Nursing or OTA

[CountryGirl79]

Hello! I'm going to the local community college next week to meet with an adviser to make sure I am on the right path, have ideal expectations, etc. I've been a stay at home mom for the past 12 years and I want to start working part-time. Ideally, I just want to work 1 or 2 shifts a week. Will that be even possible when I become a nurse? What kind of pay can I expect? From what I've seen, I was thinking $20/hour.

I went to college immediately after high school and completed everything except I need 1 semester of classes and my internship to be done. I was going for a bachelor's in social work. I have conflicted feelings about getting an AA instead of finishing my bachelors but I don't know if social work is right for me anymore due to extremely low pay and I don't think I will be able to turn it off emotionally when I have clients that are hurting deeply, etc.

My pre-mothering work experience includes working as a NA in a retirement home (which I LOVED!) and also working in a group home for MRDD adults. I know I want to work in the helping field and I think I've narrowed it down to either RN or Occupational Therapy Assistant. I always say I'd love to be a nurse except for the blood and guts aspect - is that even possible? The helping, caring and nurturing aspects are what I really appreciate about nursing. In addition, I think it'd be easier to find a nursing job than OTA. This time around I want to be strategic about what major I choose.

My last question - is having an AA in nursing going to be enough? I've read a bit about this online and wasn't sure if I would really need to get a BSN to find a job. I've seen a ton of job listings for RNs and it doesn't specify whether that means AA or bachelors degree.

Sorry this post is so rambling.

[nyteshade, BSN]

Depends on what you feel will offer the most flexibility, I say that because I'm a nurse that has worked with many PT/OT/ST's and PTAs, OTAs. I can't comment on what their workload is like, but their hours are great! They typically work 8a-4p M-F maybe some weekends/holidays and no call. In nursing however, it's mainly 12 hours shifts, nights/weekends/holidays/possibly get called off then back in. Also, new grads in nursing are having tough times finding jobs. Maybe research the job outlook for OTA?

Maybe we have a therapist on the boards that can chime in?

[CountryGirl79]

Thank you for the reply.I'm in Cincinnati. What do you think is the best way to determine whether I can get a job fresh out of school?

[nyteshade, BSN]

Honestly, no one can answer that. It appears major cities around the country are saturated with new grad nurses right now. I don't want to discourage you, and maybe the outlook will change in the next 4 years. Best advice: make contacts in school.

[jefvt71]

I was wondering if OTA's need the level of "Critical Thinking' that say an LPN needs? If there is a difference on a scale of 1-100 with a 100 being a heart surgeon. Where would they be if there is any difference from one another?

[jefvt71]

Any input would help nyteshade:

I was wondering if OTA's need the level of "Critical Thinking' that say an LPN needs? If there is a difference on a scale of 1-100 with a 100 being a heart surgeon. Where would they be if there is any difference from one another?

[gpc_412]

I know this is late, but it depends on the OTA Program. I am still in the process of going into either nursing or occupational therapy and currently getting my CNA and working in the heath care field that would work with either profession.

I don't think OTAs need the same Critical Thinking level as an LPN or RN. Although they are extremely helpful, they usually have a plan with a patient and continually track progress of the patient. If you decide to become an OT, you would need something closer to an LPN or Rn. An LPN can work in a number of setting and have to deal with more direct care that can vary from day to day or workplace to workplace, while a COTA would work in a number of different types of REHAB or mental care facilities.

So to answer your question(s), they would both need to utilize Critical Thinking but an LPN would need to have a great spectrum as they have a more varied profession. This is what I have accessed from working with both LPNs and COTA/OTs.