I am a long-time lurker on these forums but just created an account. I just graduated with a BA in Health Science. For the longest time I've been switched back and forth between an MPH in epidemiology and an Accelerated BSN. Actually, throughout my undergrad I've been aiming for an MPH by taking on as many research projects as I can. I worked on 2 with the government and 3 at a teaching hospital. I worked as a volunteer in 4 units in the teaching hospital for 2.5 years. But, now I am SERIOUSLY leaning much more towards a BSN. I have actually been very excited on finally landing on a choice. I love research and will continue to pursue it as a nurse, but I don't think I could do only research for my life. I like the idea of physically treating, monitoring, etc. However, I have read some AWFUL things about nursing online. People HATE their job so much and it seems like most end up leaving it. I know it is ultimately up to me to make the decision, but based on what I enjoy/my interests (listed below), what are your opinions on nursing as a career choice?
- I'm good in fast-paced environments. In fact, one of the projects I worked on at the teaching hospital was a clinical project and I worked in the same area as the nurses. I always volunteered to help the nurses out with anything ontop of my project (so I could be busier). Ended up doing all the triaging, writing down pateints' medical information for doctors, assigning rooms. I voluntarily relieved the RNs from their patient flow duty while I was on shift
- I am EXTREMELY interested in pathology of diseases. I love learning about new diseases, how they interact in the body, what they do to you, and different treatments/medications
- Have a lot of experience with pediatrics and plan to work in peds... great with kids
- Efficient. I work my but off to do things quickly but effectively.
Some things that worry me:
- Social anxiety (severe)
- Not great with vomit/feces
I have also heard different stories about the scope of an RN. Could someone help clarify this? Some claim that RNs only do the "dirty work". I know the scope of practice differs by region. I live in Ontario and from what I know we have a much wider scope than many places (RNs may soon be given the authority to prescribe! Maybe by the time I graduate... lol).
Exposure to new things can be difficult, but it usually gets easier with time. This goes for any of the things you cited concern about. I think most folks can adapt. ---Reframe the experience, and adapt and deal with it.
You'll have to either force yourself to adjust that bedtime during nursing school or learn to live on no sleep (which I don't recommend). I get it, I'm a night owl and the early hours during the nursing program sucked, but you do what you gotta do.
I haven't checked the schedules for every place that I'll be applying to, but I know for my first choice school (I saw the nursing time table), we don't work nights. We works an 8 hour day once a week.
I haven't checked the schedules for every place that I'll be applying to, but I know for my first choice school (I saw the nursing time table), we don't work nights. We works an 8 hour day once a week.
Once a week? is that just for the first semester? or is it throughout the program? if it is throughout the program, you better prepare for reality shock once you start working.
Once a week? is that just for the first semester? or is it throughout the program? if it is throughout the program, you better prepare for reality shock once you start working.
Dishes, the programmes are cutting back on clinical hours. The LTC rotation used to make or break it for many students. Five days a week for a month. Now some unis are one day a week for a month. And even then it's not full days.
I see students in my building on days and evenings. It's the final placement now, that upsets them. They have to work their preceptors hours be it 12s or 8s. No choices and that's when the reality slaps them. And for most, it's too late.
Once a week? is that just for the first semester? or is it throughout the program? if it is throughout the program, you better prepare for reality shock once you start working.
Oh yeah I just checked again. It's either 8 hours twice a week or 12 hours once a week. Yes, I know that in the real world nurses work more than once or twice a week lol.
Poop and Puke are inevitable in nursing as a student and new grad in most positions. Don't worry about the social anxiety. You don't have to be social, you have to be professional and communicate with patients and medical professionals about medical related issues and be able to do a good patient interview and assessment. You don't have to socialize with coworkers, go to office parties, keep up on the latest gossip etc. Some of us prefer to go to work/school, do our jobs and go home, leaving our job at work. Nothing wrong with that.
If you are in Ontario, then most of the nursing programs have the same type of schedule. At the school I attended, we had 1 8 hour clinical per week in second year. In third year it was 1 12 hour clinical (no nights) once a week combined with a community health placement. In 4th year you worked full time both semesters with an RN...that means nights, weekends. It was pretty tough, especially because I worked part time as an RPN doing 12 hour shifts as well.
If you are in Ontario, then most of the nursing programs have the same type of schedule. At the school I attended, we had 1 8 hour clinical per week in second year. In third year it was 1 12 hour clinical (no nights) once a week combined with a community health placement. In 4th year you worked full time both semesters with an RN...that means nights, weekends. It was pretty tough, especially because I worked part time as an RPN doing 12 hour shifts as well.
Thanks! But I plan on doing an Accelerated BSN which is only 2 years.
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RNfaster
488 Posts
Exposure to new things can be difficult, but it usually gets easier with time. This goes for any of the things you cited concern about. I think most folks can adapt. ---Reframe the experience, and adapt and deal with it.