wondering if I made to right decision to go to nursing school

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Hi. I recently started nursing school (last week) and a couple times, the thought has crossed my mind -- did I make the right decision? It seems so overwhelming -- so much to learn. I wonder, can I learn all of this and will I know how to apply the knowlege when the time comes? Also, today we started talking about legal issues--how we are legally liable and that sort of thing. And I start thinking about what a litigious society we are as a whole. I wonder -- what did I get myself into? Am I taking the right path? How do you know you are doing the right thing?

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

You don't. Few people go through life without ever having any doubts. Most people wonder "What if ...?" ocassionally. All you can do is be sure that you do your homework when you make life's big decisions and do the best you can. Then, whether or not it works out for you, you will know in your hear that you did your best.

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Specializes in Acute Care.

I don't know if it will make you feel any better, but I'm in my 3rd (of four) semester, and I still wake up wondering what the heck I got myself into once in awhile. Its a big, scary thing to start, and be in, nursing school. There is so much to learn and try to understand, and the legal issues scare the snot out of me. But I just got off of a really good day at Psych clinicals - everything seemed to go right and clicked and I didn't screw up. There are days when it seems impossible, but when you have one patient give you a hug and tell you you'll be a great nurse - it all becomes worthwhile. I wish you the best of luck!

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Specializes in ER.

Phillystudent... What school do you attend? And I think everybody has their doubts.. especially when you are just starting out in school.. It is hard, stressful, and very time consuming but you will get through this!! make friends, form study groups and just keep working your ass off.. "There is a light at the end of the tunnel" or so they keep telling us anyways!!! Hopefully things get alittle better for you.. just keep studying and do the best that you can do!! Thats all you can do.. Good LUCK!!

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Join the club! j/k...but I feel the same way these first few weeks of starting NS! It is def. an adjustment but I think as the semester progresses things will get a lot better...right now it's the FUNDAMENTALS which can be verrry boring. :sniff:

I keep telling myself that there IS a reason that led me to this choice and things WILL get better ;) Think about how HARD you worked to get to this point--that's an achievement in itself:biggringi

Get on here and read nursing graduates' comments, they always seem to make me feel better! The people on this site are AWESOME and very supportive!

Nursing is a journey of self-discovery on SOOOO many levels...stay optimistic

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

What I've heard pretty much the same all over this board...don't give up. You'll have bad days and doubts, but then things go right. After my second fundamentals class I had doubts....had a hell of a time finding pulses...but you do other things well and practice those things you don't...and you get better.

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Thanks for all your encouragement. I really appreciate it!

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I'm in 3rd semester of AD nursing. I just took my second test this semester. While I was reading the questions I was thinking "OK, maybe I'm not able to do this!!!!" I felt a little better when there were other "smart" students that was saying the same thing. I went to clinicals yesturday and I got my confidence back, AGAIN... It won't be the last time I feel that way I'm sure. If you feel this is what you are supposed to be doing then just keep going.;)

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hang in there. Nursing is one of the best careers to have in The States. Once you graduate and get some experience you have so many options to choose from.. I am a recent grad and passed my boards a few months ago. It is still hard and challenging to be on a med/surg floor but I am aware of the flexibility I will have in a year.. Hang in there.. Most people are dying to get into nursing programs..

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Specializes in ER/Ortho.

I am now in my 8th week of nursing school, and things are starting to become a bit more clear. You would not believe how many times the first week I just wanted to quit (the second and third week too if truth be told). Now we all sort of sit back and laugh at it because we were all feeling the same thing. Try to stick it out until the end of the semester and then reevaluate how you feel then.

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