This is sort of an adendum to my previous thread. I've gotten a lot of new suggestions and I have a new set of questions that I think warrants a new thread. Here's the previous if you want to flip through it:
Cliffs: I'm a soon-to-be graduated Human Biology major with previous pre-med intentions but I've changed my mind for various reasons (primarily lifestyle... as in, I like to sleep and have a life, salary isn't that important.) I had my mind set on an accelerated RN program, but lots of allnurses.com'ers are trying to turn me on to PA school so I figured I'd give that a look.
So here I am now... PA school doesn't really appeal to me that much. It's longer, more expensive, and in the end the salary isn't much better and you're still working under someone's supervision. Plus there isn't much room to branch out in your career. Nursing on the other hand... I could complete the program in 16 months for $18,000, it's a job I'd love doing, and there's tons of options to specialize. I'm most strongly considering doing CRNA, if that matters. I think over 10 years if you take cost and reimbursement into cosideration, CRNA and PA work out to be pretty much the same amount of money, but the big benefit of the RN is I'll be making full salary at 24-25 years old and I can work 3 days a week and get out there and live a little. :chuckle
So I think the only issue is that if I do nursing, the last 5 years of college have been a complete waste. I'll have a degree in human biology that won't mean anything because I won't be doing anything with it and maybe that's why everyone's telling me to do PA school. Anyway, what are your thoughts?
Your first degree isn't a waste by any stretch. You have learned how to learn (no small accomplishment) and you know what it takes to succeed at something. Both of those will carry you in ways you may not realize right now. Follow your dreams on this and you'll come out better for it. All of your experiences in life are helping to make you who you are. Whatever you decide will be greatly enhanced by ALL of your previous experiences. Best of luck!
Jim
Wow, I got more than I bargained for. I wanted advice on nursing and I got advice on life. Thanks for the kind words, Jim.
Yep, I was right. Cliques even exist here on Allnurses.com. Whenever I post thinking out loud about doubts, uncertainties and pay I get bashed. Yet here you do it and no one winks an eye. What a shame.
What are you talking about, I've barely been here a week and I have 7 posts. I don't see how cliques have anything to do with this thread?
Do want you really feel you want to do deep down inside. Also, what are your motives? What do you really want to gain from any of these future careers?
Yep, I was right. Cliques even exist here on Allnurses.com. Whenever I post thinking out loud about doubts, uncertainties and pay I get bashed. Yet here you do it and no one winks an eye. What a shame.
Seems like you're looking for trouble....??
OP- I think it's great that you've researched the different options. I would say nursing would probably be better for you at this point, mostly because of the wider array of opportunities.
Your bio degree will help you immensely in nursing school, believe me! Good luck and keep us posted!
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