I need advice - nursing or phd in population health

[Lily333]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for some advice from nurses out there.

I have a Masters (MSc) in Psychology (research not clinical) and I am working right now doing assessments in a pediatric hospital autism program.

I have applied to 2 programs for the fall

1) Accelerated Nursing programs (applied to both BSc and MSc direct entry programs)

2) PhD in Population Health (research in child obesity and physical activity)

They are obviously 2 very different programs and appeal to me for different reasons. I am torn between the 2 programs.

Nursing excites me, but I am also worried that I dont know what I am getting myself into with respect to handling the stress and shift work. Also, it would somewhat be starting new for me, whereas with the phD I would be building from the education I already have.

In my current job, I spend about half my time with children and families and the other half at my desk writing reports. Although I find I get anxious when first going to greet parents for the first time, I interact well with people and enjoy the kids. On the other hand, I like that I get a break to myself at my desk. I realize that nursing would be "hands on" all the time vs. a PhD, I would spend alot of time writing alone at my desk.

I am passionate about nursing, but afraid that I will get into it not knowing what it is truly like. I don't want to regret my decision, either route I take.

I would really appreciate any advice!

Thank you

[kalevra, BSN, RN]

which one pays more?

how much in loans will you have to pay back?

what is the job market for the degree?

If you go the nursing route understand it is a lot of manual labor, especially if you work in a hospital. Most common injury in RNs are back injuries there is lots of lifting involved in your daily care. Just keep the risks in mind

If the research gig paid as much as an RN position I would go research. You are doing valuable work gathering data and most importantly your risk for injury is much lower. If you dont have your health, you dont have anything.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Why not make a small investment of time and volunteer in a hospital or nursing home and see whether or not you like the work environment? You might even go so far as to take a CNA course or something to see how you feel. But I wouldn't give up a good career to go into nursing without doing something like that first. Switching careers so dramatically is such a huge, risky investment ... I wouldn't advise it unless your heart is 100% in it or unless you are desparate to find some way to supprt yourself.

You don't sound neither desparate nor 100% committed to it. So I can't recommend it for you.