I hate to say this, but I think it's true.....

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I think alot of people are going into nursing these days because of the economy and the stories drilled in peoples heads about how nurses make alot of money for only a 2 yr degree. I can tell this by listening to students in my pre-req classes. Some whom I talk to don't have the slightest clue about nursing but they can spout off how much money they think they'll make when they first start out. I'm sure some of you on here will agree with me. I was talking to this one student and he told me, "Yeah, I'm going into nursing. I was a mechanical engineer and was laid off. I can't find work in that right now. Nursing is only two years. I made good money on my last job."

Specializes in LTAC, ICU, ER, Informatics.

I agree that motives shouldn't be the issue if you're competent.

I for one am changing careers. At 40+ which is a bit scary. And I'll be taking a SUBSTANTIAL pay cut.

Some people who know me are amazed that I'm going into nursing... I'm NOT a touchy-feely kind of person. What I kick butt at, though, is dealing with crises. I won't be happy doing floor nursing or any type of LTC, because where I will thrive is E.R., surgery, or a critical care unit. 20 years ago I was a Paramedic, and LOVED the work. I left because I had a severe knee injury and couldn't work in the field anymore. Then I got into the computer field and was soon "trapped by my paycheck". It's only now as my 2nd husband is getting settled into his career and I've had the knee repaired that I have the freedom to pursue a career I will actually enjoy and be fulfilled in. The fact that nursing pays well is good, because while I don't need to make what I have been making, I also won't work a minimum wage job.

Some people will challenge me, I'm sure, as I go through school, as to my "calling" and whether or not I should be a nurse. I don't answer to them. I answer to my employer - being a competent employee - and to my patients - taking care of them the best I can and to the highest standard of care. I know myself, and I know where I want to be and what I want to be doing. That's what matters.

I have a long-term plan with several options, and all of them are lucrative enough to get my salary back in the range I make now. Money will *always* be a consideration, and it will be a higher priority for some than others. I don't fault anyone for wanting to make a good salary, and I don't fault anyone for making that a primary priority in their life.

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I have never personaly met a nurse that wasn't working for a paycheck, including me. Even though I like my job, take away my check and I will be out the door in about two seconds.

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Specializes in onc, critical care.

Maybe those nursing students are looking for the carrot in what they are doing. - Meaning, nursing school is the hardest thing I have ever done, except for being a single parent and raising my kids almost entirely on my own- and the money can be a motivational factor for anyone in school, of any sort. I think it is unlikely they are only inspired by the cash. Cleaning up poop and vomit is not for everyone, and fortunately nursing programs weed out the really superficial people.

Just my humble opinion...:nurse:

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I think alot of people are going into nursing these days because of the economy and the stories drilled in peoples heads about how nurses make alot of money for only a 2 yr degree. I can tell this by listening to students in my pre-req classes. Some whom I talk to don't have the slightest clue about nursing but they can spout off how much money they think they'll make when they first start out. I'm sure some of you on here will agree with me. I was talking to this one student and he told me, "Yeah, I'm going into nursing. I was a mechanical engineer and was laid off. I can't find work in that right now. Nursing is only two years. I made good money on my last job."

Yes, you are probably right but what is your point. Does it make you angry? Does it worry you? I believe that people with that mentality will get flushed out. I think that all the hype over nursing (good pay, flexibility, security, etc.) has been drawing people to the profession for a long time. So, yes, I agree with you but I wonder where you would like to see this conversation go.....

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I'd like to see some stats on how many people who make it through the nursing program and then get a job leave the profession within 5 years.

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Specializes in onc, critical care.

I have read the approx 1/3 of new grads leave their first job within the first year, but I think this includes someone who might switch from telemetry to ICU, for example, and not necessarily ones who leave nursing. I personally know three RNS locally (I am in a small town) who went and got their RNs and do not work as nurses. Only one of the three stayed in the medical field, even.

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That's a real shame. Like I said, a poll would be most informative. I wish this site had more polls. One's pertaining to salary by region and job type would be great. And with anonymity, nobody would feel threatened about revealing personal details.

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I agree with you 100%! :yeah: I volunteer at a hospital while getting my degree and seeing what the nurses go through takes a lot of grit, determination and love for what they do. Some of the experience with patients can be a bit testy but I for one feel like you end your day feeling good about yourself for helping someone live.:)

I hear that misconception too but most of them are the ones that give up in lab when they can't accurately identify a lung tissue, :lol2:

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Specializes in babysitting.

my mother told me to go in it for the money. she said one of her friends is an Rn and makes like 46 dollars hour. my mother was singing the praises of all that money, then she said i should go in that way i can help take care of her when she gets old and my grandmother who is low income. so yes some go in for money. what wrong with that?

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I see where you are coming from and why you would think that. However, for me, if you don't have the heart and determination, you either won't make it, or you will be horrible at your job. I dont think it hurts to have more people in the field! There are shortages everywhere and maybe with more career nurses out there, we can make more of a difference. I don't think that someone coming into this profession with money as a goal is a bad thing. Honestly...when people look for a job, salary is a large part of it!! Just because people are coming in for the money, doesn't mean they will make a bad nurse. People learn; they grow and they change. Like I said, most will fail out anyways if they don't have the heart.

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I think alot of people are going into nursing these days because of the economy and the stories drilled in peoples heads about how nurses make alot of money for only a 2 yr degree. I can tell this by listening to students in my pre-req classes. Some whom I talk to don't have the slightest clue about nursing but they can spout off how much money they think they'll make when they first start out. I'm sure some of you on here will agree with me. I was talking to this one student and he told me, "Yeah, I'm going into nursing. I was a mechanical engineer and was laid off. I can't find work in that right now. Nursing is only two years. I made good money on my last job."

Two year degree? This degree is four!

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You can get your RN at any community college in two years. Well atleast in NY you can :) 4 years is a bachelors here.

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