Hello,
I'm the 36yo mother of two, formerly a working Mom, but home for the last four years.
In the last several months, I have been researching and seriously considering a nursing career. Right now, the only path for me is an AS Nursing, and hopefully, when my 3yo is in school, go on to BSN. Could I please dump my pros and cons, as I see them, onto the board and get your input??? No one could give me the honest advice I need but experienced nurses.
The cons, as I see them:
1) I'm pretty darn old for a nursing student/new RN, aren't I?
2) I don't care for needles much.
3) I may be a single Mom soon.
4) Is there really the stability/plethora of job openings that i hear about?
The pros, as i see them:
1) Everyone says there will always be nursing jobs.
2) Low pay for the stress/work, but pretty good pay for the everyday world.
3) benefits I have no other hope of getting.
4) I really do like helping people.
5) Hospitals and medicine fascinate me, and always have.
As far as whether I'm suited to it, I have a very high stress tolerance (trust me!), a great sense of humor, am in good shape (do have a weak back, though), have a lot of leadership experience, and am a two-time cancer survivor, so I know a little bit about being on the patient's side, and what a great nurse can do to help you through fear/pain/confusion.
So, ladies (and gentlemen, excuse me!), please give me your thoughts with both barrels. Am I crazy to consider this, only mildly disturbed, or should i go for it???
Thanks for any help!
Dawn