Nursing or Occupational Therapy

[amanda217]

Hello, I've been having a dilemma lately about which health care career I should pursue. I recently have been accepted to an occupational therapy program and I was happy at first, but I can't stop thinking if nursing would be a better fit for me. I really want a profession that will allow me to help others, make a difference in their life, and continue learning throughout my career. I feel like both professions would allow me to do this, but I'm not sure which one would make me happier. I'm 25 years old and I don't want to disappoint my parents by not going to graduate school, but I'm not 100 percent sure if occupational therapy is the right career for me. I still have to take another year and a half of pre-requisites for nursing and the TEAS test, so it would prolong my schooling even more and I fear I won't get into a program my first try since it's very competitive, but regardless I would keep trying. I'm not sure what I should do. Any advice you could offer me would be appreciated.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

One big difference I can think of is that OTs see many pts every day and may only spend 15-30 mins with them.

While a nurse has fewer pts but sees after all facets of care--meds, ADLs, treatments, assures that OT, ST and PT and MD orders are carried out and adhered to, etc.

OTs may work in schools, in pts homes as well as in hospitals. I suppose this is true of nurses, too.

I've known school district employed OTs and STs and PTs to work school or business hours.

However, school nurses work these hours as well if employed by school districts / county office of education.

When I think about it more, I think OTs always work business hrs, no NOCs, perhaps do work weekends.

Nurses have a greater likelihood of working odd hours.

OTs require an advanced degree, (Masters) I think. While a job in nursing can be had after an ADN or BSN.