If you could do it all over again.....

Nurses General Nursing

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You all work in the healthcare/hospital field, so.......

Recently I visited the ER dept of my local hospital and the triage nurse asked me what immunizations I had been given. When I commented that I was trying to get into the local nursing program at a CC, he said, "It is not too late to change your mind, you know".:o

I get that sort of response from alot of nurses in fact. So.........the question I never get to ask is...

"So, if you are so against going into nursing, and if could do it all over again, what would you do??":coollook:

What positions within the healthcare field would you decide to go into if you could do it all over again and why? Or, have you seen nothing in healthcare that appeals to you so you would stay completely out of it?

I want to know, with all your experience in healthcare and different positions, which would you choose now?

Thanks!

Janice

radiology or ultrasound tech

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I hate to say it, but I would definitely not go into nursing. After finding out how "back-biting", "eat-their-own" nursing is, I really regret my career choice.

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

THis is such a commonality...and it is sad, but very real and true..and for those that admit that nursing isn't quite the profession we thought it would be...kudos for your honesty! It isn't that we aren't "cut out" for this..it just wasn't or isn't fitting into our lifestyles or expectations anymore..and we are smart and honest and truthful to admit it!

Some times I feel I will get eaten just by saying...hey this is more heartache than heart lifting! I feel someone will come onto a post and chastize me for feeling this way or a nurse in person telling me "well then you are the weakest link..goodbye". But I know I am not, I know that I chose this career and darn it I will do my best in it because I believe in myself and my abilities, and a strong foundation that I wish to help people that need my tallents most, BUT that lets face it...if you can pass RN school..you can be a nurse..maybe not a great nurse..but a nurse (and right now the healthcare industry needs bodies....that's the bottom line and foundation of the probelm).

I strive to be a great one, even if it isn't what I want to do long term...I chose it..I will do it...and I won't let anyone down because I made the choice and I stand by that because it isn't just me involved..but the actual real LIFE of others!

But I sigh often, cry often, feel like gum on some sidewalk most days...but I keep on striving...because I know one day...whether I know it or not..I changed a life, and they will tell stories of a great nurse they had one day that helped them make a change for the better!!!! That mindset helps, but won't hold out forever...

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Specializes in cardiac/education.

Thank you everyone!! The negative responses really don't bother me, I want to make an intelligent and informed choice about this. I could easily move right now to a radiology, nuclear med, or laboratory program. Your input is really what I want.

As far as the three reasons why I would want to be a nurse, they are:

1. To always have a job

2. Flexibility in hours, decent pay

3. Interest in science

But, to tell you the truth, I really am not much of a people helper. In fact, it bothers me somewhat when people whine and I can tend to be too unsympathetic and harsh. NOT things needed in nursing. It is this side of me that is making me take a second look. I have been overlooking this part of my personality assuming I will get used to it, become more compassionate, and work less hours (don't necessarily have to work full time). Possibly there are other professions within the medical field that will allow me to use my interest in science/research without excessive social interaction? Every career test I take says DOCTOR, but I don't want to go that route... too much time, too much commitment. I am very interested in health and fitness and like teaching others how to be healthy. What can I do? I keep going back to personal trainer, but anything that makes more money? I thought there MAY be something in nursing, but I guess that is if I can get past bedside care, which seems to be 99.9 percent of what nursing is!:o

I really, really, really, want to shadow several different positions in the hospital, but now with HIPAA, I am getting the runaround (they want you to either be employed there or a student). Doesn't anyone else have problems with this? HIPAA is a big deal!!

Thank you for your brutal honesty. I do appreciate it. I don't want to waste any of my life on something I don't really want and will ultimately come to hate. Problem is, I keep taking classes and I am not figuring anything out for sure!!:uhoh21:

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You can become an ultrasound tech in 2 years at a community college.

I don't know about the pay, but work is available in many different settings also, not just in a hospital. I would imagine one would have job security with that as well.

An advantage is that you only deal with one patient at a time (not responbile for 8 or more), and you don't deal with the dirty stuff, that is left for nursing, and you don't have the responsibility and liability either that nursing does. I'm sure they don't get overwhelmed to the point of tears with an impossible assignment that no one could handle, trying to do ten things at a time.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

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At my CC...you'd be lucky to become an ultrasound tech is 4 or 5 years. They only have 8 slots into the clinical portion of the program. I thought about doing that but I'd never get in.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I love the ER, and I love being an RN, I'm just 2 years into it. Best of luck on your choice. xoxo Jen

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I would have went alot earlier and probably went for my BSN first, although I'm not sure of that, since I believe my being a LPN has helped me immensely!

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Specializes in Psych, Informatics, Biostatistics.

If I had to do it all over again.

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Specializes in Rehab, Step-down,Tele,Hospice.

I went into nursing with my eyes wide open. I spent 10 years in various hospitals so I knew what was in store for me.

I was not overly thrilled in nursing school and Im still not, BUT I can't imagine doing anything but healthcare.

I think Nuclear Med is pretty cool but don't see myself making it thru some of the reqirements. Who knows?

Like one of the PP's said: you will always have food on the table and hopefully a roof over your head. I would not discourage nursing to anyone, they just need to be realistic. Its a J O B.

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have you ever considered becoming a dental hygienist?? A few very close friends of mine chose dental hygiene and they all really love it. The prerequisite classes are the same as nursing. I'm amazed at how much they get paid and the hours are great too.

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Specializes in Inpatient Acute Rehab.

I actually love nursing and plan to stay in it. But, if I were forced to make a change, I believe I would teach literature and poetry in high school or a college.

I actually have a degree for it; tutor once in awhile.

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