nursing for financial independence

wsuRN09 · Jul 1, 2010

If you really like to teach, nursing might be a good option for you. Nurses do a lot of teaching and there are always new things to learn. I have heard that nurses never really quit learning and I have only been working 3 months now, but I believe it. Plus, if you're really indecisive there are so many things you can do with a nursing degree whether it's bedside nursing, becoming an instructor and even politics... not my personal favorite but some people like.

Anyway, I really think the math in nursing is blown way out of proportion. Really it's a lot of pretty basic stuff, algebra mostly. All I have is a little $2 calculator that only does +-/ and x and have never needed anything more. I think maybe because the math we do is normally involved with medication dosages and that can be intimidating. I took calculus before I switched to nursing and found out I had wasted my time because the class didn't even count towards my degree. Heck, I didn't even need pre-calculus in highschool, could have stopped after trig.

As far as money goes, you can be financially independent and maybe more so depending on where you are and what area of nursing you go into. Generally you make more in the hospital than home health for instance. Anyway, hope that helps a bit, good luck :nurse:

roser13, ASN, RN · Jul 1, 2010

I'm hearing you say that you're interested in nursing for 3 reasons:

1) Financial independence

2) Job security

3) Lack of better ideas

Personally, I don't believe that a nursing career is for you. Yes, you can teach, but only after you do. If you don't go into nursing because you're drawn to the various aspects of the career, I doubt that you'll be happy.

Then there's the fact that #1 is relative (what's lucrative to someone else might be peanuts to you) and that #2 is widely variable, depending on the economic times, geographical region, etc. And #3 is really not a good reason for selecting anything, except maybe dinner.

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2010

The math part of nursing is very basic that a lot of people who worry about the math worry about it because they are just not mathematically inclined.

Those are the types of people who are great with people, but require math proficiency skills classes. Some never get it; and frankly, if you can't, you can't be a nurse. It is basic, basic, basic.

As far as you "skimming" through life (sounds like you're a gifted individual who might be easily distracted) I'd look into figuring out WHY focus is an issue--Adult ADD?

Good luck...don't make nursing something to "settle" for. You will ultimately be unhappy.

whodatnurse · Jul 1, 2010

Honestly, if you want a career where your 'chances of getting a job will be easier'...unless you can wait until 2018 (which is the year frequently cited as when all of a sudden a million new nurses will be needed)...I think your risk for disappointment is moderate rather than low. Many new grads from May 2009 and later have been unable to secure jobs.

It's rough figuring out what you might want to 'do' with your life. Everyone goes through it. There are no guarantees with any job anymore as far as job security (except maybe mortuary science) and earnings. You might want to try parlaying the interests in ethnic studies / social work / teaching into an entry-level job in human services. You'll gain work experience and potential exposure to people with jobs that might get you interested in similar career paths.

Think hard about taking on school debt beyond college unless you have at least medium-high confidence that it's a step towards taking you somewhere you think you really want to go. I can't tell you how many lawyers I know who hate law, and now feel 'stuck' there because of the years it'll take to repay their loans (law school has always been a haven for folks who like school who weren't sure where to go 'next'.)

iPink, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2010

In some ways you remind me of me. Back in high school I was sure I wanted to be a nurse. However, when I entered college, I switched my major eight different times. I began to worry that I was going to grow old in college and needed to pick a major and stick to it. So I did. Fast forward four years later and I'm back in school as a career changer to become a nurse, as originally desired.

Now, IMO, nursing doesn't seem like your passion. I'm an advocate of pursuing your passion. I've heard people leaving their high powered office jobs making 150k a year to purse teaching. Some may look at them crazy, but that's what passion does to you. And now they are happier in their jobs. Your current love is teaching,so pursue that!

Ask yourself this, would you want a job that helps you financially but hate getting out of bed to go to it? Or would you want a job where you wake up in the middle of the night because you just can't wait to start your day?

Playing devil's advocate, I have a cousin who went into nursing for financial reasons only. It was money first, then learn to love the job later. She became a CRNA making 200k a year in NYC. Her reasons for pursuing it was she was poor, sleeping on the floor of a 1 bedroom apartment with no food to eat. Her current situation at the time drove her to nursing and especially to that specialty. She now lives in a custom built home and drives a luxury car. Money is no object for her.

The decision is yours and hope its the right one. Good luck.

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 1, 2010

I firmly believe financial security has much less to do with the earning potential of your job and much more to do with your ability to live below your means and save your money, no matter what you earn. In that vein, do something you'll like!

pielęgniarka, RN · Jul 1, 2010

SO my question is, AM i crazy for going into this because i want financial independence? especially if i don't have ANY OTHER OPTION, like i have too many. IT's between social work (i can handle the schooling, but no interest) or nursing (financial independence/career option, but schooling hard) i don't know what i'm talking about anymore, sorry for just talking too much.I just haven't been sleeping, i'm so stressed out. Please, I would love to hear your thoughts on what you guys think, ANYTHING. thanks so much

I think you should go for it! I didn't know I'd really enjoy nursing when I got into school. I pursued it mainly because I like science, knew it paid better than some other jobs and because there are so many options in nursing. If I didn't like one area, I knew I could try another one (just look under the specialty tab). Granted there are people having a hard time finding a job right now but if I was in your shoes I'd give it a try. Man... and please don't stress the math! There are a few basic formulas for dosage calculations and once you practice them & know them, no worries. I work with social workers on a daily basis (no desire from me to have that job but...), there are opportunities for teaching in both nursing and social work.

whodatnurse · Jul 1, 2010

You might really enjoy teaching ESL, given your collection of interests. People in those classes speak every language you can imagine (and no...YOU don't need to know any of them yourself). There always seems to be a demand for these particular teachers at every level and in every context (public schools, community colleges, adult education). You could probably get a volunteer position with a church very easily to try it out / begin building a resume. You could also look into teaching English abroad...you might turn up something very interesting!

BackfromRetirement · Jul 1, 2010

Nursing is not just academics and a few skills. It's an Art form. We Practice nursing to make it better for all. There are so many painful encounters that if you are not driven with desire, bad situations will drive you away. Surely you have read how nurses have been mistreated and had there very souls beaten up. Inner commitment is required to weather the mine-field out here. Nursing requires that you open your heart, therefore vulnerable to a dysfunctional system to break it. Job security? Somewhat. There are always some professions whom are working when the economy goes south but as you should be aware of by now, most new grads are having trouble finding jobs. No service-oriented trade/skill is recession-proof everywhere.

elizabeth321 · Jul 1, 2010

Didn't read other replies....I am pretty sure if you were in premed your math and science skills should be adequate for nursing

If I was you I would figure out what you are passionate about.....it is hard enough when you are crazy about the idea of nursing....if not so sure....I wouldn't recommend it.

Remember you don't have to get all things from work....try to get some balance in all areas of your life.

As far as a career goes....you should talk to post secondary counsellors

gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN · Jul 1, 2010

Don't have ANY OTHER OPTION, like i have too many. IT's between social work (i can handle the schooling, but no interest) or nursing (financial independence/career option, but schooling hard)

Please, do not go into Nursing if you are choosing it for financial or career options due to job options. Being a Nurse is not a job, a career choise. It is a calling, a need so deep down in the depths of your being that you can't resist. This need is what will carry you thru the bad days and be emboldened by the good days. I have worked with many nurses who chose Nursing for the reasons you stated, none were happy with thier jobs. Unfortunately it shows to other Nurses, CNA's and patients & thier families. At a time in thier lives when patients need the most caring & compassionate people around them, to be stuck with someone who's just in it for the pay is a real shame. I have also worked with many Nurses who felt the calling and continue to feel it. They are the ones who help more than just the physical body heal, they also raise the spirits, support the emotions, give hope when all seems lost. I continue to strive to be the Nurse my patient's need, not the one I think they do.

Good Luck in finding your path.