Big decision, tight timeline.

[laski]

I'm facing a major dilemma. Here is what I know . . . I know the decision is all mine to make. I know you have to go with what you are passionate about. I know you need to follow your heart. All that stuff, I get. What I am desperate for is honest feedback from students, nurses, and anyone struggling with a decision like this (either now or later).

Super quick background--I am a former English teacher with a MEd. I left teaching to stay home with my children and am now ready to at least return to school to prepare for when they are in school full time. I have an EARLY healthcare background (paramedic) so my decision to go into nursing is not really out of left field. I am scheduled to begin nursing school in about a month. I have taken two classes (Chem and Dev. Psy.) to prepare. I will primarily have ONLY the nursing classes to take.

I decided nursing on the reasons many do--job stability, decent pay, variety of specialties, growth opportunities (additional certs, management, FNP, teaching), and because I am just built to always be in a helping profession (or, as my family likes to say--a profession that requires a lot of work and in return, little respect and at times, very little pay). Friends have be supportive, but wonder why I am deciding to start all over. I am well into my 30s and and am very comfortable with my decisions, regardless of what others may think (though I love that they care and that they are supportive no matter what!). My therapy in recovering RDA (recovering doormats anonymous) was successful!

Just a week ago a former prof suggested I come in to meet with him about a potential PhD opportunity. I was all, "thanks, no thanks", but then I thought about it and I felt I wanted to hear him out. I DO love education and I do already have a degree in it. I figured it wouldn't amount to much.

The outcome of the meeting that was held TODAY--I can have a adjunct position teaching future educators starting this fall, an assistantship that will cover most if not all of my education beginning winter term with additional teaching and research opportunities. While a PhD doesn't pay a ton (profs don't get nearly as much as some believe), there are opportunities (just like in nursing). And no, I couldn't care less about the title . . . just in case you are wondering. And to add one additional layer to this . . . at the same university, I can get my MSN right after my ADN (since I have a BA), requiring fewer classes and less $$. That makes the path to a PhD about 3-5 years and path to a MSN 4-5 years total.

I am clearly comparing apples and oranges. I love both. I can see eating both. (If I even mention trying to eat both at the same time, I am pretty sure I will end up divorced and homeless).

This board and those of you on it have been invaluable resources. I now know the harsh realities of the profession and have only come to respect it more. I just wonder if nurses who are in the field now would decide to do it again given the current state of our society/economy/the nursing profession. Does the MSN improve job satisfaction/pay enough to make it worth it? I have heard so many good things about nursing, but I have also heard the frustrations (hours, stress, the overabundance of nurses and the lack of good jobs . . .).

I have about 72 hours to make up my mind. Ugh . . .

Any advice, comments, gentle chastising is welcome.

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

If you've got the opportunity to teach college and get a free Ph.D. with more job opportunities afterwards I'd stick with that.

I got into nursing school thinking I wanted to leave my career. Now, I'm halfway through nursing school, and I don't really want that now. Maybe in May I'll be ok with it again.

[laski]

Awww, ImThatGuy, I feel you. We spoke about this before. I hope it pans out for you. Good for you for sticking it out.

I am thinking the PhD makes more sense, I just can't believe I spent all that time (OK, not that long, but long enough) taking extra classes and applying to the program--which it not all that easy--just to not go.

But, like you, it would stink if I turned this down and ended up going to nursing school only to find out I no longer want it . . .

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

Oh, that was you. I thought the name and predicament seemed familiar, lol. If I could turn nursing into teaching it in college, sans proctoring some sort of clinical rotation, I'd be up for that.

[nurse4forever]

laski-if I were in your shoes.... I would jump on the opportunity to teach college and get my PhD. You might not have this possibly great opportunity again. Nursing school will always be there for you if you decide later you still want to go into nursing instead. With your teaching experience, you probably would not have problems becoming a nursing instructor.