I WILL BE A NURSE(even after reading this board)

Joybug · Apr 21, 2001

Dear Robin

Good for you for returning to school. I was 25 when I returned. The average age of my class was 26!! not 18 when I went. Having a supportive spouse/family is your best asset. I deliberately did not work so that I could concentrate on my studies. And even though I had quite a debt when I graduated I did not regret doing it that way.

P.S. I graduated 1st in my class

Jason-ACNP · Apr 21, 2001

Robin,

I see that you are from Ft. Smith, so I thought I would respond. To begin, I appreciate your tenacity to pursue nursing as a career. I want to say that you were absolutely right when you wrote, "There are good things and bad things in every profession". I would also like to say that it is a real shame and dissapointment when nurses feel that they aren't able to promote their career to other prospective nurses. With that being said, I must say that I can relate to almost every comment that each nurse has placed on this bulletin board. I've done numerous jobs, from the most laborious construction jobs to the infinite, sweat filled days of the Marine Corps. Nothing I have ever done compares to the mental and physical challenges that nursing provides (including the Marines). Unfortunately, I don't mean this in a positive sense. While I love my job as an acute care nurse practitioner, I could never return to mainstream nursing as an RN. I feel this way despite the fact that after a year of experince, an RN can make a considerable amount of money as an agency nurse. My friend in Portland wrote me today to tell me that agency RNs in that area are being paid $95/hr (no kidding). Yet, he told me that he has had enough. The $1,140 per 12/hr shift isn't worth it anymore. That is a powerful statement considering he too has worked many laborious jobs for minimal wage. Yet, he states that nothing compares to the mental strain of nursing (for him). To give you a better idea, you might want to refer to my post, "Send my girl down here now", which may give you a very slight taste of what you may face many times a day as an RN.

On the other hand, let me tell you the positives of nursing. The 3 day/week shifts are good (and don't let them talk you into more than that if you don't want to work them). Secondly, nursing has a vast selection of careers to choose from. Critical care, ER, OB-GYN, NICU, PICU, pediatrics, psych, medical-surigcal, OR, oncology, case managment, and on and on. I'm sure you can find something to suit you. Thirdly, the money is good once you start traveling or work agency. I traveled for awhile before returning to school, but I never did work a strike. I can't do that to my colleagues who have a damn good reason to strike. But remember, the money issue eventually becomes irrelevant, regardless of your financial status. I remember what it was like to scrape by on minimum wage (at $3.36/hr)

If I may, let me give you some advice. Med-Surgical nurses, cardiac step-down nurses(or adult based floor nurses in general)are the heart of nursing and comprise some of the best nurses I've ever had the pleasure of working with. It takes a highly skilled, highly organized nurse to work the floors. With that being said, I would avoid working the floor at all costs. I have the highest respect for these nurses, but it kills me to see them receive the abuse that they do (I'm talking about the more than 20+ hospitals I've worked in as a traveler..not just one or two). At the same time, they do need reinforements to help lighten their burden.

Another suggestion would be to pursue a BSN. While diploma nurses and ADNs receive excellent training, you have the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree if you choose to. It it is feasible for you, I know that UAMS has a satellite program at Fort Smith through telecommunications. Diplomas and ADNs who have pursued their BSN at a later date regret that they had not received their BSN initially. It is much harder going the other route.

Anyway, I would be interested in learning of your perception of nursing once you begin your education, and particuarly once you graduate and gain some experience in whatever you choose. Good luck.

Originally posted by Robin61970:
Well, I have been reading through things on this board for days and while I may agree with some I don't agree with others(and before anyone makes a comment about it...I am going into the ADN program, but am not there yet). I have always been somewhat of a so called caregiver....I take care of anyone and everyone around me in one way or another. I have wanted to be a nurse for a very long time and I will be a nurse someday(even after reading some of the comments on this board). There are good things and bad things in any and every profession out there...this is a fact of life, but do any of you feel that you may be "scaring off" potential nursing canditates? I had my mind made up before even coming to this board, but those that don't will probably run screaming after reading some of this...makes it kind of difficult to get more people,lol.
Everyone has a right to their opinion and this is mine. As for money...where I live the best place to work is the Whirpool factory( I work there and make 13 an hour, but I hate it....) That is the best job here so I feel that I don't have alot to lose...I would make more as a nurse and there is a shortage....thats how I look at it. And for those who are visiting here...I think alot of people who post here are airing their frustrations....we all have those...it's alot more fun to air them with people who know what you are talking about than those who don't. So some may have a chip on their shoulder....someday they will choose to stay in the profession or not.....their choice....Have a good day....

Robin61970 · Apr 21, 2001

I know at this time I will definitely go for the ADN program now as I go into this and find more financial aid(if I do) then i may go ahead and change over to BSN....it depends on how everything falls. As I said i know there are good and bad, but I can't wait to do this...I have an aunt who was an LPN in L&D for 20 years...she also worked other floors if need be, but she loved it and i have always admired her for it...I hope to be as good at it as she was....

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Apr 21, 2001

Robin,

Welcome! Since you are choosing the ADN program, just go to that schools financial aid dept as they are so well equiuped to help you. You could also do a computer searchtype in "finacial aid " and will get a wealth of info.

Some areas that are designated as medical shortage areas have additional funds avail for training... the school would know if this is available for you.

Best of luck to you.

I started as an LPN 77 newly married despite one yr of college prior to marriage for husband didn't think we coiuld afford college + house. At my hospital over the years, those of use who started as LPNs went on to get RN degree; those who were ADN with tuiition assitance became BSN and latter some MSN. Graduated 82 BSN and have completed 2nd coursee for MSN. By taking one course a semester since FT work, 2 kids plus 92 yo Grand mom + parents( that Sandwich generation, ugh) my advisor plotted my courses yesterday---will take me til 2004 to complete all. Sovif something derails you, just keep your goal in mind and you will acheive it some day.

TLynn · Apr 21, 2001

Originally posted by Robin61970:
Well, I have been reading through things on this board for days and while I may agree with some I don't agree with others(and before anyone makes a comment about it...I am going into the ADN program, but am not there yet). I have always been somewhat of a so called caregiver....I take care of anyone and everyone around me in one way or another. I have wanted to be a nurse for a very long time and I will be a nurse someday(even after reading some of the comments on this board). There are good things and bad things in any and every profession out there...this is a fact of life, but do any of you feel that you may be "scaring off" potential nursing canditates? I had my mind made up before even coming to this board, but those that don't will probably run screaming after reading some of this...makes it kind of difficult to get more people,lol.
Everyone has a right to their opinion and this is mine. As for money...where I live the best place to work is the Whirpool factory( I work there and make 13 an hour, but I hate it....) That is the best job here so I feel that I don't have alot to lose...I would make more as a nurse and there is a shortage....thats how I look at it. And for those who are visiting here...I think alot of people who post here are airing their frustrations....we all have those...it's alot more fun to air them with people who know what you are talking about than those who don't. So some may have a chip on their shoulder....someday they will choose to stay in the profession or not.....their choice....Have a good day....

God Bless you. When I found this site I was so excited to have a place to share with my sisters, now at times I want nothing to do with this site. I find those on the BB going to nursing school and push and encourage them into this field. I may be different, God called me into thie profession I never really chose it, but a lot of money or a little money I love people I love caring for people, always have I in fact was a candy striper, a CNa then a nurse, I did it all from bad to worse and never, never, never had second thoughts about wanting to be a nurse. Again God Bless. If you look at yeasterdays BB I placed and essay on the BB title Why I Chose the Nursing Profession as a career. Also if you need some encouragement, feel free to ask for it my e-mail is [email protected]. Good luck in the most rewarding adventure you will ever love to hate.

Robin61970 · Apr 21, 2001

I have spoken to financial aid and until I pass the entrance exam I can't get any help for nursing....I plan on taking it in august or something like that. I have bought a book on the entrance exam to study and plan on doing well.....lets pray anyway,lol. Until then though I do have my GIBill(navy 4years) and hopefully pell grant. As I said i have had to file for state assistance to keep my family going, but it will pay off in the long run....thanks for the support

Huganurse · Apr 23, 2001

Hi Robin! Way to go with the attitude!

Good luck, work hard, and don't look back!!! You can do anything when you put your mind to it!

Sylvia · Apr 23, 2001

Welcome. I hope you do very well in school, because we definately need more nurses with your positive attitude.

I agree, these bulletin board could easily scare off anyone. But nursing is not a field for the faint of heart.

Some people DO complain too much and some nurses are just plain mean and nasty. But mostly, this is a safe place for nurses to vent their frustration.

Although it may seem very negative to you, sometimes nursing really IS that bad. I'm sorry, I wish I could tell you otherwise.

I wish I had known some of the harsher realities of life before I went into the field. Don't get me wrong - I would have gone in anyway, because some people are born to be caregivers and I am one of them. But nursing instructors tend to paint an unrealistic picture of what you can reasonably accomplish in a shift.

I wish you the best of luck. Welcome to one of the most frustrating yet rewarding of all professions!

Robin61970 · Apr 26, 2001

Well, I had one little thing that made me think about whether or not I wanted to be a nurse. My daughter has been sick.....diarrea(if I spelled that right x12 days now) The Dr. doesn't know why...no fevers or anything so I had to take stool samples...well....needless to say I was a little grossed out the first time(almost lost my lunch) but then the second time it didn't seem to phase me.

I also had a slight scare last night....my son put too much chicken in his mouth and got choked...to be quite honest it scared the hell out of me, but I knew and did the Heimlich....I was so glad to know it and be able to do it. It made me think about nursing more and I realized even more how much I want to do this....enough for now....thanks

[This message has been edited by Robin61970 (edited April 26, 2001).]