Nurses: Struggle or great?

Perpetual Student · Dec 29, 2009

First, you have a LOT longer than a couple of months to figure out what to do with your life. More than a couple of years even. That said, if you're truly interested in nursing you should meet with an adviser and start taking pre-reqs. Most of them will apply to to any other degree you choose to complete if you change your mind. You should consider trying to get some sort of health-care related job to gain some exposure and experience.

It can be a struggle at times, but so can any serious work. You should be able to find a position that you find satisfactory and rewarding, even if you have to start with a position that isn't really your favorite. There are downsides to nursing which you will see pointed out in other threads, but do try to remember that often posters here are venting their frustrations to a sympathetic audience. I believe the intrinsic rewards in nursing outweigh all of the associated negatives.

The pay should be sufficient to meet your needs or to contribute about 50% to a lower middle to middle class family or so (entry level pay for RNs in hospitals in my area is about $25/hr). Just avoid debt as much as possible and your money will go much further your entire life, regardless of what you do for money. There are decent opportunities for advancement with experience and/or additional education.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Dec 29, 2009

And get into a retirement program and a credit union as soon as you get into the field. Nursing paid me quite well and I enjoyed it for many years, but as a steady 9-5 job it is not. You'll probably work odd hours but the joy of helping someone get better is worth more than any salary, in my humble opinion.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2009

It's both. There are great days and days where every second is a struggle. There are days where I am glad to be a nurse, and days where I dream about flipping burgers for a living.

Money-wise, I am pretty secure, and I'm able to help my kids out some. I wouldn't mind making a little more so I could save up some money (it always seems like whenever I save up, something comes along that depletes my savings), but I am not struggling.

I was able to give my family a really nice Christmas this year, and I know a lot of people that can't say that because of the economy. So yes, I do feel fortunate to have a decent paying job.

feisty · Dec 29, 2009

As previous posters have said, the pay is enough to help support a family. Having said that one must be responsible financially or they will struggle regardless of income so make certain you have basic financial skills :nuke:

I consider my job great and a struggle. The political side of the job is a constant struggle because it places impossible expectations upon the nurse. The patient care can be very rewarding. There are joys, frustrations, laughter, tears, and lots of charting. Lol

One poster has recommend a book before which I recently purchased and found to paint a pretty accurate picture of nursing. It is Intensive Care; The Story of a Nurse by Echo Heron. I would suggest reading it and doing some volunteer work at a local hospital.

Start taking pre-reqs which can be used for any degree while you consider your options. An adviser will assist you with pre-req options.

We would be glad to have you join our profession :nuke:

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2009

Struggle or great? In all honesty, it depends on the day. Some days I am in love with my career and feel like a make a difference. Some days I seriously consider jumping ship and going into retail sales.

As far as the income, I am fortunate to have a husband with a great paying job. His income pays the bills, but my added income makes our lives comfortable and allows us to enjoy the things we love and be able to afford our wonderful home and land. We are not wealthy by any means, but much of that is by choice (we have horses and this is a very expensive livestyle).

showbizrn · Dec 30, 2009

Struggle or Great?

In any PROFESSION

you have greatness AND struggle.

Shadow a nurse and volunteer at a healthcare facility before you decide to enter nursing.

Like my colleagues have stated

you have your "great days."

You have your days when you literally "struggle"

just to get the job done---just to give minimal care---REALLY.

Finanical security depends on your lifestyle and pay rate. How are you used to living? subsidized poor? working class? upper-middle class? wealthy?

DO YOU ENJOY TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE?

I hate to be a ball-buster but many posts and threads have addressed the issue of non-caring healthcare providers---nurses, doctors, nursing assistants, social workers, etc. IT SUCKS:down:. If you don't like helping people, please STAY OUT OF NURSING!!!

On a more positive note, I welcome you to the profession of nursing and admire your courage to HONESTLY inquire and investigate the "ups-and-downs" of the profession.

MUCH SUCCESS TO YOU!!!

doubleplay · Dec 30, 2009

The pay is OK, but you can get called off a lot. I would say get a job as a tech and see what you think.