Is nursing still a good career choice?

U.S.A. Utah

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I am a 37 y.o. stay-at-home mom to 21 month old twins. For years I have wanted to be a nurse, but the time commitment of school was always a barrier as I worked full-time. Recently, I've been considering using this time before the twins go to school full time to get my nursing degree (RN). That way, when they are ready to start school, I am ready to start my career!

I'm glad I found this board, but to be honest, it has been a little disheartening to read that nurses are having difficulty getting jobs around here (SLC). To pull this off with babies will be a chore to say the least, but I'm willing to do it for the payoff in the end. However, it seems like I may have missed the boat since I really am not open to leaving the state at this point.

What are your thoughts on future prospects?

Trying to accomplish this with two little ones?

I do have an Associates Degree from SLCC. Does this help with my schooling at all?

Thanks all for your input!! I look forward to hearing from those in the trenches.

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Why not wait til the twins are in school, then get your degree? Maybe the economy will be better by then.

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Specializes in ICU.

Nursing is still a good career choice, just keep in mind that there are very few careers right now that are a slam dunk to get into. This weak economy won't last forever and I feel (somewhat) confident that by the time I graduate with my BSN in 2012 that things will be looking a little bit better. Nurses that are holding off on retirement or switching back to full time from part time will eventually leave the work force again, opening up more spots for new grads. My husband and I are open to relocating if need be though and that may be a possibility that all future grads may need to consider if they need quick employment after school.

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Specializes in ICU.

I should also add that I have two sons, a 4yr old and a 7 month old. Having 2 young boys to take care of has made school a little more difficult to schedule, but definately doable. My biggest thing is that I can't just schedule daycare/babysitters for while I'm in class, I need additional time for studying and to do homework. Childcare costs have been expensive but my husband and I are managing.

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Does UVU offer child care? Are you writing off the child care expenses? DO you have family to help? Nursing school is pretty intense and I only in the ADN @ SLCC. I wish you well with UVU and congrats! By the way I have two kids as well (1 year and 4 years) but my wife is able to watch them most of the time and the in-laws help. We never pay for child care. Nice savings.

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Specializes in ICU.

Thank you! UVU has a childcare center, but since it is subsidized, priority is given to single parents first. After that it goes by income and then first come, first serve. Great center and very inexpensive, but if married, you have a very small chance of getting your kids in. My oldest went there for a semester, but I haven't been able to use it since. I've spent 2 semesters in a row waiting in line for 3 hours at 6am only to be turned away. I've kind of given up on it by now :rolleyes:

I do have a sister who helps with babysitting every now and again and a sister-in-law whom I pay to watch them the rest of the time. Unfortunately with my new schedule I'll have to use daycare $$$$$yikes$$$$$

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The economy is bound to get better eventually, so getting a start on your education now is worth it. Sure new nurses might be having a hard time finding a job in certain areas but they will find something eventually. Nursing is one of the best degrees to have and even though opportunites are slimmer in this economy they are more abundant than other fields.

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I agree that nursing is a great field to get into. I just completed a fast track nursing program BSN and have two children 6 and 16. I think that it is a great investment in yourself.

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