Geez, Im sorry your going through that with your mom.  Have you explained the different professional levels of nursing?  Bedpan duty is inevitable, I'm afraid, but it's not that bad.  That's just the human touch part.  One thing you can do which alot of people say at work  <we dont talk politics at work>, however the one comment that is heard is 'nomatter who wins the election, we'll have a job'.  There's job security, benefits, you can make a decent living and can go up the educational ladder to being an NP.  What kind of tv shows does she watch?  Does she ever watch ER or anything like that so she can at least watch tv nurses?  My mother wasn't disappointed in my being a nurse, she was disappointed in my 2nd husband!  She's extremely proud of me and being a nurse. 

The best advice I can give is to not let her feelings cause you to not follow your heart and dreams.  Show your mom, there is more to Nursing then what she thinks.  Give her literature to read about nursing programs, take her on a tour of your local hospital.  Don't let even your mom sway your from doing something you feel you want to do.  Everyone has their own opinions, their own feelings, their own beliefs.  You have to think about yourself and what will make you happy.  Disappointment sometimes is inevitable, however if you show your mom you are serious and you are dedicated, then she will come around.  Good luck!

As a mother, I have "plans" for my children.  Now, if my child chose a career I didn't think was a good one - say my son wanted to be a ballet dancer (I chose this because I went to an arts school and I know the life of a ballet dancer)  I would be disappointed, but I would accept and support him.  It is OK if your mom is dissapointed.  She will still love you!

When it comes to choosing a career for life, you have to choose something you will love, or you will be a miserable worker that dreads going to work everyday.

Thank you all.

As a parent, its hard to deal with rearranging our "expectations" of our children.  Its not that we don't want them to pursue what makes them happy.  But, when we get so used to seeing them in one way and we have to alter that perception, it can be challenging.  But, in the end, very few parents want their children doing something that won't make them happy.  Your mother will come around when she sees you happy and enjoying the challenge.

As a parent, I am dealing with my son growing into his own person... no longer just someone I mold.  He is now on his own.  But, nothing fills my heart with joy more than when he calls and tells me, excitedly, about a great day he had, or something he did.  I'm sure your mother isn't much different from me.

Hey Ablack!

Wow! I have the same situation with my dad... All he thinks about is that nurses are only assistants of the doctor and they only clean someone's feces or mess. He wanted me to become a doctor or a lawyer like my mom. But it would be easier to find employment here in the States as a nurse. That was my thought and so did others. I was really hurt by his comments of course. I usually hear his conversations to others esp. with my mom. He underestimate this profession too much. I know that he's just concerned about me. But what he should do as a parent is to provide support. I really have high respect to nurses and this profession. We help a lot of people to achieve their optimum level of functioning. I finally graduated last April from my BSN. I felt happy because he was finally proud of me when I excelled in the program and received recognition for it. I think in time your parents too can accept the fact that nursing is your chosen profession and when you accomplish something well, they will be very proud of you like any parent. My dad is now very supportive of me. He's constantly asking if I'll be taking the NCLEX soon and wants me to study hard to pass the exam. I suggest that you go for it, if that is what makes you happy. In time, they will become supportive and proud of you!