If you had to do it over again.....

Originally posted by RitaS:

After reading some of the posts, I'm curious. How many of you, if you had the chance to do it over again and knowing what you know now, would still become a nurse?

Rita,

My mom and sister are Dental Hygenist, and yes, the pay and scheduling is wonderful compared to nursing. But, my mom just retired after 25yrs as a hygenist, and were it not for her planning ahead, she'd have had no retirement. I'm not sure about everywhere else, but here very few hygenist have retirement and/or insurance, etc. My sister quit nursing school in her last semester and became a hygenist because she didn't like the blood (imagine that) lol. Me? I hate the mouth, so I'd never choose anything in the dental field, but I love nursing and I'd do it again tomorrow (as would most of these other gripe guts here)!

Gawd, even after last night, which was the kind of night when you can actually VISUALIZE killing off your co-workers, I suppose I would still be a nurse. I was b****ing to my husband, swearing I was leaving nursing FOREVER, and then thought about it seriously....there's nothing else I want to do!! Oh, how depressing after a night like that. Oh, well...

Rita,

IF I had to do it all over again, yes, I WOULD still become a nurse. I fill it is very rewarding although sometimes very trying job. It is true that we don't always get the respect we've earned and/or deserve but for every openheart patient I've recovered and every DNR I've assured passed with dignity I'm reminded of why I became a nurse. Whether it be to comfort a family in their time of loss or ecourage and assist a patient back to their optimum health. I know that I made a difference. To me, that's what it is all about!!!!

In answer to your other question, My husband is also a nurse. so yes, he is very supportive. Nursing school was tuff though. We were in at the same time. I graduated 6 mos ahead of him!!!!

If your heart is in it, I say GO FOR IT!!!!! We need more like you!!!

Rita -

I wish I'd become a nurse after graduating from high school. There are so many opportunities. Nothing can replace the satisfaction when I feel my efforts have brightened someone's day. Or the warm fuzzy feeling you get when a patient's face lights up upon your return from your days off. Eventually everyone finds the shift they are most comfortable with or they work per deim or work for an agency where they are able to pick and choosea little more freely.

Suzy k,

I work for two OB/GYN docs.We have a great practice. We really get to know our patients and spend a lot of time doing patient education. I also do "call". The patients talk with me first,I triage to see what their needs are. I have many years experience in L&D.That is my first love,but,I really got tired of the hours.I notice from your previous posts that you work L&D.I have worked in other areas of nursing but I guess Ob just "gets in your blood".After 28 years in nursing I get just as excited now when I see a delivery as I did way back!It is really great when I see some of the babies I helped deliver come to us for OB care.I am close with my fellow nurses,we have all know each other for over 25 years. The doc I work with most and I have been close friends since his residency days.I feel like we are one big family!I hope you enjoy your years in nursing as much as I have!

RitaS,

There have been many times, I have regretted coming into nursing. Not because of negative posts, or staff attitudes, but because of poor staffing, and not being able to give patients the care they deserve. I believe, I'm a caregiver to my very bones!

Being an agency nurse helped me to work the shifts, that best fit my families needs. There are many different areas to work as a nurse, without working the usual shifts in hospitals.

I really hope you do return to school, and become a nurse. As others have said, you're very much needed, and there are rewards, that words, can't ever truly express. Good Luck to you, on reaching your goals.

Brownie

Originally posted by Brownms46:

RitaS,

There have been many times, I have regretted coming into nursing. Not because of negative posts, or staff attitudes, but because of poor staffing, and not being able to give patients the care they deserve. I believe, I'm a caregiver to my very bones!

Thanks again to all of you who answered my question. I too am a caregiver. (sometimes too much so at home). I am going to seriously consider starting school in the fall. All of you have given me alot of great incentive and support. Hope all of ou have a great day. Thanks again!!!!

Being an agency nurse helped me to work the shifts, that best fit my families needs. There are many different areas to work as a nurse, without working the usual shifts in hospitals.

I really hope you do return to school, and become a nurse. As others have said, you're very much needed, and there are rewards, that words, can't ever truly express. Good Luck to you, on reaching your goals.

Brownie