considering nursing...

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Hi everyone - first time posting here. I am very, very strongly considering going back to school for nursing, and I would love to get your input on a few things before I make the leap. I am currently a medical transcriptionist working from home, and with nearly every report that I transcribe I'm wishing that I was there WITH the patient instead of typing about him/her. I have always had an intense interest in medicine but never "went for it" like I'm considering doing now. I was wondering if you might be willing to share a few things with me about the nursing field, such as what you like most about your job, and what you like the least. What do you find most challenging? What do you find most rewarding? What advice would you give to someone considering nursing?

Thanks so much for any and all advice/tips/suggestions you are willing to give!

Betsy

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Girl I say go for it! You have nothing to loose. I am going back in january. I am going to make sstrides to do it this time. If you go for the two year degree and decide that you want the bsn later you don't have to take all of those courses. And once you pass the boards you will not have to take them again. the sky is the limit. and there is so much money to be made its a great career. I have had many opportunities and i am going to use this one to my advantage. I say go for it. so many rewards.

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Hi Betsy,

First off welcome to the board. This is a great way to ask questions and also read about important topics to nursing. Return here often WHEN you go into nursing.

As always, this is an independent choice and I wish you every blessing in choosing the right path for you.

I chose nursing after working at an answering service taking after hour calls for several different businesses. My favorite calls were always the doctors offices. I loved the medical terminology and talking with the patients, nurses and doctors. Most of them were very kind and compassionate.

I decided after several months of soul-searching and praying to look into nursing. It truly was the best decision I've made other than marrying my husband. I love where I have come in nursing. I won't lie, it was a very difficult, and still is, road to travel, but the outcomes are wonderfully fulfilling if you're willing to go through the trials.

As with any job, you deal with management, financial troubles, stubborn personalities and overworked schedules, those are some of my least favorite aspects of my job. But you know what, I dealt with those in several of my other jobs as well. It is still a business making money.

Despite that however, I have never found another job where I can truly help another human being as I have in nursing.

I wish you the best and good luck with your decision,

JacelRN

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Specializes in LTC and MED-SURG.

I have returned to school recently to enter Nursing. When I look back, I rememember that the only job that I really enjoyed on a daily basis and looked forward to going to each day was in a hospital clerical position many years ago. I really liked the hospital environment.

During the last few years I have really needed to feel that I was doing something worthwhile. Now that I've returned to school, I am really enjoying my studies and looking forward to becoming an LPN Winter 2006 and RN Summer 2007.

I say Go For It!!

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Thanks for your replies! I think I'm concerned about making this change to nursing because it will be career #3 for me - I worked as a chemist for 13 years before working as a medical transcriptionist. Looking back now, I really should have followed my heart and gone into the medical field from the start (hindsight is always 20/20, right?) but better late than never! Anyway, thanks again for your input.

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Thanks for your replies! I think I'm concerned about making this change to nursing because it will be career #3 for me - I worked as a chemist for 13 years before working as a medical transcriptionist. Looking back now, I really should have followed my heart and gone into the medical field from the start (hindsight is always 20/20, right?) but better late than never! Anyway, thanks again for your input.

It's career #3 for me too -- I worked in advertising and also taught middle school. :)

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Betsy congratulations on choosing nursing as a profession. It's a wonderful career. It's difficult with short staffing, but still rewarding. Nothing feels quite as good as making a difference in someone's life when they need us. One of the best things about it is that there are so many different fields in it. From intensive care, to trauma, to geriatric, to labor and delivery..all the choices. Also you can find a job anywhere your life takes you. Can work one day or 60 hours a week too. Nice to meet you and good luck in your journey!Kathleen

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I just made the decision to go into nursing also! Just from volunteering at a local hospital.

My mom is an OT, and my best friend. I helped her with ALL her schoolwork, papers, etc. English is her second language, and she loves math and science more than writing papers, LOL! Anyway, she has ALWAYS told me to go into the medical field....

I am 25, and WISH I would have listened to dear old mom sooner! Now I am finding that my community college has a 2 1/2+ year waiting list for their Associates program, and in order for me to go to the cheapest University offering a BSN around me, I still have 5 pre-req courses that I need to take. I can then apply in May of 2006, for admittance in September 2006. Ugh. BUT, I am doing this! For once I will follow through with something....so what if I'm 31 when I graduate! Whichever program gets me in first--I am THERE!

I'm lucky to have a husband and family that are SO supportive! I have always worked in accounting/administrative work, and cannot fathom being behind a desk for the rest of my life.......so, time to make a change.

Good Luck! I hope you get in school earlier than I will. Michigan is overloaded with applicants right now, from what I hear.......:o

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I just made the decision to go into nursing also! Just from volunteering at a local hospital.

My mom is an OT, and my best friend. I helped her with ALL her schoolwork, papers, etc. English is her second language, and she loves math and science more than writing papers, LOL! Anyway, she has ALWAYS told me to go into the medical field....

I am 25, and WISH I would have listened to dear old mom sooner! Now I am finding that my community college has a 2 1/2+ year waiting list for their Associates program, and in order for me to go to the cheapest University offering a BSN around me, I still have 5 pre-req courses that I need to take. I can then apply in May of 2006, for admittance in September 2006. Ugh. BUT, I am doing this! For once I will follow through with something....so what if I'm 31 when I graduate! Whichever program gets me in first--I am THERE!

I'm lucky to have a husband and family that are SO supportive! I have always worked in accounting/administrative work, and cannot fathom being behind a desk for the rest of my life.......so, time to make a change.

Good Luck! I hope you get in school earlier than I will. Michigan is overloaded with applicants right now, from what I hear.......:o

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This is career #3 for me also! Started nursing school in my 40's, used to be vet tech and dog groomer! For 3 yrs I would walk into my own shop and think to myself, "I just want to be a nurse!" Then one day I put up a closing sign, got a job at a local nursing home, trained to be a CNA, went to nursing school, worked in hospital as CNA till I graduated, and the greatest day of my life (working life that is) was the day the NM moved my name up under the nurses on the schedule! I love nursing!

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This is career #3 for me also! Started nursing school in my 40's, used to be vet tech and dog groomer! For 3 yrs I would walk into my own shop and think to myself, "I just want to be a nurse!" Then one day I put up a closing sign, got a job at a local nursing home, trained to be a CNA, went to nursing school, worked in hospital as CNA till I graduated, and the greatest day of my life (working life that is) was the day the NM moved my name up under the nurses on the schedule! I love nursing!

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This is career #3 for me also! Started nursing school in my 40's, used to be vet tech and dog groomer! For 3 yrs I would walk into my own shop and think to myself, "I just want to be a nurse!" Then one day I put up a closing sign, got a job at a local nursing home, trained to be a CNA, went to nursing school, worked in hospital as CNA till I graduated, and the greatest day of my life (working life that is) was the day the NM moved my name up under the nurses on the schedule! I love nursing!

GOOD FOR YOU! I hope to be one sooner, rather than later.

This waiting game is ALREADY killing me!

:angryfire

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