Give me the cold hard truth about Nursing

1) "How hard is it to get into a field you want to...(I would like to work in ICU or ER or Surgery...although I know this might change after nursing school and being exposed to different areas)?"

- That depends on you. It's not at all unusual these days for a new grad to start in the emergency department, ICU, or surgery. But, getting a job like that as a new grad has a lot to do with performing well academically, making a good impression in the clinical setting, and networking. Rest assured though that even if you don't get the specialty you want right away, more often then not you can get into it within a year of graduating.

2) What is the worst thing about the job?

- I don't know that there's anything I actually dislike about the job. Task complexity is definitely an issue -- in addition to learning to be a nurse you now also have to learn to interface with all sorts of technology and carry out various administrative tasks. It can also be difficult sometimes to have intimate contact with patients and families on what are often, "the worst day of their lives." I think it's a privilege though. Most of the common complaints nurses have are chickens***, it's a great job, but like any job people will find something to complain about.

3) What is the best thing about the job?

- Variety. Flexibility. Working with your hands. Interacting with people. Making a real difference. Challenging yourself.

4) Are nurses looked down upon, or are they generally treated well?

- Society has a lot of catching up to do before they truly understand what nurses do and appreciate them for it. I think in general it's a very respected profession, but that people don't realize just how much nurses really do. I was an EMT for years before nursing school, and I'm still astonished at all the things we do that I didn't know about.

5) Are male nurses treated differently than female nurses?

- Sometimes, for better or worse. You may have a nurse treat you unfairly during your maternity rotation in school... conversely you may have "that doctor" who treats all the female nurses poorly treat you like his best buddy. It's not nearly as prevalent as you might think though.

6) How many hours a week do you work on average, with and without overtime?

36 without OT, maybe 48 with.

7) If you could do it over again would you choose nursing again?

A million times over. I was a firefighter before I did this and I haven't looked back once.

8) Anything else I should know...?

It's worth it.