Would you encourage someone who was considering nursing school?

I have to say that I agree for the most part with Suanna. I don't thnik that this is a good time for RN's.Some staff members that I have worked with in the pat few years are in for money- you can tell when they don't offer to help others, don't help patients to the bathroom and always call the NA to do bedpan duty. I have 2 relatives that are going to Nsg school, the one is 19 and he has told me that he is not going to be a nurse like me. I don't know what exactly that means- I have worked as a med surg nurse in a hospital for the past 32 years. I try to keep my mouth shut. I do hope that we have nurses to relpace the baby boomers like me that are getting tired and won't work forever. My friends that RN's often comment that they worry about what can of care we will get when we are elderly.

I am just starting my prereq's this fall, and in making my decision I talked to several friends I have that are nurses as well as my mom (who has been a PACU nurse and is now case management). With the exception of my mom, everyone was wildly encouraging about nursing themselves (they all love their jobs) and about me becoming a nurse (all thinking I'd make a great nurse). My mom is supportive and encouraging, but not necessarily enthusiastic, but it comes from the fact that she has not loved being a nurse in a long time. She actually retires soon. It has been interesting to see the mixed reactions, but I've told everyone...'I'm just getting started, we'll see how it goes!'

I'm coming from 8 years of teaching public school, and my teaching license will not run out in the time I'm pursuing this...I timed it that way on purpose, but right now I feel like it is the right direction for me to be headed!

Definitely! I would encourage anyone who wanted to undertake nursing....there are lots of opportunities ..a variety of nursing positions/specialties..the chance to travel around the globe..the satisfaction of making a difference in another persons' life...its an amazing job..there are bad days...but thats just a normal part of life...i find that the bad days are when i learn a lot more..!!

I would be truthful with them about nursing school... it is tough and many waste a lot of money and never make it through. Nurse Educators tend to think it is their job to eat their young rather than train them to be good nurses.

Its hard to say if I would encourage them or not.

Well I take it back, I would encourage them but I wouldn't sugar coat things. I'd tell them what to expect.

Study your arse off in nursing school and come out of it not knowing a fraction of what you need to know and then its just a lot of Hard work, Long hours, aching back and feet (i'm only 22!), and when you get out of nursing school hospitals will *not* be knocking your door down trying to hire you.

Not to mention some of the nasty nurses out there that only care about the paycheck...

Other than that its a very rewarding experience though! =)
It is the patients that make me want to be a nurse, not the job itself.

I would moderately encourage someone due to the fact that many people don't understand the dedication that nursing school requires. People are suprised when I tell them how much I study and someone actually told me I must not be listening in lecture if I'm studying this much. It takes a very driven person to make it through nursing school and it's not for everyone.

Amazing on a "nursing site" that only 58.63% of the people answering the survey would encourage nursing school. That means 41.37% are neutral or would not encourage nursing school. Does that indicate they are not happy with the profession?

Nursing was my second career. I have been thinking about going back to the previous one after 20+ years in nursing. They keep expecting more and more work from us. Just reaching a point it can't be done.

I talked my 17 year old cousin into going to nursing school. she is doing post-secondary options and was thinking about being a lawyer but she wasn't really sure, I talked to her about how rewarding being a nurse is, how there is a need for more nurses and she could work anywhere!
She will start the nursing program next fall, after graduation and be a RN by the time she is 19.
Then we are gonna do our BSN's together

I am not sure i would encourage him/her
but surely tell him/her that it takes a lot to be a nurse
to patient/strong at heart/brave enough/responsible/caring/attentive/good observer......
cause its not a only a decision of a day and you are done with it
It follows a lot of things
Sacrifices.....
Hope who ever chooses it decides it with his/her own concisuous.

I am inclined to agree everybody. Nursing is tough, but rewarding and it ain;t a get rich quick scheme. We really need more nurses, to replace an aging nursing population and to look after an aging population. Work loads/acuity are increasing, but I don't believe new generations want to work as hard as previous gens.

I certainly don't agree with the baby boomer work ethic, and who is going to look after them, if they burn out and discourage intelligent, compassionate nurses. What you will be left with is those who can not do anything else/reskill remaining in profession. Its a type of brain drain which I believe exists and is being exacerbated currently. So I answered moderately encourage, I guess in light of the toughness of the job and if they do complete their studies, then God hope they stay nursing.