[futurestudent]

I'm a MSW seriously thinking of getting a RN degree. I worked in telephone counseling (quit smoking) for a couple of years, but I really would like to get into health education and/or lactation consultant and it seems getting a nursing degree will really help with that. There is a local program that have a dual degree program, so I could do it in 15 months. However, I got my MSW almost out of "I don't know what else to do?" impulse and I don't want to waste any more time/money tryin to figure out what I want to do in life. Are there any current students who have an MSW? How is it different from social work?

[elkpark]

I've had several friends over the years who are psychiatric social workers who considered going to nursing school -- because they saw RNs with a lot less formal education than them making a lot more $$$. However, all of those people ultimately decided not to switch because they didn't want to have to deal with people on a physical level -- bodily fluids, naked bodies, etc. -- and didn't have the "stomach" for nursing school.

[StarryNyte713]

Hello! Well, I'm not exactly in the same boat... I have a Psych degree, worked in Social Services for a couple years, and am now getting ready to start a nursing program this Fall. I personally know several people who have Psych or Social Work degrees who went back to school to become RNs, and are much happier. As the other poster said, not everyone would want to do all of the "hands on" stuff.... it gets kinda dirty I think it'll be a great fit for me because I love helping people, and have always loved the medical field. Try to shadow in a hospital to see what bedside nursing entails, or get a job floating as a nursing assistant, etc. I'm a rehab aide at the local hospital and love it. Good luck.