If you could start your education over, would you still choose nursing?

[Kim-rn]

I see so many unhappy nurses on this forum! I have completed one semester of nursing school, and with three to go, I'm having second thoughts! The hospitals in our area are claiming to be on the verge of bankruptcy, and are instituting various cutbacks. I just feel that I'm entering this profession at a horrible time.

Yes, I want to do this to help people, but I feel that I should be adequately compensated for what I will be doing. I know from clinicals that it's not an easy job by any means!

I'm further disheartened because I know I'll be entering the job market around $12.50/hr, and my 22-year-old stepson just got a job offer (he's an accounting major) for $40,000, with excellent benefits!!! This just seems unfair, as his decisions will never affect someone's life as mine will.

I know there are those of you out there that "aren't doing it for the money", and I'm very happy for you. My problem is that I'm already feeling the frustration that you seasoned veterans are feeling, and it's not too late for me to turn back. Should I?

My question is--if you were in my shoes, would you choose a different vocation, perhaps something in the same field, but a position that will garner more respect and more money?

If I did change majors, I would want to be able to use all these Sciences I took!!!

What would you do?

[km rn]

Unfortuanately, I would not choose nursing as a career if I could make that choice again.

Initially, I entered nursing because I felt that I could make a difference. However, with the changes in DRGs, HMOs, regulations, etc.... our ability to make differences in the health/well being of our patients is greatly comprimised.

Initially, my salary seemed great - after years of scrimping my way through college. However I soon began to see my friends with business, engineering, etc. degrees rapidly increase their salaries and benefits. Meanwhile I plugged along with 2 or 3% increases per year, working holidays, weekends, etc.

I got tired of hearing..."boy you must love your job - being able to help people - but how do you stand the blood, bedpans...etc." It was hard to adequately describe my job to non-medical folks and they usually thought we were overpaid.

I then left hospital work and with every job I've taken - I have taken a pay cut. How often does that happen in the private sector of business, engineering, etc.

The good side of nursing is that there are multiple different arenas to work in....the bad side is usually you lose money, benefits, etc.

I think nursing is an okay job if you can work part time and the money made is "play" money for you. If you depend on nursing to support yourself or heaven forbid a family - you are out of luck.

The great wage issue of nursing is related to the fact it is still predominately a female dominated position. In addition, persons attracted to nursing are usually care taker types to which money is not the primary motivating factor. However, money usually does become an issue when you face the fact that you are very limitied as to what you can do for your patients. You will make enough money so that a minimum wage job won't meet you needs, yet not enough to consider retiring early. The physical and emotional toll of the job does not get recognized.

What can we do?..... educate others......educate ourselves....band together....

[Patricia Smith]

Yes, Yes, Yes! I would definitely chose nursing again! (Of course with some minor changes!) #1 I would have continued on with my masters immediately--when we wait--we lose. I would have gone into administration and been a strong nursing advocate! #2 You are right, with nursing you can get a job anywhere--so, why not pick a state that has organized active nursing unions? At least there would be a forum to bring all of nursing issues too #3 I would have started earlier--(did not enter nursing until my 30's) Money is an issue that is close to all of our hearts--it makes the fat easier to swallow! But, I really love what I do.....I am exhausted but fulfilled. We are all "angels of mercy" and I pray for all of us. The decision must be made by our head but felt in our heart! Good luck to you my Friend!