Need information about nursing career

[Ms. Young]

Hello! I just wanted you to give me some advice on nursing and tell me some of your experiences while going through nursing school. I really want to become a registered nurse, but confused about which degree I should earn. I need money fast to support my daughter.Many people say that nursing is just too hard to go through with. I really don't care what it takes, I'm willing to take that risk. I'm a very humble, patient. and caring individual. Was the course work difficult? What about clinicals? Could you explain a typical day for you in nursing school ?Any advice you could give me.

Thanks in advance!

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

You might want to get your LPN first if you need money. Or you might want to get a job in a hospital that will give you tuition reimbursement. That way you can make money and go to school at the same time.

Hopefully others will contribute information for you. Best wishes in your endeavor!

[Mijourney]

In my opinion, and as have been written somewhere on this board, nursing is not for the faint of heart, mind, soul. The journey to an RN can be grueling and requires commitment and dedication to make it. That being said, I don't think that you can go wrong if nursing is what you really want to do. Nurses are highly respected professionals and can do alot with a little (not that I recommend it). If you become a nurse, I recommend that you work in different areas to get acquainted with how the patient is processed through the system. Work in the hospital ER, the ICU and on the floor. Work in the ambulatory settings. Work in home care where you can get a feel for where the patient is coming from. Work in insurance. Work in research and legal. Work in IT and so on. The areas where you can provide expertise are endless.

If you want money fast, you can start out as an LPN or even a patient care tech. But if you want to cut the time to an RN, find a two year program that does not have a waiting list. Once you get your RN, you'll be able to decide what four year or graduate program you want to pursue. I do advise going as far as you can educationally because we're in a competitive global economy with the world getting smaller. Best wishes.