Worried. Am I making the right choice??

[SBJustBreathe, ASN, RN]

i've wanted to be a nurse for so long. and i'm in my last semester of prereqs. now i'm panicking that i'm making the wrong career decision. i've been thinking a lot about diagnostic medical sonography, and i feel like i'm "cheating" on nursing by considering another career after i've come so far. and the only place around here that i could become a sonographer is a private college, so it'll cost big big bucks, about $38k. nursing is the cheaper choice at this point. and i feel like if i did something different with my life i'd be letting a lot of people down and that they'd think that i'm settling for less and not earning up to my full potential. i realize i shouldn't be living my life to be up to everyone else's expectations, but i don't want to feel like a failure. what if i decide not to pursue nursing and regret it? i am so lost, i don't know what to do, and i'm running out of time! i need help, advice, anything!

[DFWgal]

I'd go for sonography if that's what you like now. You can still go to Nursing later in life if you decide that you want to reach your potential.

Other people's opinions are important but you're the one that will live your own life. It may sound obvious, but sometimes we forget because we let pressure affect us and our decisions.

Best of wishes!

[CourtneyLR]

DO NOT go for sonography at that price. Many community colleges have programs; if moving out of the area is an option or commuting to another school, explore that first.

I agree that you should do "what feels right" but sometimes that isn't always so clear. Is there something else weighing on you? Are you worried that you can't handle nursing school, or you won't get in? Self-doubt can really trick you sometimes.

Best of luck,

Courtney

[anashenwrath, ASN, RN]

I feel like nursing is excellent bcs it has so many branches you can take. I don't see any reason why you can't reconcile your two loves.

That being said, it is your life and you need to take a deep breathe, walk away for a second, and revisit what you want out of it.

Remember, you aren't locked into anything! It's not like choosing one over the other means you are forced to stay on that path if you realize it's not for you! No one is going to think you're a failure for being cautious about your goals or for pursuing your dreams. The fact that you're putting so much energy into this right now tells me that whatever you do, you'll be devoted and dedicated to it!

[kirbycruiser]

I agree with the others. Take a step back and try to clear your thoughts. If you have wanted to be a nurse for such a long time, I doubt you have truly given up on that desire. Good luck on whatever you choose and make sure it is what you truly want and not what others want of you.