Elementary Education or Nursing?

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Sep 28, 2007

I've been offered a seat into a nursing program starting Jan. 2008. Let me start out that I'm well aware of all the benefits and what it takes to be a nurse. Trust me all I wanted for 4 years (taking classes to be accepted into nursing school) was to be an RN. Ever since I've been accepted which was April of this year I've been plagued with "doubts" if I'll be happy and if it's something I really want to do. I know it's just a feeling but by nature I'm an extremely analytical person and weigh every option possible. I'm now considering Elementary Ed. Sometimes I wonder if I just like the "challenge" and then it loses it's appeal. I'm planning to shadow a teacher and research the profession. It's like I'm searching for some golden moment that the lightbulb will go off and I'll remember the reasons I chose nursing. Thanks for listening to me venting. I should also include my other interests are: social work, psych, teaching, even med school. I stay up at all hours of the night taking career tests, personality profiles, etc I actually think I've been going through a mild depression re: this decision. It's troublesome to know you've worked this many years, finally accepted, and now doubt the entire thing. (I'm blessed because many individuals would love this opportunity and gladly take my seat in school.) Any advice is appreciated!! Or if anyone went through similar feelings???

Sounds like you have the right idea with regards to shadowing the teacher. Elementary ed and nursing are like comparing apples and oranges in my opinion - so decide what you like best and go for it. Frankly, I can't imagine spending the rest of my working days trapped in a classroom with a bunch of young children. I'd be wondering what I did in a past life to have deserved such punishment, so I have the utmost respect for you for even considering such a thing!!

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Blee

Ms Kylee · Sep 28, 2007

Sounds like you have the right idea with regards to shadowing the teacher. Elementary ed and nursing are like comparing apples and oranges in my opinion - so decide what you like best and go for it. Frankly, I can't imagine spending the rest of my working days trapped in a classroom with a bunch of young children. I'd be wondering what I did in a past life to have deserved such punishment, so I have the utmost respect for you for even considering such a thing!!
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Blee

AMEN, Sister! Nothing would send me to the psych ward faster than having to be locked up with other people's bratty kids all day long. The nice thing about Nursing is I only have them for 8 hours and someone else takes over.

Music in My Heart · Sep 28, 2007

They are definitely apples and oranges but, in very broad terms:

If you want lots of time off, great job security, and little oversight, choose education. The money stinks for a while but eventually gets to be pretty good.

If you want better money, flexible scheduling, and a broad set of career options, choose nursing.

They're both such important jobs that daily impact the lives of other people that you should only pursue one of them if it's something to which you can give it the energy that it requires. We've all seen lousy teachers and lousy nurses; both situations are tragic in their affects on the people that utilize their services.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Sep 28, 2007

Great thread. I moved it to the Nursing Career Advice Forum.

jjjoy, LPN · Sep 28, 2007

I can totally relate to be very analytical and very undecided on a career path. I, too, enjoy the challenge of learning new things but when it comes to the day to day mundane tasks and on-going stressors of different work, I've been pretty clueless as to what I REALLY enjoy over the long term and don't find totally boring or overwhelming. I've taken career tests and researched a zillion different things and no lightbulbs went off nor passions ignited. Sigh!

I changed my major from biology to nursing because I had no idea of what I'd do with a biology degree and I wasn't sold on becoming a doctor - which is what most bio majors where aiming for at my school. Since volunteering hadn't given me any more clarity on whether or not med school was for me, I figured nursing would give me first-hand experience with medicine as well as marketable job skills.

I didn't like most of our clinical experiences but it was hard to tell if it was because of the way clinicals were run (not much structure) or because it was nursing itself I didn't enjoy. I hated the way nursing was taught but enjoyed my classmates and what we were learning (just not HOW it was being covered). By the end, though, I wasn't at all excited about acute care and was looking for fringe positions in public health or research.

So years later, with several different work experiences, I still don't have a clear direction. I tried a few clinical positions, was MISERABLE, and quit. I worked in a research office, did some office temp work and currently for a company that deal in health information. I also tried my hand at teaching in there. I taught and tutored ESL part-time and loved it. When I tried it full-time, I ended up tired all the time and unable to really do a good job with my classes. So frustrating! On the other hand, my current office job isn't particularly inspiring most of the time, but day in and day out, the work goes by quickly, it's fairly stimulating and I'm not dreading going in to work or counting the minutes until I'm off. And THAT means A LOT to my quality of life.

I'm still tempted to go out and train for something else... epidemiology, accounting, paralegal, etc.. so that I have a distinct career direction... and, darn it, it's just so interesting to learn about different fields and what kind of work there is out there and what it's really like. I loved learning about nursing and experiencing it for a time, but then I don't want to do it... I'm thinking I'd probably be that way with other fields as well unless I really knew I wanted the end product (ability to work as a professional in that field) and not just the process (learning about the field and learning it's skills).

So at this point, I've decided to keep working instead of going to school, though I take a class on the side now and then to see if any sparks go off - not yet : ( . But I'm enjoying a fairly balanced life meanwhile. : )

You may have a different experience, I'm just sharing mine since I can relate to some of what you've expressed about your situation.

HealthyRN · Sep 28, 2007

I have also been undecided in my career path, so I understand what you are going through. I had numerous career interests when I first started college and I eventually settled on nursing because I decided I wanted to be an FNP. I disliked all of my acute care clinicals in school, but decided to try ER when I graduated. I found that I didn't like that and left for a community education position. My overall quality of life is much better with this job, but there are definite drawbacks. Recently, I've considered returning to acute care, but then I feel ill when I try to remember what it was really like. I have given up on finding the ideal job in nursing, because I just don't believe that it exists.

I am currently enrolled in an FNP program, which is why I went into nursing in the first place, but I am still plagued by doubts as to if this is the right thing for me. I enjoy some aspects of being a nurse, but overall I don't think it is a good fit for my personality. I've considered dropping out of my FNP program to pursue something different, but I have no idea what. Plus, I have the same dilemma with working so hard to be admitted that I hate to give up on it. Sorry I can't help you with your decision, but I just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone.

mslinzyann · Sep 28, 2007

If I may, what is it that you don't feel fits your personality? I am a senior with about a year left to finish a bachelor's degree in psychology, and I too have no clear career direction. I love the idea of nursing; the challenge of helping patients, the sweet money and job opportunities. I'd love to work in the nursery or with neonates and eventually become an NP. I've also thought extensively about becoming a PA.

The thing is, I don't feel like nursing really matches my strengths academically. I am not good at math or memorizing, and my memory for procedures is very slow, no matter how I seem to work at it. All of that scares me quite a bit about taking the nursing path. On the other hand, I am a very good writer and speaker, and I think I interact with people well. The idea of teaching and working in public health is appealing to me for the interaction with the community one could have in that field.

I've considered a career in clinical/school psychology a great deal as well as, like the original poster, elementary education. I've also thought about conservation biology, as the environment and the animals in it are a passion for me. I'm not the type of person who does a half ass job in any field, but I want to enjoy my work and feel like I am making a difference.

Its a very frustrating thing, as I'm sure you all know. :angryfire I'm mad at myself for not being able to decide!

I have also been undecided in my career path, so I understand what you are going through. I had numerous career interests when I first started college and I eventually settled on nursing because I decided I wanted to be an FNP. I disliked all of my acute care clinicals in school, but decided to try ER when I graduated. I found that I didn't like that and left for a community education position. My overall quality of life is much better with this job, but there are definite drawbacks. Recently, I've considered returning to acute care, but then I feel ill when I try to remember what it was really like. I have given up on finding the ideal job in nursing, because I just don't believe that it exists.
I am currently enrolled in an FNP program, which is why I went into nursing in the first place, but I am still plagued by doubts as to if this is the right thing for me. I enjoy some aspects of being a nurse, but overall I don't think it is a good fit for my personality. I've considered dropping out of my FNP program to pursue something different, but I have no idea what. Plus, I have the same dilemma with working so hard to be admitted that I hate to give up on it. Sorry I can't help you with your decision, but I just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone.

HealthyRN · Sep 29, 2007

It's a bit difficult to explain. I've always felt that I would much prefer to direct patient care rather than carry out the care, and hence my desire to be an FNP. On the other hand, I'm not really a "people" person. It's not that I don't like people in general, it's just that I don't enjoy working so intimately with patients on the level required with nursing. Every career requires interaction with people on some level, but I would much rather have a career that is more behind the scenes, like something research oriented. It is possible to combine nursing and research, but not in the way that I would like. I always wanted to do biomedical research. I've thought about going back to school for this, but it would be a loooong career path and advisors I've consulted have discouraged me about the job prospects, instead encouraging me to pursue a PhD in nursing.

As far as nursing not fitting you academically, don't let that get in the way of your decision. There are a lot of nurses that are not good at math and the math required for nursing is really not that difficult or advanced. You will learn how to do procedures by practicing and it will come with time.

I know that it is frustrating to not know what is the right decision. I trust that God will lead me in the right direction and there is a reason that I became a nurse. Even if I end up leaving nursing, I do feel that it has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons.

If I may, what is it that you don't feel fits your personality? I am a senior with about a year left to finish a bachelor's degree in psychology, and I too have no clear career direction. I love the idea of nursing; the challenge of helping patients, the sweet money and job opportunities. I'd love to work in the nursery or with neonates and eventually become an NP. I've also thought extensively about becoming a PA.
The thing is, I don't feel like nursing really matches my strengths academically. I am not good at math or memorizing, and my memory for procedures is very slow, no matter how I seem to work at it. All of that scares me quite a bit about taking the nursing path. On the other hand, I am a very good writer and speaker, and I think I interact with people well. The idea of teaching and working in public health is appealing to me for the interaction with the community one could have in that field.
I've considered a career in clinical/school psychology a great deal as well as, like the original poster, elementary education. I've also thought about conservation biology, as the environment and the animals in it are a passion for me. I'm not the type of person who does a half ass job in any field, but I want to enjoy my work and feel like I am making a difference.
Its a very frustrating thing, as I'm sure you all know. :angryfire I'm mad at myself for not being able to decide!

3rdgenRN2B · Sep 30, 2007

Wow, I'm in the same boat. I haven't yet been accepted to the nursing program but I am working on my pre-reqs. At the same time I have an application in at another school for a major in elementary education. I know when it comes down to it I will choose nursing but I had a moment of weakness and doubt and filled out an application online. It was free so I figures I had nothing to lose. I've been indecisive about my career for 11 years now and I know I need to just pick a path and stick with it. If it doesn't work out then I'll pick up and do something else. But I owe it to myself to at least try...

Now consider this...I don't know where abouts you live but around here elementary education graduates are a dime a dozen. The competition is fierce and many people spend many years subbing or working in a "high need" district before landing their dream job. The pay, at first, isn't that great but the benefits can't be compared. Also, it takes a lot longer to get your certification than it does to get your nursing liscence and most of the time it is more expensive. I figure if I choose nursing over teaching I'll be able to work a lot sooner, starting at a much higher salary, and not have any student loans to pay back. Now, I am also a wife and mother so for me practicality is key, I'm saying all this without knowing anything about your situation.

If you do choose teaching just hang in there. I can imagine in the long run it is a great career. I know someone who was a teacher just retired at 60 with a great pension plan. She has had a great career that she loved and now still has tons of energy with which to enjoy her retirement. I don't know of any nurses who get to retire before at least 65 and none with a pension. I teach religuous ed on sundays to 2nd graders and I can see how I would love to make a career out of it, if I were to think with my heart and not with my head....

PM me if you'd like to discuss this further. Perhaps we may be able to really help each other....good luck!!

deeDawntee, RN · Oct 1, 2007

Of course, only you can make up your mind what would be the best place for you.

I have a niece who is now starting her second year after graduating with her elementary education degree and she still has not landed a decent job. She is doing some kind of community education position and then some subbing... and let me tell you, she graduated nearly at the top of her class...she is awesome with kids and still is doing nothing that she had envisioned for herself...talk about someone who is depressed and disillusioned!

This is what I would say...do nursing and if you really like kids, then do pediatric nursing. There are just sooo many different directions that you could take your basic education. You could even be a school nurse and help with fitness and nutrition education in school systems...God knows, we need that. You could find yourself a niche that may not even exist yet coupling nursing and education of children....but don't start with elementary ed. There is no money in it and it will take you a lot longer to "make your mark" starting there. It sounds like you have big dreams...start with nursing and watch as doors open before you as you progress along...

Just my opinion, by the way, but I would hate what is happening to my niece to happen to you...

good luck! ;)

Kimmi73 · Oct 1, 2007

Of course, only you can make up your mind what would be the best place for you.
I have a niece who is now starting her second year after graduating with her elementary education degree and she still has not landed a decent job. She is doing some kind of community education position and then some subbing... and let me tell you, she graduated nearly at the top of her class...she is awesome with kids and still is doing nothing that she had envisioned for herself...talk about someone who is depressed and disillusioned!
This is what I would say...do nursing and if you really like kids, then do pediatric nursing. There are just sooo many different directions that you could take your basic education. You could even be a school nurse and help with fitness and nutrition education in school systems...God knows, we need that. You could find yourself a niche that may not even exist yet coupling nursing and education of children....but don't start with elementary ed. There is no money in it and it will take you a lot longer to "make your mark" starting there. It sounds like you have big dreams...start with nursing and watch as doors open before you as you progress along...
Just my opinion, by the way, but I would hate what is happening to my niece to happen to you...
good luck! ;)

Thank you for the advice! Do you mind me asking what state your niece lives in? I live in MI.