Experiences with nursing school

[ceve2111]

Hello all,

I recently decided to ditch my path to receiving a B.F.A, due to a number of reasons. Mostly the cost of the school, and I don't feel that art is something I really want to commit myself to doing, especially if i'm already struggling with finances.

I know what I really want to do is help people, and thought I could do that through art, but that is proving to be a little too idealistic.

I'm 23 years old, I have prior experience working with elderly people, and Alzheimer's patients, and would love to change my path into the field of healthcare and social work, a place where I feel I am making a difference directly in people's lives and doing valuable work. (and perhaps incorporating art therapy into that practice eventually)

I am currently debating applying myself towards nursing school. I am a very self-motivated person, and know that if i'm working towards something that will help me help others in the end, I don't see where I could go wrong. But again, I don't REALLY know the reality of what nursing school is like and what challenges will arise.

So I'm asking anyone who is currently a nursing student, nurse, or teacher, to help share any advice or insights on nursing school and what it takes to succeed. Or reasons why you have pursued nursing.

I'm taking a break from school for a bit to think about what I want, but this option is in the lead right now. Especially with all the places I could take nursing too, whether its working with kids, elderly people, people with disabilities, and the fact that I can do it anywhere in the world since nurses and healthcare are always needed somewhere.

Please share, anything will help!

Thanks :)

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Hang on just a minute. Before you go of in a completely nursing tangent, take the time to explore all the other health care professions. Are you aware that Art Therapy is a distinct discipline? (American Art Therapy Association) Pursuing this field would combine your interests. Frankly, nurses are very unlikely to be involved in any sort of restorative therapy in any setting. There are lot of 'helping' professions with educational requirements that are similar to nursing - but their working conditions, job outlook & overall career trajectory is much better right now.

I am very happy to have entered the nursing profession when I did - '80's. But nursing today is a whole different ballgame. The overall ROI on nursing education has been declining for quite a while - and the 'work' has become much more difficult and stressful.

[ceve2111]

Thank you! I needed to hear that. I had thought a lot about the art therapy path, but seems that finding jobs would be harder.....nurse seems more practical? I guess its hard to find jobs in general though these days.

You said: "There are lot of 'helping' professions with educational requirements that are similar to nursing - but their working conditions, job outlook & overall career trajectory is much better right now"

What were you referring to....nursing has better working conditions/job outlook/career trajectory l? Or these "other jobs" have better conditions?

Thank you so much for replying

[ceccia]

i know a few people in art/music therapy; it seems like a totally different ball game. nursing is very much about the traditional job market, whereas art therapies are more entrepreneurial - applying for grants and/or crowdfunding, starting their own community programs and projects, etc. instead of applying for jobs within a heathcare system.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

There are many, many ways to accomplish what you seek. Being a Nurse is only ONE of those. You have expressed an interest in social work, art, geriatrics, and healthcare. There are career paths along all of those lines that are "helping" in nature that aren't Nursing. Nursing itself has a very broad perspective as well. Nursing programs are usually impacted and finding a job as a new grad can be very difficult at times. So... my advice is simple: research everything you're interested in and see what you really like to do. Then go do it, especially if there's a good market for that kind of job.