I wanted to start this thread for awhile, and since today I am in a particularly bad mood, I decided it was definitely time to do so.
So many times I've seen pre-nursing students starting topics here asking for advice regarding applying to nursing schools, competition, learning process, denials, challenges, difficulties finding a job, etc. And as a trend, I see lots of replies saying that all pre-nursing and nursing students should take their rose-colored glasses off and look reality in the face.
They say that nursing is a bad career choice since the field is over-saturated, we will not find a job, everybody will treat us like crap and the pay is much lower than what we expect it to be. Now, I do understand that everybody have different experience and are probably trying to help, but some advises these people give leave me super puzzled. So many times they encourage us to choose another specialty like PT, OT, Pharmacist, PA, etc. Let me tell you something, ALL of these specialties require higher education = more years in school + more debt as a result. If you choose to go for PA, PT or OT you will have to have a Bachelor's degree before applying and schools usually require additional medical experience as well. These schools are extremely competitive, even more competitive than nursing. So, for many people, to get a Bachelor's in Science (aka in Microbiology, Biochemistry, etc.) and NOT to get into program will lead to limited career choices. What are you going to do with this degree if you don't get in? Work in a lab for 9$/hour? Well, at least no one will treat you like crap, right?
In addition, many of these "better" jobs have lower demand than nursing (pharmacy, for example, is super competitive, the debt after school is astronomical and jobs are extremely hard to find).
About other negative sides of the profession. Some say that doctors, PA's, patients and their families will treat you like crap and you will overwork yourself for the money you get. Give me an example of a profession in the medical field that will pay you the same as nursing with only Bachelor's degree, where everybody will treat you the way you deserve, the jobs will lay down in front of you and, in addition to that, you will not have to work hard for your money? Anyone?
Every job will have its pros and cons, including nursing. I think it is a good career choice with great opportunities. To all of you who want to do it - go ahead! There is no "perfect job" nor "easy money". We all have to work for it and try to make the best out of the experience we get, unless you win a lottery and can afford helping people for free...