Nurse vs. Kindergarten Teacher?

Published

Hey everyone, My first year and a half of college I spent studying education. Last semester I took bio & chem as beginning prerequisites to my schools nursing program. But right now I'm not sure which way to go.. I did good in the prerequisite classes and didn't find them that challenging even with not putting in that much effort. But it still seems intimidating to take Human anatomy and physiology 1 & 2, microbiology, human pathophysiology, then when in the program pharmacology, etc. I don't know if I'm capable of that. Plus, once I do finish with my RN, I have to go back for my BSN and I don't know what to expect for that. With teaching, I have one more year of classes and some credits are student teaching then my last year is all student teaching as well. Completely the opposite of nursing when it comes to being academically challenging. But I don't really see a lot or a big future with teaching. Can someone help? What should I do?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A Nursing career is the most trusted, valuable and marketable way to go. Hands down more money, you will have more opportunities and career pass opportunities. Think of the community or county you live in, now ask how many kindergarten classrooms are their? How many teachers teach kindergarten in that county or school system? What are your chances to be hired? Now if by a miracle you are hired. Will you ever be able to relocate? Live where you want to live? Move to another state just because you wanted to and find employment within a few days in that state? Work three days week and have off 4 days a week? Make a low of one thousand a week to a high of three thousand a week lets say as a crisis travel nurse? Or if attaining a BSN go back to school for two more years for your Masters and become a NP and make $100,000.00 to $150,000.00 for the most part in primary health care. I know it is not all about the money. Nursing is demanding and school is hard and takes deep focus and work. But when you finish school take your N-CLEXS and pass and become a Registered Nurse. There Is no better feeling in the world over achieving such an accomplishment. Let somebody else teach Johnny and Susie how to tie their shoelaces, or count to 100 and learn the ABC's. I know their is more to it, I don't mean to degrade a Noble profession of a teacher. I will say this if going for a nursing career get your BSN. Yes classes are intense, but you take it one day at a time. When your reading and studying that pharmacology book or any other book you can only read one line and page at a time. This advise was given to me because as studying is was for me I had anxiety and would be overwhelm. I made friends quickly and found study partners in class. I searched for a mentor and found my husband fit that roll perfectly. Anyhow ask yourself why not you? I ask myself that question many years back looking in a mirror I remember that morning vividly and I never looked back.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a former teacher leaving the education world to enter nursing school this August. I will say that in teaching there is no guarantee of a grade level and they can move you as they please. And then there is no movement up from there and few pay increases. Many teachers are leaving education for a reason, and it is not what it used to be. I say go into nursing but that is just me. I wish you luck no matter what your decision!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I considered obtaining my teaching credential for many years before deciding to pursue nursing.

Teaching is a noble profession. Also, the hours are nice for moms who want to be off when their kids are off....except that teachers do bring a lot of work home.

That being said, as an new LVN, I earned the same as a new teacher. But I didn't have to go to school for 5-6 yrs to become an LVN.

The pay of an RN is much higher than the pay of a teacher in my area.

There are other factors to consider, as well. Such as whether you'll actually enjoy the work you do and whether the typical work schedule will fit in with your desired / required life schedule.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

It's about what will make you happy in life. It shouldn't be about money or time in school. Yes, nurses make more, but you can live off of a teacher's salary. I know people who hate teaching, and people who wouldn't do anything else. They love educating the next generation. I know people who love being nurses, and others who hate it. You will be in the profession no matter what you choose for a long time. You will spend a lot of time at your job, you better like what you do.

But, your job cannot define who you are. It's only a part of who you are. If you really want to be a teacher, go for it. If you really want to help heal people, go for it. You mentioned that you weren't challenged in a couple of the prereqs. What are you exactly looking for? I guess I'm a little confused on that and what exactly you are expecting out of school. Are you wanting challenging classes all through school or are you looking for a career? If you want a challenge, I suggest rocket science. You will truly be challenged there.

We can't answer this question for you. You need to think about what you want to do and what will make you happy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GENERAL.
It's about what will make you happy in life. It shouldn't be about money or time in school. Yes, nurses make more, but you can live off of a teacher's salary. I know people who hate teaching, and people who wouldn't do anything else. They love educating the next generation. I know people who love being nurses, and others who hate it. You will be in the profession no matter what you choose for a long time. You will spend a lot of time at your job, you better like what you do.

But, your job cannot define who you are. It's only a part of who you are. If you really want to be a teacher, go for it. If you really want to help heal people, go for it. You mentioned that you weren't challenged in a couple of the prereqs. What are you exactly looking for? I guess I'm a little confused on that and what exactly you are expecting out of school. Are you wanting challenging classes all through school or are you looking for a career? If you want a challenge, I suggest rocket science. You will truly be challenged there.

We can't answer this question for you. You need to think about what you want to do and what will make you happy.

Nurse vs. Kindergarten teacher = Apples vs. Oranges

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm a former teacher. I had a job offer to go back to teaching, but made the choice to go back to nursing school because that's what I've always wanted to do. It depends what you want to do. There are pros and cons to both, but the biggest con to teaching is there is not much upward mobility. Your choices (which all require a masters degree): counselor, administrator, diagnostician, or librarian. Then factor how many of those positions per school.....

I would never let a class (A&P) stand in my way of a degree or career that I wanted. You can cross that hurdle if you want it. This is your future you're on a nursing board asking advice, not the teacher one...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion