First of all, I'm so glad I discovered this forum. Everyone is so helpful! Thanks to all for bearing with my questions as I figure out whether or not the road to a nursing career is one that I truly want to go take.
In the last thread I started, I listed the reasons why I am interested in nursing as a second career. Let me add that I initially looked into being a dietitian/nutritionist. I love reading books on nutrition and also love the idea of helping people better their bodies through diet and exercise.
It seems that I need to have a Master's degree to get a good-paying job in the field, though -- a discouraging thought for someone who can only work part-time (let's not forget that I am already 37). It also appeared that jobs are limited in that field as well. I also considered becoming a personal trainer, but to be honest, the pay was a deterrent for me. So, I scratched both ideas. Just to clarify: pay is important to me because I'm a single Mom with a mortgage to pay.
Anyway, after I mentioned all of this to a nurse friend, she suggested I look into nursing. I don't want to do it just for the money (pay is pretty good if you can get a job here). If salary and school were no object for me, I'd pursue the dietitian/nutritionist career.
I can honestly say though, that I have a passion for helping others. I would consider myself to be a "fixer". Even when it's just advice to friends, I am always glad to listen and try to offer any advice I can. I always have a genuine desire to make them feel better. Also, in a moment of crisis, I am never one to stand by and just watch. I am a take-charge kind of person. I immediately assess the situation and try to find a way to solve the problem. I also LOVE working in a fast-paced environment.
With nursing, I like the idea of being able to "fix" someone. I like the idea of a pt. being diagnosed and "fixed" -- hopefully resulting in them leaving the hospital in better shape than when they entered. Of course, that's not always the case, but this is why I'm wondering if I might be suited for ER nursing.
It seems like there are a lot of reasons why I might be suited for nursing yet, there are other careers I'd choose if I could. I'm just worried that I'm doing this for the wrong reason -- even worrying that I might just be trying to convince myself that it is a good career for me??? On paper, it seems like a good idea and I am genuinely excited about some of the experiences I can have as a nurse. But, it bugs me that my answer would not be "nursing" if someone were to ask me "what would you do if money were no object" question. I'm not sure if it's because I'm still digesting the idea of me going into nursing ???
So, I was curious as to whether or not most of you have a passion for what you do and if you'd still choose nursing if money (pay) were no object ???
Rachel, my sister's a doc, who makes about 6 times what I do (literally). And she never lets me forget it, or that I used to make more. But you know what? There are people walking around right now who are here because I was their nurse, and spotted something that saved their life. I've held the dying, and tried to make their passing easier. I've held a crack baby, and maybe for only those few minutes in its life, that baby knew someone cared about it. So my sister can keep her deskjob. I'd had it, wouldn't want to go back, because now I know what kind of a difference I can make in a human life. I'll pinch my pennies, and do without all the "fluff" I used to think was critical, put up with the obnoxious, hateful patients for the sake of that handful that I can actually help. My sister's like them, in that respect -- part of the price I pay to change what I can. I've had the day where I could actually say, "What did I do at work today? I saved a life, kept a family from having an empty seat at Thanksgiving Dinner."
In my case, pay is not much of an issue. I work as a nurse and medic because it fine, noble work. I get to do genuine good for people. I never go home regretting it.
Rachel, my sister's a doc, who makes about 6 times what I do (literally). And she never lets me forget it, or that I used to make more. But you know what? There are people walking around right now who are here because I was their nurse, and spotted something that saved their life. I've held the dying, and tried to make their passing easier. I've held a crack baby, and maybe for only those few minutes in its life, that baby knew someone cared about it. So my sister can keep her deskjob. I'd had it, wouldn't want to go back, because now I know what kind of a difference I can make in a human life. I'll pinch my pennies, and do without all the "fluff" I used to think was critical, put up with the obnoxious, hateful patients for the sake of that handful that I can actually help. My sister's like them, in that respect -- part of the price I pay to change what I can. I've had the day where I could actually say, "What did I do at work today? I saved a life, kept a family from having an empty seat at Thanksgiving Dinner."
Specializes in trauma, ortho, burns, plastic surgery.
I could tell you my opinion but I am foreign RN so my mentality is not a american one. Yes I will....money are good, but...is not all...and not first! I came in nursing from a country when at that time my paycheck there was may amount for two days worked here, and where my house rent was half of my paycheck, when working long hours was NO discussions, and where if a patient decline in condition ...YOU ARE FIRED... I woked in another style, with another type of people who was there.... because they loved to be FIRST in profession and second for money. I worked where the money are keeped in the plastic bags... and patients pay by them self for helath care and if you are not enough good you are out of profession, no one come to you. I worked with goods and bads...but ALL was there for healthcare first and second for money.
I loved and i love each moment of my creapy nurse life...not for money!
The times are changed ... people goes for money first...my advice ...do what your heart tell you to do.... fallow your heart always! And be a good nurse!
If money were no object, I'd go to school full time until I had my Master's (maybe even my PhD) in Nursing, then work part time in a hospital while teaching at a local college. :)
If money was no issue..yes I would still work as a nurse. But like the others I would work maybe 3-4 days/week. Money is not an issue for me as far as making tons. I just want to be able to support my family and am lucky that I can do both - be a nurse and support my family. :)
I love nursing for the experience, definitely NOT for the money ! Every day when I go home, I reflect on what I've done to the patients and I have great sense of satisfaction ! I feel that nursing's a stressful and yet meaningful job.
To me, nursing is like a 'cross-country race', you have to be determined, motivated and good stamina. If you're truly interested in nursing, I'll suggest you to enroll a course in Certified Nurse Assistant so you can get the 'feel' of nursing. If you like it, then you can start taking ur pre-reqs.
I would give my 2 weeks notice and run like hell to the nearest state park and work outside in the beauty of nature. it is unlikely that any chipmunk or squirrel is going to sue me for malpractice, and in general people are there to ENJOY themselves!
nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN
1 Article; 2,043 Posts
Rachel, my sister's a doc, who makes about 6 times what I do (literally). And she never lets me forget it, or that I used to make more. But you know what? There are people walking around right now who are here because I was their nurse, and spotted something that saved their life. I've held the dying, and tried to make their passing easier. I've held a crack baby, and maybe for only those few minutes in its life, that baby knew someone cared about it. So my sister can keep her deskjob. I'd had it, wouldn't want to go back, because now I know what kind of a difference I can make in a human life. I'll pinch my pennies, and do without all the "fluff" I used to think was critical, put up with the obnoxious, hateful patients for the sake of that handful that I can actually help. My sister's like them, in that respect -- part of the price I pay to change what I can. I've had the day where I could actually say, "What did I do at work today? I saved a life, kept a family from having an empty seat at Thanksgiving Dinner."
And that's sweeter than any paycheck.