Are my reasons for not wanting to become a nurse normal?

67% Normal
8 Comments

I don't want to be a nurse. I used to want to be one. In fact, my first year of college was dedicated towards the nursing prereqs. But after a while, I decided not to pursue nursing. 1) Because of the market. They say it's a nursing shortage in the U.S. but from all the articles I've read, there is not. I actually heard that there was an over saturation in the field. So that was discouraging. 2) It seems like everyone and their mother wants to be a nurse now. I am a very "not wanting to be a part of the norm" person and nursing seems wayyyyyy too common now. I don't hate nursing. I think it's a great career and I'll always feel something for it but I don't think it's for me... Since I decided not to become a nurse, I went into the EMT basic program, I just recently passed the NREMT-B and paid for my license to practice and now I am starting the Paramedic program. EMS is lovely. And I loved my experiences that I had during my clinicals... But I still want to further my education... and my career. Right now, I'm stuck between Physician Assistant and Doctor. I want to be a PA but the only thing that worries me about that career is the uncertainty of a future... There are still so many people clueless about the PA career... And because of it, it seems like people don't trust PAs as they would a nurse or a doctor... I don't want to go through PA school just to find out that I can't get hired because employers and patients feel that, as a PA, I'm not competent enough to do the job. And there is this thing with PAs vs. NPs and how NPs are trying to take a lot jobs from PAs and even Physicians because they want to be doctors and whatever without actually going through a Med school which I think is ridiculous. I want to believe that that's not true but I've read my fair share of articles and forums stating such... Smh. The thing that kind of discourages me from becoming a doctor is the HUGE responsibility and the time I may not be able to spend with my family. I'd love to call my own shots. But I want to be able to live and spend time with my family. Plus, I don't want to have to deal with fighting with insurance companies and the government and lawsuits. And I guess another big reason is... I don't think I'm smart enough for Med school... =/ Not saying I wouldn't try. I was thinking about applying to both PA and Med school to kind of see which one would accept me. I currently have a 3.64 gpa and I'm working on getting some healthcare experience, which is kind of why I decided to go into EMS...

Anyway, I don't know what to do or what to pick... I still have a few years to decide but I just want to make up my mind now.

Voting Results
67% Normal
Based on 46 votes (31 yes)
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Comments ( 8 )
  • Shelbs
    9 years ago

    This is coming from someone who was going to go to medical school but changed their mind.

    Nursing is not oversupplied. It is a very in-demand job. The problem with nursing is that there are so many who just get their associates degree and take the exam to get their license. Hospitals do not want nurses without experience and you don't get on the floor experience without going to nursing school. Nursing school is getting a bachelor of science in nursing. So no. Your reasons aren't very good. A good reason would be that you simply don't like the job.

    Also, consider a nurse practitioner, which is getting your masters in nursing. It is the same thing as a physicians assistant.

    You will need to get your GPA up if you want to get into a PA program.

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    • keeka_renea13
      9 years ago

      Well, as far as me not liking the job or nursing, that isn't the case. I still watch nursing videos and ask about it. I still show interest in it. So me not liking the job isn't true. I love the nursing profession as a whole. I know all about it. And google what I am talking about as far as oversaturation of the market. There are articles. You may feel like I'm making excuses but I'm just like I dont want to go to school for years for something, just to find out I may not have a future... Thats my main concern. I'm not knocking nursing. And I'd be more than happy to go the BSN track if I have to make it. This is about whats the best option for me in the long run... And too many people are saying things about nursing that discourages me. People say things about PA and med school, as well... So now I'm stuck.

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      • Shelbs
        9 years ago

        I understand what you're saying about over-saturation. The articles aren't well written and fail to state whether or not the nurses have a bachelors or just an associates. I work in a hospital and am currently applying to PA school. It's true that there are many nurses, but those nurses don't have a bachelors or experience and so they won't be hired.

        If you're interested in nursing then find a nurse you can shadow so you can see what an average day, week and month are like. A lot of people change their minds after getting a job because they never got to see what nursing was really like. You can avoid wasting years by shadowing.

        I'm going to suggest that if you're going to go the nurse route then become a nurse practitioner.

        If you're going the PA route, then get work experience at a hospital. That's what schools like to see on an application. It is almost mandatory.

        For medical school you're looking at 8+ years of school and residency before you can practice medicine. There are people with 4.0s and multiple internships that get turned down. It's very competitive and the MCAT will be the hardest exam you will ever take.

        Hope this helped!

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  • green_boogers
    9 years ago

    Get some full time work experience as a Paramedic or EMS. Make friends with your coworkers. Find out about all aspects of hospital departments, opportunities, etc.

    You need to get perspectives of the real world of medicine, not hearsay platitudes. Then you can decide which educational program is best for you.

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    • keeka_renea13
      9 years ago

      This is honestly the best advice anyone has given me, even outside the site. Thank you. I'm so used to planning everything and trying to make the perfect plan... I guess I'm trying to hard to only go one way, instead of taking time out to see every career I'm considering and evaluating for myself. Thank you again. =)

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  • My02cents
    9 years ago

    Have you ever thought of becoming a Vet ?

    There is and will always be a need for people to help animals in pain etc.The reward is also priceless.

    When i was still a dairy farmer,i used to doctor my own animals (within my own capability of course) and while i never like to see an animal suffers, it felt so good when i was in a position to help - even in the birthing process.

    Please consider such a career.

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    • keeka_renea13
      9 years ago

      Thanks for the suggestion. =)

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  • NurseDiesel
    9 years ago

    Oh dear...I need to go change the drapes in my psychotic game room.

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