I don't want to regret staying in Nursing....LPN-RN

[NurseOTPT]

Hello everyone

I need your honest feedback. I'm on several other forums (Occupational/Physical Therapy, etc.) and thought I might come here, too, even though it's probably a tad biased in each forum ;0). Here's where I'm at in life:

• I'm a 25 year old lady who doesn't mind putting in another 4-6 years of college, but I also would like a family someday..preferably by the time I'm 30.
  
• Just graduated from LPN program and was looking to transition to RN, but haven't started
  
• LOVE the actual job of nursing, the bedside care, etc. I love helping patients.
  
• HATE what I have seen/experienced so far in the nursing field, from several areas: backstabbing, cattiness, gossiping, stress, abuse, harassment, bullying, insane workload, constant fear of lawsuits/losing license
  
• Don't feel nursing is recession proof, in fact, I know there's no shortage at all. I got into it specifically for my passion. I knew there would be some suffering, but didn't realize JUST how much
  
• Feeling VERY pressured by my family and EVERYONE to continue for my RN/BSN. It's as though if I do NOT go on, for my RN, they consider it "taking the easy way out" or "running from a challenge"..like I'm giving up and I don't feel that's the case. Even my fiance acts that way..they don't say it OUTLOUD, but from all their comments, it's easy to read between the lines.
  
• Don't feel like nursing really is what it's portrayed to be. I want to help people, not have depression and anxiety because I'm fighting with my coworkers nonstop or being treated like dirt.
  
• I know that I wouldn't stay in nursing unless I eventually earned my Masters, due to my concerns above. A Masters would enable me to eventually become self-employed..my ultimate goal.
  
• I have 60ish college credits, total, and would like to stay IN the health science arena. It's just what I love.
  
• Considering OTA or PTA program, but I want to make sure that I will be able to go on for my Masters and/or PhD after I finish my associates. I have heard that it doesn't work like that, and I'm confused.
  
• Really wanted to finish my BSN, but have this terrible feeling that I'm going to look back in a few years and think "What a regret, I wish I would have gone for OTA/PTA, etc.".
  
• Whatever I do, I preferably want to specialize in Geriatrics.
  
• Don't mind making a little less, so long as I'm happy w/ my career
  

Any advice?Are there awesome Nursing Jobs? Sure, but you better believe that you need experience, seniority, and a good reference. You don't just apply and stroll right in...and let's face it, experience takes YEARS...if you want to be any good anyway . In those years, I feel like I could be finishing a degree in a "less-miserable" field. I don't want to bash nursing, so please don't take offense. I really wish Nursing WAS Nursing, but I just don't feel like it is. I don't mind blood, feces, vomit, yelling patients, etc. What I *DO* mind is the terrible management and being treated like dirt...as though I'm stupid. I've seen it with my own eyes..at several different facilities, ALL over the country. Thinking that I'll have to deal with more of that, than I already did in my awful nursing school, actually depresses me. At the same time..I don't want to make the wrong choice. Any suggestions? Are OTA/PTA much harder to get into than Nursing programs? Am I absolutely being unrealistic wanting to make this change?

Sorry if this is so long!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Pt/Ot?... go, run forget RN.

I wish I would have.

Your family is being unfair... this is YOUR career. I doubt they realize the issues involved... or how BRUTAL the work is.

[porridge]

I hate to say this so much it hurts, but if I had my druthers, I'd rather not have become an RN.

I'm too old to do anything else so I'll keep breaking my back until I retire, but you're young so you have a chance to make a better career for yourself. As others have pointed out there are so many ways you can stay in contact with patients without having to be a nurse. I adore 99% of my patients. They are the only reason I can drive to work without crying, because I know at one point during a 12-hour (ha ha, right... 13, 14 maybe?) shift one patient will probably smile at me, squeeze my hand, etc., and I'll know that I made a positive difference in the world, even for a moment.

On the other hand, there will be pain, exhaustion, a ridiculously heavy workload, and bitterness and frustration from most of the nursing staff, as well as complete indifference from management (it's the same everywhere).

You have so much to offer in healthcare because you are in it for the right reasons. I would strongly advise you to think carefully and thoroughly investigate all the options (especially OT and PT) before you commit to the continuation of your studies.

[OTconsideringBSN]

I am an OT and have been for 5 years and unsatisfied with it. I am looking into school nursing or another school-based career. OT and PT job satisfaction all depends on what setting you are working in.

Skilled nursing rehab center require 6-7 days a week of therapy, some are now requiring longer days of coverage 7a-7p due to all the medicare changes in billing and the need to make up the "lost money." You are told how many minutes a day you MUST see a person for, regardless of whether they are tired or sick. Sometimes you do get some really rewarding moments, but most of the times, at least in this setting, patients just want to walk, and "someone else can dress me." Also, there is still the competition amongst therapists, because each rehab company requires a certain productivity level (typically 80% or higher) and raises and keeping your job depend on your productivity levels. Also, therapists are not always very respected in these settings.

Outpatient centers and schools are very much different as it is not as much of a money/billing issue and is more patient focused. If you start out as an COTA and want to be a OTR, there are bridge programs that will save you time and money. If you start out as a PTA, there are only 2 bridge programs in the country to help you transition to a PT degree. If you want to be a PT, it will be much shorter to just go straight for the DPT program. Unless you live near Loma Linda or Findlay (see APTA.org).

[ebear, BSN, RN]

Don't mean to sound harsh, but some of you need to get your head out of your butt and stop focusing on the "misery" of it all. Fall is a beautiful time of year . I find that if I go outside and take in the fresh air and sunshine my spirits will begin to lift. Hyperfocusing on the negative will continue to drag you under. The answer will come when you clear your head of all this clutter. You can't help anyone else (in ANY field) when you are disquieted within. :redpinkhe

[OTconsideringBSN]

Wow, ok. Just trying to help. And saying what settings are the "better" jobs in therapy. I know many therapists who are quite happy in their fields, just wanted to share which settings are generally considered less stressful for most therapists. And which is the best way to get through the programs. I wouldn't want anyone to take the harder road to get through the degrees since they can get expensive. But your reaction makes me think its just better not to say anything at all. Sorry if I dragged anybody down in their thoughts or mood, just wanted to help.

[jjjoy, LPN]

some of you need to get your head out of your butt

Not very constructive feedback for folks asking questions. Just because they don't like where they're at and are looking at other options doesn't necessarily mean that they are wallowing in misery. No need to assume the worst about people who post having some dissatisfaction with something in their life :hug:

Don't mean to sound harsh, but...

What would you say if you did mean to sound harsh? :sofahider:

Have an awesome weekend, everyone!

[Crispy Critter]

I thought this forum was for people to express themselves-to vent,to learn,to share. Just because we express dissatisfaction or commiserate with someone else doesn't mean we have our "heads up our butt". As for me, sunshine and fresh air do nothing for me once I enter the maelstrom that is my workplace. Unless someone is offensive, I don't see why people can't express themselves on this forum without someone else telling them how and they "should" feel or think. ebear, I'm sure your intentions were good.

Thank you, OT, for sharing with us. Please don't be discouraged from posting here. You know the old saying about the grass being greener....How can we know what PT/OT is really like unless someone who works in that field gives us some input?

[want2banurse35]

To the OP, I know how you feel because I myself has struggled on what field to go into. I have narrowed it down to Nursing and OT as well. I am currently finishing up my BS in Health Sciences and applying to a RN program but if I do not get in I am going to apply to a Graduate OT program. Unfortunately I do not have time on my side due to personal reasons. Good luck in whatever you choose:).

[Vlloffc]

OTA versus RN .....Please read! I have been staying up for nights trying to figure this out!! I have been a certified Medical Assistant for 10 years (clinic setting) but have worked as an NA. I wanted to be an RN but did not pass the TEAS after 2 trys but even if I did there is a reeeeeeaaaal long wait list. I do not have time to wait as I am 32 with 2 kids. I just want to be done with school!! Also am very interesting in ALOT of the aspects of OTA.

DIRECT QUESTIONS: Do they make good money? How are jobs in Wisconsin....are they needed, guranteed jobs....etc? Do I get to make my own schedule? What do you love (heard enough dislikes)? What are some career opportunities as an OTA besides going for OT?

PLEASE do not tell me about being an OT. I do not plan on going to school any longer than I have too. I have all prereqs for both. I am interested in hearing from anyone especially WI residents!

Thanks so much for your time:)

[T_&T]

Hi I have the same situation with, so I would like to ask if you changed to OT or not? And how was it? I'm really confused between RN and OT now. Hope to receive your answer soon. You can reply me at [email protected]. Thank you so much for your concern.

[dantina777]

Can you tell me which path did you pursue? I am having the same dilemma and hoping for your input. Thanks!