[Olio]

Hello Everyone,

I am a college student in Florida considering entering the Nursing profession. I am currently as Psychology major in my 3rd year. I have always had reservations about which career path to choose, but I have always known that I've wanted to help people. (Thus, psychology) But lately, I have been considering some other options since it takes a substantial amount of time to become a psychologist and I had planned on getting married and starting a family before I'm in my 30s.

I am in a very serious relationship with an aspiring med student and have been considering starting an Accelerated BSN program in order to pay off my student loans and help him through med school, as well as, start some savings. I then thought I'd start an MSN program and work as an NP once I had some work experience. I am especially interested in OB/GYN, Neonatal and pediatric nursing.

I was hoping I could get some feedback on what it's like to be a Nurse. I have been reading through some of the forums on this site and have been getting mixed feelings. I love helping people and have no problem with working hard through long hours in a stressful environment, but I am concerned with the amount of disrespect nurses receive for their efforts.(especially from coworkers and doctors, etc.) Do NP's receive the same amount of disrespect? What are the differences between being an RN and an NP, responsibility and work-wise?

Thanks for reading this. I have a great deal of respect for what each of you do. I'm feeling kind of lost and would really appreciate your feedback.

Thanks again!

[ExpatHopeful]

I think that anyone who works with the public has to be prepared for a certain amount of disrespect. Nurses have it worse because they work with people who are frequently emotionally distraught and stressed and who have health problems that contribute to this state. Nurses see patients (and relatives) who are at low points and who are not necessarily behaving the way they normally would. If you work in nursing you will develop a thicker skin and realize that most of the time it's not about you.

Have you thought about volunteering in a hospital or clinic to get some experience and see what you think? Also, what about social work? With a psychology major you might qualify for some jobs right away and it's a helping field as well.

Especially if your partner is going to do med school you may find it hard to do grad school and still hit your mark of starting a family before you're 30.