Nurses, Would you go into nursing if you had to do it all over again?

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Hi.

I am considering going back to school for nursing. I've been a CNA for 11 years and have worked in various aspects of nursing. I enjoy the patient contact and the caring/helping part of nursing.

Not to mention the flexibility that I have in this field.

I have many concerns, though. The high patient loads, the politics, the backbiting, the sad and depressing things that I will encounter, etc. What if I make a mistake? This is someone's LIFE!

Are all of these feelings normal?

Would like to hear from other registered nurses who would or would not considering nursing again.

Thanks much!

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NO, the salary is not commensurate with the astronomical level of responsibility and scrutiny involved.

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

NO! :nono: If I had it to do over again, I would become the doctor I wanted to become since the age of eight. I still think about it today, but I am 52 now, and..........:o

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As sad as it is to say, no, I wouldn't do it again. I went into nursing school in 1985 thinking it was a noble and respected career. It is not. As stated before me, the pay is not worth what you are exposed to (not just diseases but the emotional and physical things), most doctors don't respect your input and/or opinion and other nurses are all to eager to tear you down the moment you turn your back. I'm 37 and have been seriously thinking about CRNA school. I'm just tired! Good luck.

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As bad as things get sometimes, I know I love my job, and I would still want to be a nurse.

Sometimes I wish I had been born 10 years earlier (I am almost 48), because things were a lot better then than they are now.

If I could just do my job without all the paperwork, etc., it would be perfect!

Good luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide to do.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Probably.

I know that the profession is going through a hard time right now ... but most jobs and most professions involve some hard times now and then. My friends in other professions all complain about their jobs, too. At least I know that in trying to help the nursing profession, I am doing the right thing. That feels good.

I couldn't say the same thing if I were simply selling widgets for a living. Problems would arise and I wouldn't have the comfort of believing in my profession. As difficult as it sometimes is, at least I can honestly say that I believe in nursing.

llg

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Bummer thread...

Well, I can say for certain that I would do it all over again. Nursing isn't perfect, but I love it, and it is possible to make a decent wage and work in a nice hospital if you are willing to relocate for it. There are definitely a lot of less stressful careers, but I still feel privileged to be a nurse and can't seriously picture myself doing anything else.

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No. If I had it to do all over again I would be a little more patient and persistent and hold out for medical school. So now I will settle for a PhD in Biometrics and see where that takes me.

-HBS

:)

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Yes. In fact I would have become an RN fresh out of high school instead of waiting until I was 30.

Those feelings you have are pretty normal. Being a CNA for 11 years, you have a pretty realistic idea of what nursing is and isn't. You have to take the bad with the good, and the bad days can be oh so bad.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

being an 2nd career RN I would say YES I would.

I have managed to make my career work FOR me, not against me. I work when I want on my terms and am home for the kids more than ever.

I like what I do...I feel I make a difference in people's lives in doing what I do.....and most of the time, I am happy.

No it's not roses and sunshine....there are problems, but I am learning to control MY world a bit and not stress the one around me, unless the chaos threatens me .....

but that is just me.

SO yes, I would do it again. I am perfectly happy with my choice of a career. I can only improve it by some day (this is my dream) going into business for MYSELF....that WILL happen one day, it's a goal of mine.

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The tally so far is:

4 Yes Responses

4 No Responses

1 Probably (leans toward yes)

Not bad odds "hug4mom". So it looks like the answer is that your career should be your choice. It is what you make it in spite of the adversity. Be honest with what makes you happy and go for it as best you can.

Good Luck!

-HBS

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Yes :)

I truly appreciate the opportunities and flexibility that the profession of nursing has afforded me.

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