New student, need an idea...

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I'm thinking about starting nursing school in the fall. I was going to be a physical therapist, but I feel like by the time I'm done with school I will have missed half my life. Just wondering what types of things I can expect while I'm going through nursing school. Will I get to work in a lot of different specialties? I'm totally clueless, I don't know anyone who is a nurse and could use all the info you can give me. Thanks!

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Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

I would focus more on what you might expect about being a nurse before focusing on what to expect from school. It is important to know what type of career/work you will be doing so that you make the best career choice.

You could contact a local hospital and ask about job shadowing.

An ADN or BSN nursing program will give you a general nursing education. (Peds/OB/psych/med-surge nursing)

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in med-surg.

PT and nursing are totally separate concepts. To pursue either of these careers, plan on 4 years.

Shadowing is an awesome idea.

Good Luck!

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Thanks for the info. I was in the process of getting my Bachelor's degree in Biology. I have about another 2 years before I'm done with that, then the PT program is 3 years. The second semester is 36 hrs. The school I was looking at, also the only one in my area, tells you not to work at all during the PT program or you will fail. Thanks for the encouragment. I really want to go into a health field. I'm leaning towards ped's or ortho. I'm just wondering what type of experience I would get while I'm in school. Thanks

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Specializes in psych, med/surg, peds, hospice.

You will get general experience while in school, but your majority of experience will be when you graduate or intern/extern/precept. As far as what to expect....tons of dirty laundry b/c you are always studying!!! Good luck!!!!!

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Specializes in NICU.
PT and nursing are totally separate concepts. To pursue either of these careers, plan on 4 years.

Shadowing is an awesome idea.

Good Luck!

I did my nursing program in 2 years. It is hard to do that, but it can be done. Some people do a year of pre-reqs first and then do the 2-year nursing.

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Specializes in Mursing.

Is PT school 4 years?

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Specializes in NICU.

I think it's closer to 6 years.

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Thanks for the info. PT requires a bachelor's degree in biology then 3 years of PT school. The curriculum is laid out already so there is no going at your own pace. The second semester is 36 hours. They told me if I worked while going thru those 3 years of school then I would fail. I can't afford to go 3 years without working, sorry!

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