To Be or not To Be a Nurse

[katiti69]

I've been considering a career change from fundraising to nursing from a few years npw. I', starting slowly with an Anatomy class this spring and continuing to volunteer at the hospital in my neighborhood, but everyone keeps telling me that a career change to nursing would be a mistake. Who is everyone, you ask? My mother-in-law, who is a nurse, my father-in-law, who is a doctor, a friend of the family, who is a doctor, my husbdand - of course!

What should I do to help me make up my mind for good? Any advice on how I can figure out if this would be the right move for me or not?

Katiti

[mvanz9999, RN]

Hi,

i have the same problem. I really want to be nurse but have been having a hard time making a decision. My sister, my aunt who was a nurse and my husband does not think it is a good idea. However I think i am going to go for it. At the end of the day, you have to do what makes you happy.

But WHY do they think it is not a good idea?

[RN4NICU, LPN, LVN]

but i do have a few questions, i am gonna be an lpn to begin with then transfer over to my rn

generally speaking, it doesn't work that way. you attend either an lpn program or an rn program. some rn programs are set up to where you can take the licensure exam to be an lpn after the first clinical year but not all programs are like this - you would have to ask at the school you will be attending. i am not sure how common these programs are - there are no such programs in my state, but i have read about them from other posters.

what is the test that you all are really stressed about passing? is that for both lpn and rn's?

the test is called the nclex - it is the licensure exam for nurses. there is an nclex-pn for lpns and an nclex-rn for rns.

please any help anyone can give me i will be grateful for.

hope that helps :)

[carol34]

My Aunt, a former nurse says it is a lot of hard work, my husband thinks the pay is not that great and my sister thinks that there are lots of unpleasant tasks involved. Of all of these, the pay is the only aspect that can seriously deter me from going into the profession. I am doing some research to see what the salary is like. Every state has different ranges. I am in florida and each time I research I get different numbers.

[Myxel67]

My Aunt, a former nurse says it is a lot of hard work, my husband thinks the pay is not that great and my sister thinks that there are lots of unpleasant tasks involved. Of all of these, the pay is the only aspect that can seriously deter me from going into the profession. I am doing some research to see what the salary is like. Every state has different ranges. I am in florida and each time I research I get different numbers.

Nursing is a lot of hard work, but it can be rewarding in many ways. Starting pay is fairly high compared to other professions, but levels off so that many experienced nurses feel they need to leave and go to another employer to get the pay they deserve. Hospital nursing is usually an hourly paid job. There is presssure to make sure your work & documentation is completed within the time of your shift--no one wants to pay overtime to a nurse who can't seem to get the work done in time. Also, there are other areas nurses can work after a few years of experiece. Utilization review nurses and care coordinators don't have to come near those unpleasant tasks.;

I work in FL. Large cities are always going to pay better than small towns.

[carol34]

Thank you.

[felixfelix]

ahem...uhoh...i'm 75% done w/ nursing school, and it IS the worst edu experience...this will be my 3rd degree, too...only because it doesn't have to be this way. 1st semester was freakin' boot camp!

I'm STILL not sure about being a nurse..the more i see, the more I roll my eyes, but one thing I'm sure of is that eventually I'll find my niche. you will too, if you keep your eyes open, and keep questioning...reality. on the other hand, even if you bail, it's great knowledge to have and may come in handy some day. you can't lose, even if you can't win.

[Bugpie]

To Katiti,

Many years ago, I went to nursing school and there were times I wanted to quit when things got tough. I was out of town, homesick and most of my friends were off at college in sororities and having what I considered to be a lot more fun. I was getting up very early, wearing a starched uniform, staffing the hospital and had lots of rules. I studied a lot and some classes were harder than others.

Whenever I told my mom I was thinking of quitting, she would listen and tell me I needed to stay and that I would thank her one day. It has been over 30 years now and I am still a nurse. I have thanked her many times.

I work in a very busy and stressful Emergency Department. I love my job. Sometimes I wonder on stressful days when we are short staffed but at the end of the day, I know I have done something special that many can't do and I thank God for the honor of helping others. To me, nursing is indeed an honor. People share their innermost secrets, their fears, their hopes and dreams with nurses every day. It is an amazing profession and we need more nurses so if you have the fire in you to work hard and give to others, I highly recommend it.

I do lots of other things outside of the hospital and I love what nursing has brought into my life. It helped me to be a better wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. It taught me more about life and about myself than I can describe and it gives me tremendous satisfaction.

To be a nurse is something that is difficult to describe in real terms. It is something that connects you with life in all its glory, wonder, stress and strife. It's not for everyone. It is a profession in great demand. There are many opportunities. You work long hours, holidays, weekends and different shifts, but along the way you find what works for you and you settle in.

Is it hard at times? Yes

Is it worth it? Definitely!

Best wishes on your journey if you decide to follow this path.

:Melody: :Melody: :Melody:

That was music to my ears. Hope it becomes contagious!

:)

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

ahem...uhoh...i'm 75% done w/ nursing school, and it IS the worst edu experience...this will be my 3rd degree, too...only because it doesn't have to be this way. 1st semester was freakin' boot camp!

I'm STILL not sure about being a nurse..the more i see, the more I roll my eyes, but one thing I'm sure of is that eventually I'll find my niche. you will too, if you keep your eyes open, and keep questioning...reality. on the other hand, even if you bail, it's great knowledge to have and may come in handy some day. you can't lose, even if you can't win.

:yeahthat:

[carol34]

Did you make the change? I have been contemplating for a very long time. I still have not made the change. I think I am going to go for it though.

[SydNurse2b]

Hi

I am considering a change too. I am glad to see that there are other people in the same boat as me and understand the same concerns that I have. I do agree with doing what you want to do but it is a scary world out there in the job force. When you are responsible for part of the income of your household and then going to school, plus for me I would be starting out as an older student. It definitely is a tough decision to make but everyone is different and you have to do what is right for you and your family. Good Luck with everything and I hope you find something that makes you happy.