[FLstudent06]

Hello all! I am almost done with my prereqs for Nursing. However, I've been considering switching to either Nuclear Medicine or Ultrasound. I'm looking at the pros/cons and trying to decide. I worry about limiting myself to one specialty, where with Nursing I could go in many different directions. However, Nuclear Med and Ultrasound really interest me. Has anyone worked in either of these fields? Also, are there many jobs available in these specialties? Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

[suzanne4]

You will be more limited in job opportunities. Just think about the number of Nuclear Med Techs that a facility will use, usually just one or two in most facilities, where the are many more nurses.

But again, there are fewer Nuclear Med Techs to begin with. You may want to check out the area where you are living an get an idea of what the job opportunities are like in your area. That will give you a better picture of things.

But pick something because that is something that you really want to do, not what everyone else tells you to do. You will be much happier that way.

[sun_chica]

Best advice... go for what you REALLY want to do... yeah, it may be lil' harder to find a job at first as a nuc tech, but if you feel you'll like it better, go for it.

Nothing's worse than doing a job you don't really like... I'm in that boat & returing to school this January to pursue a career I've always loved... animals!

Best of luck to you... it's a hard decision!!!

[thrashej]

I agree that if you are lucky enough to KNOW what you really want, then you have to go that route. However, if they both sound interesting to you, I would do your research! Nursing has much more opportunity!

Sun Chica........what have you decided to do? I have followed your posts regarding nursing not being what you thought it was going to be. Are you pursuing veterinary medicine?? Good for you that you have finally sorted it out!:hatparty: And you will always be able to use that nursing education!

[Marie_LPN]

I don't know much about the nuclear med tech, however, at my facility, nuclear medicine has RNs and LPNs in their dept. Perhaps that could be an option?

[bbrobozio]

I'm an RN and my husband is a Nuc Med Tech. He makes WAY more money than me, works Mon, Tues, Wed 12 hours, is paid for 50% of the call and rarely gets called in. I would never be interested in it, as it's very technical, but he really enjoys it. The job opportunities for this position are tremendous, as their is a big shortage, and I feel that he gets much more respect than a nurse. He is not doing direct patient care, but is still getting to know his patients. There are no bedpans, bed baths, cleaning up vomit, etc. He works independently, and doesn't deal with doctors too much. We work at a small hospital, so it may be different somewhere else, but he has a very good situation here. Of course, I love my job too, but if it's about money, hours, and prestige, then Nuc Med is probably where it's at.

[cardiacRN2006]

There is a tremendous shortage of Nuc med techs (at least where I live). I know a lot of them and I do believe that they make some bank as well. It all depends on what you want to do. The guys I know say they could work everyday.

[FLstudent06]

Thanks everyone who replied! I'm still kinda torn. I'm really starting to think Nuclear Med is more suited for me, but I can't help but worry about limiting myself. Also, if I switch from Nursing to Nuclear Med, some of the classes I've taken won't count (Micro) and I'll have to take more prereqs (Chemistry). I have a 4.0 in my Nursing prereqs, so I'm pretty sure I could get in for the next class. Nuclear Med will put me out another 6 months or so. Since I'm already an "advanced age" student (35), it's hard to think about waiting 6 more months to get started. Decisions!

Thanks all!
Mischelle

[Dancie]

Think of it this way...only 6 months more...to make alot more....to be more independent....to have the respect you talk about.....6 months really is nothing if you prefer the glamor of the other ideas... the time will pass quick!!!why waste 2 years in nursing if you really want to be a nuclear tech. 6months vs 2 years ....what do you really want?

[angelina_zee]