if you could do it over again....

Palliative Care, DNP · Nov 4, 2013

I don't recommend nursing to anyone even my own children. That being said if you attend then go and get the BSN. Many facilities require it now and there is no nursing shortage. Anything that can set you apart from another new grad will help. I don't know of any pct or CNA programs for free. Nursing is a physically demanding job so consider that if you have physical limitations. If I had any clue I would have become a physician or PA. Currently, I am in a graduate program to become a FNP. I think I would have preferred the medical model.

allnurses Guide · Nov 4, 2013

I love nursing, and if you like people and can care for very stressed people, yes go for it. Going on 34 years now.

No, training is very rarely free! Many community colleges offer CNA courses, but you don't really need it for nursing school. Although, it does help with the nerves of first day of clinical!

First calculate your costs. You need to do your pre-reqs first, before applying to a nursing program, and even then there is no guarantee how soon you may or may not be accepted. The job market is tough.

As far as what field, for me that has changed quite a few times over my career, so there really is no point is trying to decide that ahead of time. First you need to get basic nursing and school done. Many things will influence you as you go through school, as well as finding things you didn't even know existed.

whichone'spink, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2013

No, no no no no NO!

allnurses Guide · Nov 4, 2013

I love my job.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2013

I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I can't think of any other profession that would give me what I have now at my age (within 15 years of retirement), which is freedom to accept or reject work, my own business working out of a home office, a very decent living, and did I mention the freedom to do or not do what I want? And wonderful colleagues, and too much time to waste on AllNurses. :) I did have to work for this, but I have it precisely because of my nursing academic education and clinical experience.

Dranger · Nov 5, 2013

Probably not considering my younger age, I wish I tried for med school first then if that didn't work out, direct entry NP. I think it's a great second career but going into college at 19 I wish I went for something else that isn't as available when I get older.

I find myself preferring the medical model over nursing all of the time but that's just me

allnurses Guide · Nov 5, 2013

Probably not considering my younger age I wish I tried for med school first then if that didn't work out try for direct entry NP. I think it's a great second career but going into college at 19 I wish I went for something else that isn't as available when I get older.[/quote']
I graduated NP school with two classmates over 60. I also work with an MD that went back to med school at age 51. Never too late!

HHN2472 · Nov 5, 2013

Considering a career change because of an accident? Are you thinking nursing is going to be easier on your back or your health? Just wondering?

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Nov 5, 2013

Nursing homes in my area offer free LNA training. It's very hard work for not much money, but it will give you a taste of nursing. Some facilities will even pay for LNAs to become nurses, usually LPNs.

Personally, I will sell my body on the street before I go to back to LTC. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gotten a Masters in Library Science, even though it would've left me with even more student loan debt.

ukjenn231 · Nov 5, 2013

the hospital system I work for does offer paid for CNA training, as long as you commit to work there for 6 months.

I don't regret becoming a nurse. It's not easy but I love it. And also, I work med surg/tele and like that too. I've been a nurse for almost 4 years. I love the flexibility and the opportunity to do different things - I'm never bored and I have tons of time off to spend with my family and friends!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Nov 5, 2013

I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat! I've been at the bedside for over thirty years, and there is no other job I'd want to do. I have a good income, flexible schedule and interesting, challenging work.

Investigate community colleges and baccalaureate degrees and then choose which you think is best for you based on quality of education, costs and any intangibles that are important to you. I went straight through a four year program and ended up with a BSN -- not because I knew anything, but because I was already in college when I decided to change my major from journalism to nursing. I've never been sorry.

Good luck to you!