Money, Carreer choice, Doubt, ....

[Enlightenedchild]

I've told myself many times that I'm not trying to be an RN for the money. I, however, want compensation that will allow me to maybe take care of a family some day. I fear being a floor nurse won't provide me with enough money to do this. I'm male, 26, and in my second year of an associate degree program. I have so much doubt about where my future lies in the nursing field. I've pondered medical school but I'm too old and don't want the massive tuition debt. I'm not even sure I could pull it off, anyways, I want to be realistic. I never knew what I wanted to be when I went to college after high school. I ended up getting a bachelor of arts in English. I graduated in 09 during the height of the recession and my future job prospects were very bleak. I prayed and prayed for PURPOSE and found it in a place I never thought I would. I grew up in my local hospital. My dad was a ER doc and I went to work with him weekly. Within the age of 11 he had me transporting patients to and fro. Now I'm a tech part-time and will be done with nursing school within a year. I know I'll stay in school but what direction do I go? So much ignorance is involved with this equation. In the long run I'm not in this for the money but damnit that does not mean I don't want a lot of it. The graduation date gets sooner and sooner and I cannot make a mistake on choosing the wrong nursing career path. I don't know, not even sure really why I posted this, I'm babbling and just feel kind of lost. The confidence that I'll be a good nurse isn't there 100 percent either. I get great grades but that only means I'm a good student and know how to prepare for an exam. That information might be fresh and ready for an exam, but what about when it really matters, like when someones life is in the balance? So much doubt, so much doubt, so much doubt.......I just don't know.

[noahsmama]

There's nothing wrong with wanting to make money, so please don't apologize for it. I also wouldn't worry too much about getting stuck in one career path at the age of 26. I successfully changed career paths at age 48, I'm sure you can do it at 26. If you really want to go to med school, then please don't decide you're "too old" at 26 - lots of people start med school at that age or older (sometimes much older!). I think there's plenty of ways to make money in a nursing career too, especially starting at such a young age as 26. Finish your ADN, get some experience under your belt (the fact that you're already working as a tech should help your job prospects), then do an RN to BSN or MSN and start pursuing management positions. That's just one path; I'm sure there's plenty of others. I really don't think you should be worrying about getting stuck. Whatever you do, just be sure to do it well -- the best way to get a new, better, job, is to have a solid record of good performance and good references from your previous jobs.

Good luck!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

there are plenty of ways to make money as a nurse. The best way is to make yourself a more valuable employee. I recommend you learn how to be a nurse and work while getting your BSN. Then get a hospital position (they pay the most for most nursing positions). Whatever department you get in, get all the certifications allowed (ACLS, etc) and be willing to work extra hours or at night/weekend/holidays. Once you learn your job, offer to be trained in another department and offer to work there 1-2 days/month or whatever is reasonable. Volunteer for committees or hospital initiatives or teaching others---whatever you can do that does not interfere with your "main job". All these get you noticed and make you a valuable employee. Most facilities offer per diem for people who float to another department or work nights, ----. At some point you will be able to focus on a type of care that singles you out, such as PICC line insertion or Trauma coordinator or any number of things. Be visible and you will be valuable.