesh, I don't know. I still haven't grown up yet. I would say, don't be in a rush to get married. Save money. Live, love, laugh.

Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

Focus on school. Stay out of relationships. Stay away from drugs and alchohol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and protect your back.

Specializes in kids.

Ahhh

Not get pregnant while in school (if only I could still have had the same child ten years later!)

Take what ever learning experiences you get to heart and pursue your education

Start saving immeadiately and put even more away in a retirement plan

Do NOT get trapped with credit cards

Look into programs that will repay your school loans

Travel

Become involved with volunteer work-it will ake you a better person

But dont forget to be 19!!! have some fun and surround yourself with people that will enhance your life!

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