Nursing major *HELP*

[Aaronsmiiith]

So I am currently getting ready to enroll into another year of nursing school I have just under 30 credit hours. I am chasing to obtain my ADN (Associates) it is a very cut throat program around here. I have spoken to several nurses and they told me to stay far away from the field, especially how things are going (No clue what that means). I had one say the politics are bad, I had another say I would not be able to support a family on their salary. My second option would be to become a police officer I have always wanted to since I was a kid. But the pay as an officer is minimal, and it is a dangerous job. I basically have no idea which route to take, and I'm trying to get guidance. I am 22 years old and have prolonged this process long enough. I want to make sure I am making the right choice, and right now I am stuck. Is nursing worth it? Is the pay not really as good as they say? Are the politics in the hospital that bad? Are benefits as good as government benefits i.e. Police officer? Is the room for advancement good like being an officer? I am sorry for all the questions, but I am very lost. I would appreciate any feedback and advice. I just want to make a difference and help people. That is my calling.

[Sour Lemon]

Nursing had been good to me, but everybody has different values and expectations. I will say that people who feel "called" seem to be unhappy in greater numbers, especially as new graduates. Healthcare is big business, first and foremost. People with romantic ideas about what nursing is often find themselves disappointed.

[cleback]

We always want to see people starting out do better than we did. Nursing is OK but far from perfect. The pay also varies on geographic location. If I worked full time, I could gross $74k, which is decent to provide a small family on.... that's also probably the most I'll earn as am rn, adjusted for inflation. As long as you are realistic about work choices, including geographic location, you will be ok... not rich but ok.

[Aliens05, ASN]

As a new nurse I am probably far from the ideal person to speak on this but I will give you my 2 cents from what I do know.

Nursing can and does pay pretty well overall, but good pay is subjective. For me it is good pay in comparison to anything else I could have done. As a brand new nurse I am making in the range of 26-29 an hour which almost doubled my previous pay. I know that once you get relevant experience you have the POSSIBILITY of doing travel nursing for major money in the range of 2k per week or more at times. Then there is always the option of advancing to masters which has the potential to get you over 100k depending on where you work.

As far as police officer jobs yes those are dangerous jobs, really no matter where you live or work. I see policeman and sherrifs that are pretty dang well off, but of course thats after working your way up the latter. From what I have came across the starting pay for police and starting pay for nursing is actually about the same. What you make or where you go from there all determines how you work your way up or what types of positions you are interested in (i.e traveling).

Good luck with whichever you decide.

[Aaronsmiiith]

I appreciate all of your feedback. I'm just at a crossroad because I want to be able to support a family, and be comfortable. Obviously not rich by any means, but I want to be able to only work 1 job. Both jobs I feel like are VERY rewarding, and everyday would be different. I just want to make sure I'm making the right choice with my life.

[brownbook]

A journalist interviewed "rich" people about their finances. No matter their life style they did not consider themselves rich, and professed financial worries. Always pointing out someone who was "really rich" compared to them.

Within reason it really doesn't matter what your income is. Live within your budget and realize no matter how rich you are there will always be something to worry about financially.

Money is not the secret to a happy life.