indecisive on becoming a registered nurse

subee, MSN, CRNA · Oct 18, 2014

There's plenty of opportunity to do your own research on this site. Do you want to stay in Atlanta after getting out of school. What is the job market for ADN's in Atlanta? Are you willing to move to a rural area? Salaries are wildly variable - where you live, years of experience, type of nursing you do are also variables. Just don't make the mistake that many others have made, that is assuming because you are an RN you will always be able to get a job. In 1975 I graduated summa cum laude and was unable to get a job on the day shift. Because the hospital was not a good neighborhood, I refused to settle on this issue. A professor intervened for me and I got my shift and after that I never had a problem. So please, please do your research so you go into this open to the possibility that getting a job can be difficult. There's LOTS of info. here from people are living the "dream."

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 19, 2014

Hi! I am Crystal I am 25 years old! I reside in Atlanta, Ga.! I'm just now deciding on what I want to do in my life for as a career!! (Late I kno) but I have numerous questions!! My first question would be do registered nurses enjoy their jobs?? Rate of starting pay with an associate's degree in nursing, do you have to work 12 hours a day and if so is it only 3 12 hour days and the rest off?? Do you prefer hospital work, or homecare nursing thank all nurses who would apply to my concerns

Some people say "nursing is the most difficult job you'll ever love." nursing is a tough job; physically, emotionally, and psychologically difficult. There are rewarding times too. If you work in a hospital or nursing home you may feel especially frustrated at the health care system. Nurses have a lot of responsibility but not so much authority. In most places, associate degree nurses make just as much as bachelor degree nurses as new graduates. Starting salary depends on your area. Many hospitals have 12 hour shifts on there inpatient units which works out to be 3 shifts a week on a full time schedule. Full time home care is usually 5 days a week.

crystal8819 · Oct 19, 2014

Thanks for the information detailed information you guys!! Lev Are you in Atlanta also??

firstinfamily, RN · Oct 21, 2014

I do have to say that as a new graduate nurse you really may not have the skills that are needed for home health. Home health is a very rewarding field, but you are pretty much alone in the field, you have no back-up and the skills that are needed you will not have as a new grad. Most new grads try to start out in the hospitals because that is where you can get the most training and exposure to all areas of nursing. If you have been reading the posts on this sight you will have noticed that new grads have been having difficulties getting jobs. Atlanta is such a busy, progressive area I can't imagine new nurses having problems there. Nursing is very hard, rewarding, exhausting, challenging field. It is a dynamic field that is always changing so rarely would anyone become bored. It is a field that will always be in demand, there will always be sick people. Once the new healthcare policies are settled into practice we will most likely see a "leveling-off" of some of the costs containments currently being instilled by hospitals. Currently there are two demographics challenging the healthcare system: the longest living generation ever and the largest generation ever both hitting the healthcare environment at the same time. These populations will require nursing care for a very long time. You can have a very rewarding career, it may take awhile to find your niche. Good Luck!! Hey, I didn't start until I was 23!!!

crystal8819 · Oct 21, 2014

I do have to say that as a new graduate nurse you really may not have the skills that are needed for home health. Home health is a very rewarding field, but you are pretty much alone in the field, you have no back-up and the skills that are needed you will not have as a new grad. Most new grads try to start out in the hospitals because that is where you can get the most training and exposure to all areas of nursing. If you have been reading the posts on this sight you will have noticed that new grads have been having difficulties getting jobs. Atlanta is such a busy, progressive area I can't imagine new nurses having problems there. Nursing is very hard, rewarding, exhausting, challenging field. It is a dynamic field that is always changing so rarely would anyone become bored. It is a field that will always be in demand, there will always be sick people. Once the new healthcare policies are settled into practice we will most likely see a "leveling-off" of some of the costs containments currently being instilled by hospitals. Currently there are two demographics challenging the healthcare system: the longest living generation ever and the largest generation ever both hitting the healthcare environment at the same time. These populations will require nursing care for a very long time. You can have a very rewarding career, it may take awhile to find your niche. Good Luck!! Hey, I didn't start until I was 23!!!

Thanks so much firstinfamaily for the informative details!!

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 22, 2014

Thanks for the information detailed information you guys!! Lev Are you in Atlanta also??

Nope I'm in a more northern state on the East Coast