I’m a 4th year nursing student and still not sure if nursing is for me. Is that normal?
Totally. I’ve been bedside nursing as an RN for nearly five years, four as a CNA, and two as a care specialist (CBRF) and I’m still revisiting that question. What I do know is that I’m good at my job, I care about my work and I try my best every day.
Absolutely. And like other answers I still question it after 34 years. Don’t worry you will find out there are many things you can do. Does not have to be patient care. You will learn things in anything/area you choose.
Nursing school is overwhelming, specially when you are getting just at the end of it. You might easily think it is not for you and it's just you are so overwhelmed studying so much material. You are almost on the other side of it. You have two options; easily drop out after so much effort or just finish it. Ask yourself what made you study nursing? Have you enjoyed the rotations? Do you enjoy helping others in need? The good thing is that nursing has so many specialties/areas where you could work even from home, being in a cruise ship, Disneyland, in an office, at bedside and more. There are so many options, that definitely you will find a fit for you. Do a small research, nursing seems limitless. Wishing you the best.
It is absolutely normal to be experiencing these kind of thoughts. At this point, you are starting to realize the expansive scope of practice of a nurse and it is overwhelming. We have all been through it but don't give up. Many lives are counting on you!!!
Get out now!
Think about the factors that are making you second guess if nursing is for you or not. Very important to consider… one can change of vision, goals, perspective in just a year, imagine 4! Maybe you like health care setting but the specific tasks of nursing not so much (also, there are many things you can do/specialize as a nurse outside of a hospital), you can try and research other careers in healthcare.
And, the last 3 years have been tough with the pandemic, the short staffing and all the challenges of healthcare at these times… too many factors, but always always think on what is best for you and your mental health.
Why did you choose the profession in the first place. There are many places to worked besides a hospital
If it was for the money... Probably not the best reason to become a nurse
