I am pursuing a degree in nursing, but have found out that I do not like the nature of the job. My grades, although good, are falling and I am losing interest. I am now completing my second year and trying hard to finish this three-year programme. What are your suggestions?

WHEN choosing a career, it is important that you first do your research on it.

The decision to follow a particular career path should be that of the individual and not that of parents, teachers or other person. However, in many cases parents and significant others impose their wishes on the person who is trying to decide on a career, causing them to choose options that are not in keeping with their personal wishes. Meanwhile, it is not unusual for students to enter a programme of study at the tertiary level and later discover that they need to make a career change.

Entry into any career, following investigations, should be based on interest, ability, values and the demands of the labour market. But oftentimes we choose careers based only on our ability to cope, neglecting other important factors. In the case of nursing, the nature of the job is very important. It requires working on shifts and on public holidays; it requires working with people who are suffering and in many cases terminally ill. The nurse must therefore be able to cope with this type of situation.

At this stage, you need to do a career self-assessment aimed at finding out what your real interests. Based on your experience, however, you may be able to narrow down some areas in the natural sciences which you could consider for further studies. Ask yourself: ‘What is it that I do not like about nursing? Is it the salary or the required hours for work? Is it the indoor patient/nursing relationship setting? Do you prefer outdoor activities, or working with people in another setting?

You may also need to look at the various employment options that training as a nurse offers. You may just find one which will utilise your various skills and competencies but puts you in a setting that you prefer. As a trainee, you are mostly exposed to the hospital setting, but nurses also work in settings such as educational institutions, either as nurses or guidance counsellors. They also work as marketing and medical sales representatives, in insurance companies assisting clients to complete their medicals, as health educators, and as entrepreneurs with daycare centres, nurseries and homes for the elderly. These are just a few areas. Continue to research the various other areas for employment based on your likeness, abilities and values.

Completing your programme of study will certainly give you the option to explore the possibilities for employment that I have suggested. It will also give you the opportunity to look at graduate studies. Nurses have pursued studies at the graduate level in psychology, sociology, and management among other options. Be reminded, however, that at the graduate level you need to be sure of your career objective. You may need to work for a while as you continue to explore and sort through the various challenges.

Try to reassess your situation, looking at the positives. You will need to maintain good grades. And remember, nursing is a career that is in demand internationally.

Merrit Henry is the student services and development manager at the University of the West Indies, Mona. She may be contacted at merrit.henry@uwimona.edu.jm.