If you could do it all over again, would you choose nursing as your career?

jennilynn · Apr 23, 2012

Absolutely! Nursing was a second career for me, one I chose, not one that was chosen for me or I fell into. I love my job and cannot see myself doing anything else. Some days I get frustrated with the politics and standards and surveys and reimbursement criteria and so on and wish that the folks that decide those things could work at the bedside for 1 shift. But most of the time I just do what I have to do and focus on the patients.

SurrenderDorothy · Apr 23, 2012

No, and that is why I am switching to surgical technology. If I didn't do that, I would have probably went for ultrasound.

GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 23, 2012

talking to alot of the nurses in my hospital, if they knew then what the know now, they would not be nurses. i was a bit suprised to hear this. anybody else feel this way?

undoubtedly, yes... i understand the frustrations of so many colleagues of mine and not to mentioned the new grads. having said that, because of my chosen career i been able to travel around the world and broaden my nursing experiences, on how patient care is depicted in different cultures. moreover, nursing is what you make it to be, you're in the drivers seat the road is long and it offers you many detours for you to chose from, the sky is the limit. pursuing this further, i most likely might have pursued the crna degree instead, although i have no regrets, of my present degrees. furthermore, i'm a firm believer that when one doesn't fulfill their goals in life, they go through life in a wonder state of what if? therefore, if anyone is questioning their choice of career just keep in mind that you are living someone else's dream... just saying....aloha~

amoLucia · Apr 24, 2012

Have been doing nursing a very long time and it has changed sooooo much then to now. It started out fine, but now over the years, I would have liked to have changed to pharmacy also.

dream'n, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2012

No way! Wish I'd kept my original major back at the ripe old age of 18; education. Would love to teach history.

Merlyn · Apr 24, 2012

No, I would be an Actor or Truck Diver.

old and tired · Apr 26, 2012

If I had known that nursing was going to become the way it has, I would've gotten out 10 years ago or more! I would not advise anyone to go into health care at this point.

Zookeeper3 · Apr 29, 2012

Had I known fixing a cup of coffee was more important than fixing a blood pressure (customer satisfaction scores), NEVER would I have ended up here.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · May 1, 2012

Yes I would.

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · May 1, 2012

Nope. Would have and should go to med school instead

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · May 1, 2012

No. I would have went military and done medic.

Companion2thewind · May 1, 2012

Having spent the last 5 yrs earning my LPN, RN, and now, my BSN, I'd choose this field again.....if it was actally possible to get a nursing job. At the moment, I'm considering "retiring" because my self esteem can't withstand much more callous rejection from the cold-hearted HR professionals.

I'm only in the very first half of your above journey and don't have much experience to share but the fact that you went and have made it do far just shows how much you do really care and enjoy the work!! It's a mess that the profession is touted as it is, shortage and all but if worse situation happens then try as an LPN applying if you already haven't! They suck yes, but you've worked your booty off to get this far. I'm sitting here boo-hooing over my first LPN semester and how I'm so glad I'm done and I don't know if I'm made for it but seeing your thoughts just make me realize how much work is ahead and it's not always going to have the best ending. You have helped me, so think about how many more ppl you will help in a more profound way. Have faith, get out of your head and keep up your positivity from maybe your fellow or past classmates and their struggles and triumphs!