Need some advice?

I know it's not like I know everyone personally, but I feel like I have gotten to know everyone a bit. I need some unbyassed opinions. I am currently going to school, just finished my Gen Ed's. Was pursuing a nursing career. That is what I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. It just took me half my life to get it going. Being out of school for 20 years is making it hard to do some of the classes, but I have made it through the beginning part. I still have to start the nursing program itself. Since my anxiety is way up this past year though, I am second guessing myself. Especially taking Anatomy classes, I feel like I tend to always check myself more, and it actually makes it worse that I know some things..when I get checked by the doctor, I always check out the screen and make sure my pulse/bp/etc. is spot on. When it's off a bit, I tend to get a bit paranoid. I can talk to other people calmly, and reassure them on problems, but I can't seem to practice what I preach on myself. I am seriously thinking about changing my major to something else. I really don't want or need my career to make my anxiety worse...Any advice would be greatly appreciated..and I ask for your opinions, because when I talk about not going through with being a RN, I have so many people saying they will be dissapointed, and I've wasted my time, etc. Thank you all..

Thank you Nik,
That is one of the reasons I want to become a nurse. I have alot of care and compassion, and patience. But I would hate for it to make my anxiety worse, and then I screw something up. I know all of us have had an experience with a not so nice nurse, in our situations. I personally know that not all symptoms are black and white, and I have always wanted to be able to make someone feel better, even if just with words. I have registered already again for summer, and then I have to pass the TEAS test to begin the nursing program. I took it once and didn't do well, but like I said being out of school forever is hard. I am going to keep trying and hopefully the right decision will make me a path..thank you for the encouragement.
:)

Thank you, yes I have a few nurses that come into the resturant, and they had alot of anxiety at first, and it passed for them. However, they werent' anxiety prone, like I am. At least one of them, though tells me not to do it, that nursing has gotten awful. The doctors put all the pressure on the nurses now, and they are overwhelmed. I can't let that discourage me though, because I don't necessarily have to work at the hospital. I can work at a school, clinic, or smaller facilities. The hospitals are definetly more stressful, and demanding I'm sure. I do have a passion for being a nurse. It's just taking me til I've gotten older to make it happen. Thanks for your advice..

Awesome I hope she sees this and will give me her insight..

I'm new here but wanted to give you my thoughts. My daughter is a Physician's Assistant and I know she has some anxiety issues. But she went through 2 1/2 years of PA school while going through a divorce and raising a then 1 year old and she has now been practicing for 2 years now. First at a clinic, then she went to a hospital for a while, and then went back to the clinic because they wanted her back and offered her a huge raise. They wooed her back because their patients loved her and she was good for business.

Now she makes more money, has better hours and a shorter commute and is much happier although she misses the friends she made at the hospital. I know this is a lot about my daughter, but my point is she is an anxious person, and went through some tough times along her anxiety, so I hope this motivates you to follow your heart and do what you want to do.

BTW - she also was active duty Army and spent a year in Iraq and is now in the National Guard as a Physician Assistant. And yes, I am a proud mom although I sometimes will take on her anxiety along with mine if anyone can relate to that.

Thank you Rose,
Please tell me about your daughter, I enjoy reading others post about peoples kids. I talk about my daughter all the time, and it makses us proud of their accomplishments. That is very encouraging, and I appreciate it very much. I know I can do it, I'm sure. Just getting through some anxious moments, and sometimes doubting myself. I have alot going on right now too, and it doesn't help knowing I have to refocus on school. I had to take a break until we found out what was wrong with my stomach. Also I am the only one working in my house right now, and I have my 12 year old daughter. So I have a little more stress than I want too. My main concern is I want to take care of people. I have that now at the resturant that I work at. I have customers that will literally wait 10 mins to be seated in my section. I love that they think that highly of me..I am so grateful for what I have now, and hope to get my butt back in school and get this done. I just don't want to mess up with getting older, and having anxiety..Appreciat you all.