[Hydrophobic1212]

Okay, so... I have reached a very difficult time in my life. And I know this doesn't seem like Bipolar much at all, but it is affecting my anxiety. I didn't know where else to turn, so I'm turning to you guys!

Those of you who have seen my posts before, might know that I work in a nursing home. I am not a CNA or a personal care giver, I work dietary. I am, however, interested in becoming a CNA or a personal care giver.

But, thinking about this, and how much I really want to help others, has opened up a new career option for me: Being a Geriatric Nurse.

I understand that this is hard work, and there's a lot of science and math involved, but I know that hard work is worth it for something good in the end.

However, I am just as interested pursuing a career in psychology. I was thinking about being a counselor, but I wasn't sure what jobs I could actually do with it....

I am unsure of how to choose. I am going to talk to a nurse about her experiences and ask her all the questions I have, to better understand being a nurse.

But I really don't have anyone, other than my school adviser, to talk to about something in psychology. Well, other than a psychology professor.

Part of my fear, is the work load. I understand that for both, especially nursing, there is A LOT of work and hard classes. I am... Kind of a slacker. I try really hard, I do, but I don't dedicate my time to studying in wise ways. I would need to find a way to snap out of it and really work hard.

So, to sum it all up, these are my questions for you!

1. How would I go about choosing what is right for me when both are equally appealing?
2. Has anyone done either of these careers and able to shed light on how it might be? Especially for someone who suffers from Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety?
3. Any other input you might have?

I look forward to all of your help and I appreciate it all. Thanks! <3

[manicminer]

1. How would I go about choosing what is right for me when both are equally appealing?

Do both. When you get into the geriatric field, you often run into dementia and Alzheimer's, both psychological issues. So, geriatric psychologist/counselor it is.

2. Has anyone done either of these careers and able to shed light on how it might be? Especially for someone who suffers from Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety?

You already have deep insight into the workings of the mind through your own experiences. Counseling and such would come second nature to you, since you already cousel yourself on a daily basis.

3. Any other input you might have?

Go for it if you feel you are able. But take baby steps. Remember, goals are good, but the higher you set the bar, the further the fall if you fail.

[BipolaRNurse]

Well, this is why I call myself BipolaRNurse.

I won't tell you that nursing is easy, especially when you're bipolar. It is hard work, and sometimes very thankless work. But you get to deal with every kind of human situation and believe me, EVERYONE is a potential psych patient.....sometimes the only difference is that we are diagnosed, and they're not.:-)

[Hydrophobic1212]

Thank you both! I appreciate your input.

Being a geriatric counselor is interesting indeed... I am quite interested in Alzheimer's actually... I will talk with my school adviser and see what she knows too. That is a really good idea. Thank you!

[Eliza Jane]

How much longer do you need to complete college? Are you already a psych or nursing major? The nice thing about being a CNA is you could start soon and wouldn't need a 4 yr degree or a 4 yr degree and grad school. And you could do CNA and get a sense of whether you are suited to nursing stuff. I can't think of anything paid where you can test the waters with counseling.

Good luck!
EJ

[Hydrophobic1212]

I am already planning on trying to be a CNA, thank you! I will see if I like it or not. I had to actually take care of puke today, so... I think I'm okay on that aspect of things. It did gross me out, but I was able to separate myself from it and work through it.

I am only one year into college, I just started. I'm starting my second semester next week. So I still have time to figure out what I would like to do.