If not using nursing degree, then what? If not nursing, what else?

Tleeves · Nov 30, 1999

There are lots of options, you can combine nursing with your journalism experience and education, even. You can work as a flight nurse, work for a nursing magazine, do nursing research, work in a community setting, as a parish nurse, or a community health nurse, or as a patient advocate. You can work in clinics, work for large companies organizing their health and safety policies, work as a school nurse, work as a nurse consultant for a newspaper, or for an insurance company, or as a Set nurse in the film industry, or at a private facility such as a spa, or a eating disorder or alcohol rehab inpatient facility, the list of possibilities is endless, Bedside nursing is not the only option, and the wages are so varied it is hard to pin down specific numbers. I have a friend who spends about 8 of 12 months a year flying around the world with a team of nurses and surgeons doing fantastic surgeries in countries that don't have the capability ti do it themselves, and she makes $80,000 per year. Don;t let the naysayers get you down, there are plenty of opportunities in nursing.

jnc1991 · Jul 20, 2000

I am about to enter a 1 year diploma program to become an LPN. I am wondering if anyone has anything to suggest I should think about or do before entering. This message board has been both an encouragment and discouragment. I have read so many people complaining about nursing. I am a married male with four kids. Some have told me I wont make enough money to live but my wife and I do not require a large income. We live simple. I am about to get out of the military and want a stable sure job that I dont have to worry about being out of work with. Anyone have recommendations or comments?

Jason

Mijourney · Jul 20, 2000

Hi Jason,

Refer to the post from Tleeves. I think that post is very positive for those going into nursing. I do wonder about your decision on attending an LPN program as opposed to going an additional year and obtaining an ADN and becoming an RN. There are many excellent LPN practitioners, but the LPN nurse practice act in most states limit the scope of LPN practice. Therefore, opportunities in nursing practice, by and large, are limited. You indicate that money is not necessarily an object as you and your family lead a simple life, but I will write you that life demands constantly change. Unless your wife works and makes a good income or one of you are in line for a hefty inheritance, I suggest you consider pursing a degree toward an RN. You can use the money that you don't use for family expenses to acquire wealth or some form of stability for your children. Perhaps you like the idea of being a nurse but not the responsibility that comes from being an RN? I have heard this comment from some LPN practitioners over the years. Being an RN does mean more responsibility, but it also means more options in the workplace as well as more pay. Also, keep in mind that a college degree will make it easier for you to pursue education in another field if you so desire. Best wishes.

jnc1991 · Jul 21, 2000

Thanks for the advice. The reason I am not getting the Assoc. RN is due to the fact that I will not have enough time to finish the program before I get out of the military. I only have enough time to complete the 1 year program. I have the GI Bill so I will be able to continue my education as soon as I am out. My plans are to attain my bachelors and maybe more. I guess my main concern now is not so much the education but all the things that have been said here on this board. I want an enjoyable job, one I can be satisfied with. I dont want to go to school and give up my military career just to regret it. To say the least, those two guys have made me balk!

I do already have an associates degree but it is in my military profession, Air Transportation...not much help!

Jason

[This message has been edited by jnc1991 (edited July 20, 2000).]

Mijourney · Jul 22, 2000

Hi again Jason,

I can't tell you that you will find it enjoyable to work in any occupation whether you stay in the military or work as a civilian. It has to do with the money and power issue that is generated by pure, unadulterated economic greed by many different entities. However, if you have a compassionate, caring, competent, and sane soul, along with a strong spine, you'll be able to be satisfied with anything you choose or discern when to leave a situation. If you have a strong desire to be a nurse, go for it! Nursing is an all- encompassing profession, meaning that nurses can seek work satisfaction in numerous settings and even other fields, in some cases. Don't let the venting of our frustrations and disagreements dissuade you. Maybe the school in which you plan to attend can connect you with someone who could serve as an objective mentor to you if you don't already have that arrangement. Maybe there is someone you already know on the base. Best wishes.

Jo_deye_yuh · Jul 28, 2000

The vast avenues that can be taken in the nursing profession are truly amazing. Your preference and personality lean you more toward a particular field than another. But no matter the choice, if working in a hospital, clinic, or LTC there are problems, out of the power and control of those that are forced to work under them. I work in a clinic and hospital. I am frustrated with short staffing, pay cuts, overpricing, and the short tempers the above mentioned create. But I have never been more passionate about a 'job', than I am as a nurse. I live with stress and frustrate over issues I feel powerless to approach. Short staffing drives me to the brink of insanity. I not only have to do my nursing duties, plus due to cut backs I have to answer phones, triage, paperwork, cover for nurses not in my specialty; all while on hold with some crappy insurance company listening to funky elevator music, waiting to pre-cert a surgery. In the midst of my hectic day, I still take the time to offer help to other nurses around me. Seeing them struggle in trying to do 6 things at once, carry 3 conversations at once, and thinking, "any moment the laws of evolution will take over and a third arm will form, allowing them to get all accomplished". I get angry at what I see around me, but what I feel I have control over is...how I treat my patients and co-workers. Even if it is a total of 30 seconds I spend listening to a patient tell me about their family, that MAKES A DIFFERENCE. That also give me a lot. I think it makes me a better nurse to be able to manage those things and I gain skills I wouldn't if I just threw my hands up in the air and gave up. I am in awe and admire many nurses I have worked with. Their knowledge and talents amaze, inspiring me to improve. I am a spirited person at heart, and smiles come easy. But there are times when some are more forced than felt...but no matter, being a nurse gives me great satisfaction. What you can do with your nursing degree, in addition to previous degrees and experience is never ending. You are very fortunate to have them and what ever you find that intrigues you, test the water...if it is something you are captured with, what ever the bad stuff that eventually comes with it, you will be able to 'tolerate' them while doing the work you enjoy. {-:

[This message has been edited by Jo_deye_yuh (edited July 28, 2000).]

debcote · Sep 9, 2000

OK, you all asked for it. You want to know what to do? DO WHAT I DO! Work for yourself, AND for a hospital!!! Have your own home business, and work for a hospital part time, or per diem. People think they can't start their own business, but it's SO EASY!!!The company I'm affiliated with is even sending me to Hawaii on an ALL EXPENSE PAID VACATION!!! All you need is an Open Mind, and THINK OUT OF THE BOX!!!