Allnurses Community, I have just realized that Nursing isn't for me.....

Rehab jobs are in demand.

Don't worry about job opportunities unless you are in a rurual area....which

would still have jobs, but just not as many.

I think OT is an excellent avenue for earning decent money and for helping people. Its OK if nursing is not for you! Please consider, however, that nursing is versatile, and allows for MANY offshoot careers with some additional education. Not everyone who goes into nursing is cut out for one-on-one care in hospitals or LTC facilities.

Hi RNsoon, I have to say I understand where you are coming from. There are so many different careers in the healthcare field that it can be difficult to figure out where you fit in. May I suggest that you volunteer or job shadow? That might help you find out what you might be happiest doing.

I realize that people have no clue what nursing is really all about, but you didn't know death and dying is part of it? I find that hard to believe.

If Nursing is for you, go for it.

If OT is for you, go for it.

Realize, though, that OT school is also rigorous, and admissions can be difficult depending on the school. You'll need a master's degree to be taken seriously as an OT. OT as a profession earns QUITE a bit less than nursing. And there aren't as many OT jobs available as are nursing jobs. I say that as a former OT who left to become an RN. OT school was hell, when I graduated I was earning $5-10 less per hour than an RN, and had to deal with insurance companies who didn't want to reimburse services (as an RN, I'm blessedly protected from insurance issues, ICD-9 codes and HCFA, which can eat you alive).

That said-- OT can be a great job. However, I don't know more than 1/2 of my class that are actually still working as OT's. We all just got out because we got paid far less than what we were worth, or what we gave to the job.

I just saw an article the other day stating Physical Therapy jobs were to be a hot commody in the coming years. Was listed as number 3. Might consider that?

Todd

I'd encourage you to take some time to think about it - don't make any quick decisions. You are obviously conflicted, so don't do anything yet that you can't undo. Shadowing or volunteering would be a good idea to see where your heart really lies. If you are most concerned about your grades and getting in, those would look good to a nursing school too! Nursing gives you more flexibility, but if PT/OT is more up your alley, look into it. Good luck!

I think it's great that your considering these things BEFORE nursing school! If I had any doubts at all, I wouldn't pursue it. If it's what you really want, the things posted on this site might give you pause but they probably wouldn't discourage you so easily.

I would love occupational therapy and have considered. I have a friend that is an OT and absolutely loves it.

Best of luck!