How has life changed since you finally became a RN ?

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I want to hear about it all ! The good and the bad :-)

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I can pay my bills but my knees are shot.

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Specializes in Medicine.

I still can't find a job!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Keep in mind, this has only been 5 years for me so I don't have a lot of perspective compared to many people here, but, here goes...

Bad: More and more papers and requirements each month and year to fulfill on top of existing duties. A higher number of sicker and more complicated patients for each nurse. Some management members becoming more out of touch with what it means to care for these patients.

Good: More confidence in the care I give my patients being good care. Being someone coworkers feel confident in asking questions and for help and advice. Some management members actually implementing changes staff members have asked for.

Mixed: Computerized MARs. Learning to be a charge nurse.

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still unemployed.. argh!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I became a nurse at 34 and it allowed us much more flexibility and financial stability.

For the new grads who don't have jobs: hang in there. When I graduated with my LPN in 1992 there were a few jobs, when I finished with my RN in 1994 there were no jobs - I hung onto my LPN job for 6 months till something opened up.

I hope things get better for everyone.

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

I've been one for 4 years now.

The good: don't have to worry about money, I've learned a lot and continue learning, and I've met some awesome people!

The bad: no one understands the amount of stress I'm under aside from other nurses, my sleep schedule is horrible, and I've nearly given up on dating!

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I have been working as an RN for about a year now, and I'm one of the lucky ones that got exactly the specialty job I dreamed of.

I have a much more financial security. Paid off all my debts. I have taken a couple of trips across the country to see my family, I hadn't been able to afford to do that before. Instead of spending nearly every day studying and focusing on school work (like in nursing school), I actually have 4 days each week which are totally mine! Additionally, I have a stronger bond with my older sister, who has been a nurse for 20 years.

The bad? Not a whole lot. I work every Sunday and I miss my family that day. I have to work some holidays, and I hate doing that to my kid. 12 1/2 hours makes for a really long day. On the days I work, I'm so exhausted when I get home that I don't have energy or time left to do much other than hug my daughter and snuggle on the couch for a few minutes before I fall asleep. And honestly, I really don't like getting out of bed so early on those days I work... but does anyone?

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

I have been working in surgery for 12 years now, 3 as a nurse. I have the same schedule as before and do most of the same things with a little bit of paper work on top of it so nothing changed, I get paid alot more now though.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
i want to hear about it all ! the good and the bad :-)

the good: more money. . .

the bad: more stress. . .

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Specializes in acute care.

I am finally making more money than I made in my previous, dead end jobs. I can't wait until I have my 1-2 years experience, and can do things like travel, agency, PRN home care, etc.

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Specializes in NICU.

I've been working for a month:

The good: I am loving my job and unit, and the extra $$ is wonderful.

The bad: I miss my daughter. I have an hour commute each way and when I work a 12 hour day shift it means I leave before she gets up and get home after she's went to bed.

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