Need advice on whether to pursue nursing

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

Okay, here is my situation. I am supposed to start an ADN RN program in August (2 year program). I have worked in the medical field all my life but not "hands-on". I work from home as a urology transcriptionist and I am very comfortable with it, but it's just part-time money.. nothing I could make a living from. With all of these posts I have been reading on whether or not nurses would go back into nursing if they had to do it all over again... most nurses are saying "No" that they wouldn't. I guess this is worrying me because I don't know what to expect. I am 39 years old too. My question for everyone out there is, should I go through with the nursing program or spend the next two years getting my Bachelor's in something like health studies or social work... the ADN program would take 2 years and so would finishing my Bachelor's in something, as I have over three years of college already under my belt. I dunno. Please help! Thanks!

[2006RNCS]

The most important question to ask yourself: Do I think being a nurse is what I want to do? Only you can answer that question. Nursing is tough. It is tough emotionally and physically. But, most days I am so glad I became a nurse. I graduated with my ADN at 38. I have been a nurse for 2 years. I am about to go back and get my BSN, and hopefully MSN someday. I am in management, and I just accepted a new job at a great ALF, with travel opportunities, and room for growth. My goal is to become a DON or executive director at an ALF. My passion lies with the elderly. I really want to make a difference in their lives.

Some days are harder than others. I have had days where I want to pull my hair out. I have days that bring me to tears, of sadness, and of joy. I have days that I feel like I am making a difference, and I have days that I feel like I am going nowhere. When a resident reaches out and kisses my hand, or tells me they love me, or gives me a sweet hug, it is all worth it. Good nurses are soooo..... needed.

If you really think you have been called to be a nurse, please know you will have good and bad days, but hopefully a lot more good days than bad. Maybe you can arrange to shadow a nurse in a hospital, or visit a LTC or ALF to see what interests you most.

Let us know what you decide. Take care and Good Luck!:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

Thanks for your post. I have a passion for the elderly myself. I would love to make their lives more enriched. That is why I was possibly considering social work in a LTC.

I will let you know what I decide. Thanks again!

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

It's something you have to experience to be able to make that decision. The only way to find out is to jump in and test the waters. Take a part time job as a student nursing assistant when you get enough clinical time under your belt. I was able to work after I finished my first semester of the core program. You'll get a feel for what will be demanded of you and how you respond. Let me put it this way, how will you feel if you don't give it a shot?

[Becca608]

That depends....

Are you looking for a JOB or answering a call?

Are you looking for a JOB or pursuing a passion to make a difference?

If you are looking for a JOB that pays well, then nursing may not be for you. If you are honestly trying to do your little share everyday to make the world a slightly better place for just one person, then nursing may be for you.

Just my . I just graduated and am amazed at the number of people there that were only interested in the money. I'm happy if I have enough to pay my bills and little left.