I don't know if I can be a nurse :(

[babymakes4]

Im in my second quarter of pre-nursing school, and I am basically getting my pre-requsites out of the way so I can get into the oficial nursing program. Here is the problem. I don't know if I really want to be a nurse. I picked that major because it is what would make everyone happy, and I know it's a job that will provide my family and children with the things they need. But, I find myself second guessing weather I am doing the right thing for me or not. Im not sure I really WANT to be a nurse. I work well with people and children, I have always been a little shy, but for the most part I get along easily with others, and I like to help. Im just not sure this is the right field for me.

I have always been interested in Forensic Science, and I would love to do crime scene investigations. The college I have chosen only has an associates degree program in Forensic Science, with a very few select colleges that you can transfer to to continue on with a bachelors degree.

Part of the reason I picked the nursing program is because I can be done with school in 2-3 years and be in the work force. With the Forensic Science program I don't know what the future would hold with just an associates degree. I want to work as soon as possible, but I don't want to go all the way through college and then regret what I went for. I find myself slacking in my classes because Im just not interested, and my grades are slipping which could affect my finacial aid.

I just want to do the right thing, why is it so hard to know what that is?

[Sputterduck]

Don't do it if you don't have a passion for it. Nurses burn out. They have a hard job. Do something that you'll love.

[Funmommy]

I Agree Completely with Sputterduck

Funmommy

[babymakes4]

Don't do it if you don't have a passion for it. Nurses burn out. They have a hard job. Do something that you'll love.


I really did think I wanted to be a nurse when I started all this, but now Im just not sure. I do have a passion for people, and I have always thought the medical field would be cool, but now I don't know.

[Sputterduck]

I really did think I wanted to be a nurse when I started all this, but now Im just not sure. I do have a passion for people, and I have always thought the medical field would be cool, but now I don't know.


I totally understand. I'm looking into what career to pick right now as well. It's a long term commitment which makes me feel a bit daunted. But I am determined to have fun with the choosing process. I mean, how many times in a person's life do they have a chance to go into anything they want?

[babymakes4]

I totally understand. I'm looking into what career to pick right now as well. It's a long term commitment which makes me feel a bit daunted. But I am determined to have fun with the choosing process. I mean, how many times in a person's life do they have a chance to go into anything they want?


Yeah, the thing is though, dh has sacrificed a job that he really wanted for a lower paying job with a more flexible schedule so that I can go to school. He tells me everyday that I need to keep going and push through it so that I can go to work and help pay the bills. I feel I would be letting him down if I changed my major. And my mom and grandma tell me all the time how proud they are of me for going to school and getting into a "smart career" I don't want anyone to be disapointed in me. I am afraid to do what I want because of what other people think.....How pathetic is that?

[Sputterduck]

Yeah, the thing is though, dh has sacrificed a job that he really wanted for a lower paying job with a more flexible schedule so that I can go to school. He tells me everyday that I need to keep going and push through it so that I can go to work and help pay the bills. I feel I would be letting him down if I changed my major. And my mom and grandma tell me all the time how proud they are of me for going to school and getting into a "smart career" I don't want anyone to be disapointed in me. I am afraid to do what I want because of what other people think.....How pathetic is that?


Well, it is good that you are considering your family. But if you go into a really hard job without the passion to last in it for decades, that's not good for your family either, because you might end up with the choice to be miserable or having to go bad to school again. It saves your family a lot of time to change majors now instead of later.

[babymakes4]

I guess I should go to school and talk to an advisor before I schedule classes for next quarter which starts in a couple weeks. Maybe If I sit down and someone can show me exactly where is will put me, I will feel better about it.

[Sputterduck]

That sounds like a good idea. :)

[maksmom]

Let me preface this by saying, that you need to do what is right for you and your family.

But.....
Sometimes a career/job is a way to make money, in order to live the way that fulfills you and your family. Nursing can be a very flexible, well paying job. Not all RN positions are high stress hospital jobs. RN's work in Dr's offices, out-patient surgery centers, for insurance companies, and many other outlets, besides hospitals. I know RNs who run surgery centers and departments, they make great money and do very little "nursing." I have friends and co-workers who work part-time or full-time in an out-patient surgery center, with very little stress and great hours. I could go on, but you get my point.

I love my job as an optician, not because it is my passion(which would make me a major geek, lol) but because I can work part-time and make good money and still spend most of my days with my kids. But if and when I need to make more money and can easily move to a position with a much higher salary, really depending on how much I want to travel, how much many hours I want to work, if I want to go into management, etc....

And who says you can't go back and fulfill your passions when the kids are older?

Just my 2 cents :D

[Amy_G_]

maksmom makes some excellent points.
there are so many types of nurses, so it's not like you are getting yourself stuck into a certain thing right now that is very limiting.
I can't imagine that the prereqs and the medical training of a nurse would serve you poorly if you further your career into forensic science once you get going.
talk to an advisor about forensic science options.