I posted here a while ago about how I dropped out of nursing school because of mental health issues, despite maintaining a 3.7 GPA while working full-time night shift in an accelerated BSN program. After that, I spent about a year in limbo, not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life. The one thing I did know was that I didn’t want to be a nurse.

I recently switched jobs, which motivated me to go back to school. At first, I figured I might as well give nursing another shot since I had already put so much time into it, but my heart just wasn’t in it.

Very recently, I realized that maybe nursing simply isn’t the right path for me. I still know that I want to stay in healthcare, work closely with patients, and build a career centered around patient care.

So I officially switched my major and decided to work toward becoming a physician. For the first time in a while, I actually feel excited and motivated about where I’m headed.

I just wanted to say I appreciate all the kind words, motivation and support you all gave me.

EDIT:

many people have brought up the previously mentioned mental health situation I experienced that caused me to step away from nursing for a time.

I did find out what caused my mental distress and I have been treated for it. I will share with you. I am recently diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and experienced my first manic episode after being placed on 20mg of Adderall for my ADHD to support me through nursing school. I was going days at a time without sleeping, I lost like 20lbs from not eating and more.

Despite all of that, I managed to maintain stellar grades, but eventually all of that will catch up to you and I had to take a break to get treated.

Now my life is amazing, I have a great team of providers, I’m on meds, I have two jobs that I am holding down while in school, I’m 24, I live alone without roommates, fully self-sufficient, and I’m comfortable plus happy.

I want to go into medicine because I believe I have something to contribute particularly in the mental health field. As a black woman that went undiagnosed for years despite showing obvious signs of bipolar disorder, I feel it’s important to have more representation.

I have to start completely over. I was really hoping I could just start the last semester over and everything would be fine but no. I was recently diagnosed with POTS this year which made things pretty difficult, but this last semester my energy levels have completely plummeted and my grades have dropped significantly. Turns out I had a pretty severe kidney infection that was on the brink of turning into sepsis. The infection was being masked by my POTS symptoms because I thought my heart rate and fatigue were just worsening because of stress. 2 days after failing out I ended up in the ER hooked to IV antibiotics. I’m so frustrated! I wanted to get my LVN the work while I transition to ADN but everything is gonna take even longer now. Me and my fiancé had plans on getting married and starting a family soon after graduation but now that is being pushed back. I’m so upset. I overcame so much to make it to this point just for everything to fall apart right before I reached the finish line. Now i’m laying in bed feeling like hell from the infection (and considering going back to the Dr because i’m starting to have flu like symptoms) and grieving this loss all at once. I will never give up but fuck I don’t want to start the entire program over! I feel like i’m going into a crisis

i’m in my last semester of ADN, and i’ve heard of at least 3 instances of students trying to cheat in huge ways, just in the last year. that’s not counting things like using quizlet to create some care plan that has nothing to do with what’s assigned (something i would consider a minor scandal as it was a small group of students).

i don’t wanna dox myself or my school, so i wont do into depth with what these instances were. but all were related to exams, before the actual cheating could take place, since professors either found out or were told by other students before the fact.

it makes me wonder, is this due to how easy it seems to cheat with phones/internet/AI? or if students are just getting bolder? maybe both?

and if it’s an issue specifically with my program? i’ve been doing well (knock on wood), so maybe i don’t see how hard other people are struggling with content.

Do you need to have a grade of 90 or above in grade 12?

- Also, do you recommend TUA for nursing?

- Which hospital did you do your duty at?

- Are the professors nice?

- Lastly, what happens if you don't pass the battery exam? Do many people fail it?

So...I found out that 11 percent of nursing students get a level 3 on the test and obviously I was not expecting to be one of those 11 percent...my mom had faith in me though lol so now I do not have to take it again! For anyone wondering what I did, I just used the ATI dynamic questions and went through all of those. I also just narrowed it down to answers that seemed more reasonable than the other ones. I just barely got 82% which is the cutoff for level 3 so I don't know if I expect to do that on the other ones but I guess we will find out. I got level 2 on my Fundamentals one last semester.

I’m currently in my last semester of nursing school, and honestly, it has been the hardest semester for me. Our passing grade is 74%, and I’m currently sitting at 69%. I still have two more exams, a final, and the ATI Comprehensive Predictor left. I’m feeling really scared, overwhelmed, and pressured because I’m so close to graduating.

Throughout nursing school, I’ve always done pretty well academically, but this last semester has been different. I feel like the exam questions have gotten so much harder. I study for hours, review my notes, and try to understand the material, but when I take the exams, I struggle to choose the best answer.

One of my biggest problems is answering priority questions, SATA (select all that apply), case studies, and questions where all four options seem correct, but I have to choose the BEST one. Sometimes I narrow it down to two answers and end up choosing the wrong one.

I’m starting to question what I’m doing wrong. Is it my study method? My test-taking strategies? Or am I just not understanding how to apply the information?
I really want to finish nursing school and graduate. I’ve worked so hard to get this far, and the thought of failing during my last semester is terrifying.

For those who struggled during their final semester but managed to pass, what helped you? How did you improve your critical thinking and test-taking strategies?
How do you approach priority questions when all the answers seem correct? What strategies helped you with SATA and NGN case studies? What helped you go from barely passing or failing exams to getting better scores?

I would really appreciate any advice, study techniques, or encouragement. I don’t want to give up when I’m this close to the finish line.

does anyone know what the schedule looks like for lvn in rio hondo? and do they have summer break? thank you

Hi everyone,

I am from India, and I am planning to transition into the nursing field in the United States. I would appreciate advice from people who have experience with U.S. nursing education, especially international students.

Here is my educational background:

I completed Class 12 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics), without Biology.

I completed a 3-year BSc in Computer Science from India.

I am now interested in becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the USA.

I have a few questions:

Am I eligible to apply for an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing), a traditional BSN, an accelerated BSN (ABSN), or an entry-level MSN program with my educational background?

Since I did not study Biology in Class 12, which prerequisites would I need to complete before applying?

Can my previous BSc Computer Science degree help me meet general education requirements or reduce the time needed to complete a nursing degree?

Which route would you recommend for someone in my situation: studying nursing directly in the USA or completing a nursing qualification in India first and then pursuing U.S. RN licensure?

Approximately how long would each route take, including prerequisites, and what would the tuition costs be for an international student?

Which states or colleges should I research for nursing programs that accept students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree and no Biology in Class 12?

After completing an approved nursing program, what would the process be for taking the NCLEX-RN and obtaining a state nursing license?

If I eventually want to specialize as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), which initial nursing pathway would be best?

For international students, what are the realistic options for working in the USA after graduation and potentially obtaining employer-sponsored permanent residency?

I am looking for a practical pathway that considers eligibility, total time, tuition, and long-term career opportunities.

If anyone has made a similar transition from a non-nursing bachelor's degree to nursing in the USA, I would especially appreciate hearing about your experience.

Thank you!

Hi, I just wanted to get some pointers, any advice at all would be helpful!

Currently working as a Medical Rep, graduated with a 3.34 GPA with a bachelor’s in health science. Experience as a PT tech, Behavioral Tech, EMT and also vol fire and rescue. Internship/community services hours are pretty good. I’ve been out of school for about a year now and I’m wanting to know if I need to strengthen my application more, tips for preparing, any advice honestly. I know this isn’t a lot of details but trying to get a feel for potentially becoming a male nurse. Thanks!

It takes me extra time for everything seriously I’m on adhd medication and still with that I feel boggy and tired from clinicals ati modules I do good on exams but when it comes math I sink nothing sticks :( does anyone have advice i use desired over half cause dimensional analysis is way too hard for me but I have trouble rounding, and plugging just the wrong units in any help is appreciated! I’m in my sixth week :) it’s hard but we can do this

I believe since it’s online they make the test questions difficult where you practically have to know almost everything if not everything within that chapter to pass. Anyone else feeling like this or is it just me?

what to expect/know before wound rotation? I'm a first year first semester student, and we haven't done wound lecture/lab yet so I don't really know what to know and nervous to look d*mb in front of the wound nurse. I really appreciate if someone can chip in pls. TIA

I’m a 25f and currently making $28/ hr full time admin assistant at a great company in SoCal. Looking to do nursing and have been seriously considering about it for 6 months now. I did start college pre-nursing but changed my mind. Currently my job is boring, no challenges, coworkers complaining over mundane things like checking in patients and call center which I think are insanely easy, yes difficult patients suck, but it’s not the hardest thing in the world. I see nurses and doctors and aspire to be like them - they’re smart, quick on their feet, want to help ppl, and respectable. I just have a fear of starting over. I would leave SoCal and go to Las Vegas since living and tuition is cheaper. Plus family is in Cali.

I guess the thing holding me back is bf wants to move in and get engaged. I mentioned this plan and he immediately got upset bc I’m pushing back plans. My mom says she doesn’t know if I can go this. My fear is what if I regret and want my old job back but can’t. I live a secure and small life and I’m comfortable and i know I NEED to get out of my comfort zone. I’m not sure I’m happy here. Any life advice? Sorry for the therapy session.

Hey Y'all

I am seeking advice on how I can be a competitive and strong ADN applicant against BSN applicants that will help me get into an ICU residency in Texas.

I'm finishing up my last prerequisite class this fall semester. I'll be applying for the ADN program this spring and hopefully get in next fall. My grades are excellent and I plan to keep it that way. I currently volunteer at Texas Health Resources which is actually where I want to do the residency program. JPS is another hospital I am interested in.

I am aware that both these places require ADN applicants to already be an internal employee. I plan to apply as an extern after my first semester of the nursing program.
Tips for that would be much appreciated.

I also have most of my Texas Core Curriculum classes done so I’ll be able to get my BSN soon after I graduate.

I understand as an ADN applicant chances of being hired are much lower than having a BSN but I am determined. I’m getting ahead on this early so I have a chance. What else can I do? What helped you? Anything I can start now?

I really appreciate the advice.

Hi everyone! I’m currently taking my prerequisites for nursing and I’m feeling soo overwhelmed with my Anatomy and Physiology 1 class.

How does anyone actually memorize where everything is? The bones in your skull, your body, etc? I’m looking at it as a whole and my head is screaming there’s no way.

Please give me your best tips, words of encouragement, anything! TIA! 🤍

I’m considering applying to Bay Path’s nursing program and hoping to hear from people who have actually attended.
I’ve been working in healthcare for over 15 years as a medical assistant/PCT, and I’m finally ready to take the next step toward becoming an RN. The biggest obstacle is finding a program that allows me to continue working full-time because, well, bills don’t exactly stop coming while we’re in school. 😭
I recently emailed admissions and learned that they typically receive over 400 applicants for just 20 seats per cohort. That’s roughly a 5% acceptance rate, which is a little intimidating, to say the least. Lol.
I was also told that clinicals and labs generally take up one full day per week starting around the second or third trimester. Apparently, weekend clinicals are sometimes available, students have some say in scheduling, and the school helps find local placements.
I’m curious how that actually works in practice. Has anyone managed to keep a full-time job while attending? How flexible were clinicals, and how much time did you realistically spend studying outside of class? I’m also wondering what helped you get accepted, considering how competitive the program seems to be.
I’d especially love to hear from older students or anyone who returned to school after spending years in healthcare. Do you feel the education and flexibility justified the tuition?
I’m fully aware nursing school is demanding, and I’m not looking for an easy way through it. I’m just trying to find a realistic path toward becoming an RN without financially drowning in the process.
I’d appreciate any honest experiences or advice! 😊

for those going to loma linda for nursing this winter, have you received any info yet?

I’m feeling really unsure about pursuing nursing and wanted to hear from people who may have been in a similar situation.
For most of my life, I thought I would end up working in healthcare. Since high school, I assumed I’d become a nurse. A lot of people around me told me I’d be a great nurse, and I believed them. Looking back, though, it sometimes felt like other people wanted me to be a nurse more than I wanted it for myself.
I was accepted into a nursing program this year, but I decided to defer my spot until next year because I honestly wasn’t sure if it was the right path for me (among other reasons). Since then, I’ve been working close to full-time, learning new life skills, and trying to figure out what I actually want out of my future. I’m at a point where I feel like I need to choose which road I’m going to go down.
Now I feel like if I stopped pursuing nursing, I would let down the family members who have supported me and helped me get this far. At the same time, I worry that if I don’t at least try, I might regret it later and wonder why I didn’t give it a shot. There are also financial considerations. I’m helping my mom pay the bills because my dad had to go on disability and his income has decreased. Because of that, I would probably have to work a lot while I’m in school just to help support my family.
One of my biggest fears is starting the program, having something go wrong, and either failing out or getting kicked out. I’m also worried about spending years in school, taking on debt, and then realizing I hate the job.
Over the last two years, I’ve spent more time in hospitals than I ever expected because I’ve been helping care for loved ones during overnight stays and recoveries. During those experiences, I never found myself especially interested in what the nurses were doing. In fact, there were moments when I thought, “I’m not sure I want to be doing this for a living.” For example, seeing some of the more personal care tasks made me question whether nursing is really the right fit for me.
I guess I’m looking for other people’s experiences. Have you ever felt this uncertain about a career path? If so, what did you do next, and how did things work out for you?
(22M)