[undecided]

I am a Nuc Med tech and considering going into Nursing. I really like my job but things are very slow. I graduated two years ago and the market is really bad. The number if Nuc Med studies seems to be diminishing . I am per diem and so my work is unpredictable. I have been looking for a full time job for two years but there is nothing.

I really like healthcare and I like dealing with most of the patients. I especially like the elderly as they are so appreciative. Most of the time, my job is not too stressful unless we are short staffed and the schedule gets crazy. I already start IV's and administer some meds.


I am looking toward the future. If I crosstrain in another imaging modality, I would still have to go to school for another 18-24 months so I figure , why not nursing. I would ideally like to work as an nurse educator or case manager. The though of going back to school though is not too thrilling and I would have to keep working ( although I usually work 3 days a week).

So, has anyone made the switch? How did it work out? What do you like /dislike as compared to Radiology?

Thanks
Monica

[janhetherington]

Yes, I graduated as an XR tech in 1976 and worked as one until I took a couple of years off with the second baby. Then I got my BSN and then my MSN and became a nurse educator. I could fill a book with the things XR and nursing don't understand about each other. The major differences (and the things I like the least) are that as a nurse you are responsible for EVERYTHING that happens or doesn't happen to the patient, including what other departments do, and the prolonged contact with families. You don't know how many times I have wished I could escort some family members out of the room the way I had to when I was x-raying, because sometimes families make things worse for the patients. But yes, it is doable to go back to school, and certainly a lot of doors open up. I have never regretted becoming a nurse, and I LOVE nursing education!! My advice is to go for it, the sooner the better.