Im a student... I need advice!

karenG · May 30, 2003

dont do nursing just for the money- it takes way too much of your soul at times...........you cant just turn up, do the hours and go home......or at least I cant!

Karen

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 30, 2003

In Southern California you can make pretty good money. I'm in Florida, so asking me what I make is moot because our payscales all across professions is lower than Southern California. There are flexible schedules available, weekends only, days, nights, evenings, whatever you need. I work 3 12-hour 7p to 7a shifts a week.

I do hope as you continue your education you find that you actually like nursing and choose to enter the profession with some passion, in addition to desire to make money. Otherwise you'll be a lousy and unhappy nurse. IMO.

TheSquid · May 30, 2003

hehe.

I just read my post about the money. I didnt mean to sound like I am only doing it for the money. I have always been interested in the human body and how it works. Also I like to help people out.

But, Im still young and would like to go out and see the world while I still can. So I think I would really enjoy the Traveling Nurse position.

Also, I have another question. I will understand if you guys wouldnt like to answer. But, when youre taking care of a patient and they die, is it pretty hard the first time and do you get used to it?

bellehill, RN · May 31, 2003

Depends on the circumstances. A pt surrounded by family that has lived a good and happy life is different than a younger person who dies suddenly. You never get used to death but you get better at dealing with it. Knowing that you did your best for the patient and their family is the best feeling in the world.

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 31, 2003

Glad to hear that you aren't totally shallow.

To me, death is a part of life. Now after 12 years in nursing I still get teary eyed when dealing with the families, but not necessarily at the time of death. Especially if the death is of natural causes, or the end of chronic disease. Sudden, unexpected death is still hard on me.

Angelica · May 31, 2003

Originally posted by 3rdShiftGuy
Glad to hear that you aren't totally shallow.

I was thinking the same thing :)
I just graduated and have accepted a job for $21 an hour. I am totally happy with that, but I'm not in it for the money.

seewhiterabbit · May 31, 2003

hmm.

TheSquid · May 31, 2003

What state do you live in Angelica?

Angelica · May 31, 2003

Arizona. O.K., I actually do like to make money. But I truly do enjoy working and I can't wait to get started on my new job.

mario_ragucci · May 31, 2003

Being a nurse has feeling and money. Consider not looking at your time as money because it can detract from the feeling. Do your best in school, and pass all the tests. We'll celebrate that.

Good Luck! Mario

Agnus · May 31, 2003

When I am uneffected by a patient's death it will be time for me to get out of this profession.

I am accustomed to dealing with death and dying. I am not uneffected by it. Because I like supporting others though this process and life event I am starting to work as a hospice nurse.

It effects me, some more than others. Yes we do cry. Our job is to put the patient and family's needs first. I do this. AND I also alow my self to grieve, vent or what ever I need so that I can be there for them.

Death and birth are wonderful times of life. It is ALWAYS a privilege to be present and help at these times.

As far as $$$ well before I became a nuse I thought it was a lot too. Now that I am here I don't. It is really relative.

It also depends on where you are geographically, what area you work, who you work for, what your speciality is, and how experienced you are, and in some cases your level of education.

Agnus · May 31, 2003

mario, I was thinking about you the other day. Good to see you.