I changed my mind about becomin a Nurse...

jmgrn65, RN · Jan 13, 2008

I not sure why you are asking for advice, it seems you have made up you mind.

But you are making a generalization about cranky overly confident and burned out nurses. I am sorry to say you will find that in teaching as well. I know many teachers turned into nurses for that same reason. It was the reason my bil got out of teaching.

So if that is the reason, it is not a good one because you will find the same traits in any field.

I think you should have a passion for what you want to do so if your passion is for teaching than go for it. GOOD LUCK Sorry I seem to have rambled on.

zuzi · Jan 13, 2008

The good nurses, are not how you belive that they are. But don't imagine youself that you will find the heaven somewhere in only one profession and waiting for you to come, only YOU can create your heaven where you are (with little God help of course....loooool).

xxgreenfirexx · Jan 13, 2008

jmgrn65 is right, in her comment that "I am sorry to say you will find that in teaching as well. I know many teachers turned into nurses for that same reason. It was the reason my bil got out of teaching."

I taught special ed, grades K-3 and it was not the "Mary Poppins, save the world," kind of atmosphere I wanted or expected it to be. I went into teaching "for the children" and quickly realized that with all the new changes and legislation in the world of education, it has turned to crap. The world of teaching is all about scores and money. Teachers are expected to teach from rote drills , all in the name of their students receiving high enough scores, so that their district does not get labeled as an under-performing school. A LOT of their creativity n ability to teach from their own lesson plans has been taken away.

Dealing with the bureaucratic bs, the parents and the admins is as much of a HUGE pain as dealing with cranky patients or families (I think--though I was never attacked or hit as some nurses get). If it really WAS about the kids, I would have stayed. I made the decision that if I was going to be in a helping or service profession, I wanted to be in one that at least had the balls to admit it is about money too; not about it being all about the kids and then focusing on the money instead.

In addition, there is a HUGE amount of bs to deal with, while making less money than what a fast food manager with pimples still on their face, makes. Anyway, that's been my experience!

I made my decision and im adamant about it.I started out with a passion for Nursing, but I have lost interest.I want to become a Teacher and I think thats my true passion.The money is less, but my happiness is more important than a few thousand dollars.I see that alot of Nurses are cranky,overly confident and burned out.I dont see myself being any of these throughout my career.Nursing school is a challenge and I dont see myself studying my butt off to become something I dont have my heart into.Any imput?Advice?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2008

Follow your heart. Definately do not go into nursing if you're insides are telling you not to.

I agree with the above that you can expect to find cranky, burned people no matter where you go.

caliotter3 · Jan 13, 2008

I met one nurse who had been a teacher and based on her attitude, I was glad that she decided to leave the classroom. That being said, I agree with the others, you will find poor attitudes and lack of passion and burnout in any line of work at any given time. I hope that you are able to achieve your dreams in teaching and that you are able to inspire a love of learning in those that you teach.

okchug · Jan 13, 2008

Try to gain experience in either field before making a big decision. Every job has it's yucky bits, burned out gripey people, and impossible demands. Either field, nursing or teaching, takes a real dedication and drive. Both are difficult/rewarding and require dealing with people, families, and administration. Nursing requires teaching skills too. BUT If you think everyone in education is looking out for the children-you're going to be dissapointed. I am a pre-nursing student and work part time at my kids school as a teachers aide. It has opened my eyes as to what teachers deal with every day. I KNOW I have chosen the right path in nursing. BUT you might be perfect for teaching.

I suggest to try it out. You can work as an aide, volunteer, or sign up to substitute teach (around here it pays $50-70/ day) . The same goes for nursing if you haven't worked in the field before.

GOOD LUCK!

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 13, 2008

What type of advice are you looking for? As others have said, if your heart is not in it, don't be a nurse. You'll be miserable. If you have a passion for teaching, be a teacher.

As for the money ... The pay difference doesn't have to be all that great if you manage your teaching career well. My sister is a public school teacher -- and while I make a higher salary, she has always had MUCH better benefits. Pay attention to the "business and career management" aspect of teaching and you can make a nice living at it. My sister semi-retired in her early 50's and she and her teacher/school administrator husband lead what most people would consider and "upper class" lifestyle. If you make good choices in the teaching profession, the money can be made to support yourself quite comfortably.

Good luck to you with whatever you decide.

Lovely_RN, MSN · Jan 13, 2008

There are problems in all professions; don't go into teaching with false assumptions. I'm not really expecting anything different from nursing except that I will be paid for my OT and as a teacher I put in MANY hours after 3pm and never saw a dime for it.

It was also an un-written rule that I had to spend my meager salary to supplement the lack of supplies. The parents are just as annoying as the patient families you deal with but with this exception: Patients are in the hospital for days or weeks, you're stuck with the annoying parent for an entire year.

School administration is just as bad as nursing management they limit your resources, give you a crowded classroom, and then expect miracles. You think your co-worker's will be better? Think again, some teachers are just as burnt out, miserable, and backstabbing as the nurses you want to get away from.

Physically teaching can be draining. I don't know about other areas of the country but NYC public school teachers are not supposed to be sitting at the their desks, rather you have to spend most of the day on your feet in front of your classroom. There are very few schools with elevators and you have to take your class to gym, lunch, and dismissal so you make many trips up and down stairs all day long. You have to like talking, all day long, because you never get a chance to shut up and have a moments peace. Bathroom breaks? Better take them on your prep or when the kids are out to lunch cuz you can't just go when you want to. The children tug at you all day long, you will feel pulled in all directions constantly. It's always Ms ______, so and so did this or that or can I go to the bathroom? etc..it never ends.

If you know that you are the teaching type then by all means do it. I know teachers that have managed to thrive in that environment because they have a passion for teaching so they can deal with the BS. However, please exam your reasons for wanting to get into teaching. Don't make the mistake of thinking that the working conditions and people are better than what you will find in nursing.

RNDreamer · Jan 13, 2008

No advice to be given since you are adament about your decision. No one can decide what you should do with your life but yourself....however, I did want to congratulate you on your decision and wish you the best of luck.

I made my decision and im adamant about it. .......Any imput?Advice?

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Jan 13, 2008

decided the whole teacher thing wasn't such a good idea with all the stories of kids bringing guns to school.

showbizrn · Jan 13, 2008

Follow your heart. Definately do not go into nursing if you're insides are telling you not to.
I agree with the above that you can expect to find cranky, burned people no matter where you go.

Well stated.

Follow your passion.