Not sure if I want to be a nurse

jenrn2008 · May 6, 2009

most of us are in it for financial reasons (not all of us). if you are a mom then you are familiar with cleaning poop, throw up and saliva, so yeah go for it! You will find a job, some places have 20k sign on bonuses.

nursehopeful33 · May 6, 2009

I just graduated with a degree in finance and I landed my first full-time job after several corporate internships. After a long internal debate I've decided to go back to school for nursing. I'm choosing to do so because it really interests me and I see a much more rewarding and successful career path for myself. I know there are additional perks like flexible hours for when I have a family and a decent salary, but I'm sure if you read enough articles on this forum you'll find that this field, like so many others are no longer secure in terms of job prospects, it's also a long road to become a nurse with a lot of hard work and dedication as well as a big financial investment. In the end I think I'll find myself happier so it will definitely be worth it.

My advice to you would make sure you'll have the will power to stay dedicated to the investment you have to make into this career. I know I just started, but I've learned a lot from these forums about what to expect.

jjjoy, LPN · May 6, 2009

If you can afford it both in terms of timing and finances, you might want to consider volunteering at a hospital for awhile. Specifically ask for opportunities that will bring you in contact with various health care staff. You could also see if there are any entry-level patient contact jobs in a local hospital (eg patient transport). It wouldn't pay as well as nursing but you might be able to get a better feel for what direction to head before investing in years of schooling. If there's a nursing assistant class available, that would be a way to get a taste of providing basic level nursing care to patients (assisting with eating, bathing, etc).

At the very least, if you can, before choosing a program, find some people working in the field and interview them, follow them for a few hours at work if you can. Ask friends, relatives, your pastor, your kids' schoolteacher, etc if they know anyone they could introduce you to. Call up a local facility, talk to the HR or volunteer department and ask if they could help arrange for you to meet someone. Ask a local school if they can direct you to any former students.

Keep in mind that "nursing shortage" doesn't necessarily mean that there are many good jobs just waiting for anyone with a nursing degree; the most unfilled jobs could be at places that overwork their staff, that don't pay well, or that require a certain kind of experience (eg just any nurse won't qualify).

elkpark · May 6, 2009

Don't go into nursing because you think you'll be guaranteed a job. Take a look at the many threads here about the so-called nursing "shortage" -- many of us consider it a myth. Also take a look at all the current threads by recent graduates who can't find jobs.

Stephanieee · May 6, 2009

Just to comment on the "shortage" and "nursing being the only secure job these days", where I live in New York, and also where I go to school 200 miles away in Massachusetts, there are MANY new grads who have been applying for positions for months and do not hear back from them, and some of our biggest medical centers are laying nurses off left and right.

sunray12 · May 6, 2009

Many new grads have trouble finding their first job in field - but that's no reason not to pursue a profession if it's what you want to do. After you get that first year of experience things get much better.

OP - if you're unsure about nursing then maybe try rad tech first. After you get your cert and a job in a hospital if you still want to do nursing you can go to school then. And if you choose your employer well you will already have a job paying decent money while you go to nursing school and they may pay all or a large percentage of your tuition as well.

csw5048 · May 6, 2009

I shudder when someone says they want to go into nursing for the financial benefits. Yes, nursing is a fairly secure profession, but nothing is a given. If the only reason you want to be a nurse is because you think you will be able to get a job in hard times, then it may not be the job for you. Nurses work long hours, nights, weekends and holidays. If you are a stay at home mom, you need to realize all the time you will give up with your family,if you go into nursing. Of course there are jobs in nursing that don't require shift, weekend or holiday work, but they usually are hard to get and they don't pay as well. I would suggest that you try working as an aide or volunteering to see if you like what you see. I believe that to be a GOOD nurse, you have to have the heart for it. I have worked with nurses that are just in it for the money and believe me, they are NOT GOOD nurses. They may have the knowledge they need, but not the heart. Sorry, I will get off my soapbox now:yeah:

BmichelleRN · May 6, 2009

Well, I would say that to some degree you have to want to be a nurse or IMHO I think you could be miserable. True, there are more employment opportunities in nursing but I think most nurses would agree that it can be very stress filled, from your first round of clinicals, to your first year in the real nursing world. That is why I feel you should desire to do it. It helps the stress filled times, knowing you love what you're doing.

You can still be creative and be a nurse. I consider myself to have a very creative side. And the people you meet can be inspirational! I could write a book about the wonderful patients and families I've met. Best of luck!!!

jplyrn · May 6, 2009

Nursing can be difficult even for those who have a passion for it. Just considering the time, effort and cost associated with nursing school, it really should be something you have a desire to do in the long run. I had a previous degree in marketing before returning to nursing school. I always wanted to be a nurse, so the sacrifice was worth it. Yes, I have a good paying fairly secure career, but there are days I wonder if I made the right choice.

I guess my response for you is think about "healthcare" as a career but incorporate the things you love to do. You can always pursue a degree in healthcare administration where you can apply your talents (creativity, writing) in a secure career path. For example, grant writing for research hospitals or research projects. There are so many jobs within healthcare.

tenexe · May 7, 2009

To begin with you will not get compensated adequately for the skills that you inevitably bring to the table. You will have to compete with others in a market that is not as favorable to nurses as they try to make it sound. In addition you will most likely work in an environment where you will be expected to metaphorically pour 16 oz of water into a shot glass without spilling anything. Good luck.

diane227, LPN, RN · May 7, 2009

Nursing, respiratory therapy, rad tech, laboratory, pharmacist, physical therapy, occupational therapy, registered dietitian, social worker. Trust me, you can get a job in any of these areas, especially if you live in a larger city where their are more opportunities. They are also mobile careers.