Nursing Student, No stranger to healthcare

[PedsRock]

Hey y'all. I wanted to get some advise from some graduate as well as some long time nurses.

A brief background on myself. I'm 17, finished with all prerequisites for my ADN. Just waiting on my September birthday so I can apply to the actual program. I have been a nurse's aid for 9 months now and love every second of it. My work ethic would best be described as me saying "I don't work to make a living, but I live to work". I got interested in nursing because from the time I was 7 my family was never there for me so I had to be there for myself. I learned early on how to take care of myself and others and I'm so happy I decided to do the same for a career.

I currently work as a nurse's aid in outpatient surgery. I do a lot more than the traditional CNA. I'm often referred to as the "little charge nurse". I practically run the department. It can be stressful at times but everyone tells me that I do an amazing job and that I'll make an amazing nurse. So I'm confident, completely comfortable, but never cocky or conceded in the hospital environment.

So here's where I'm looking for advise/opinions for all of you;

1) My two favorite specialties are ER/Trauma (give me some blood and guts) and anything having to do with pediatrics. I really want to work peds but the pay isn't as great. I'm not looking to make a killing but would like to be comfortable after a few years. So my idea is as follows; graduate, apply and possibly get hired working ER/Trauma, get settled, apply and possibly get hired working as a PRN RN at the children's hospital where I live.

2) What are some things y'all like to do outside of the hospital? I have a few hobbies but I find myself choosing to go into work extra over social or outdoor activities that I enjoy.

Would love to here feedback on both the above topics.

-Michael

[Annaiya, NP]

In my area pediatrics pays better than adults on average. Get a job in a level 1 trauma pediatric ED and you'll be set. If pay and setting is really important to you then be willing to move to where ever the best job is. You will be more than comfortable pay-wise. To get the best jobs focus on getting extremely good grades in school, also plan on getting your RN to BSN right away, because having an ADN can make it harder to get the best jobs. Work in an ED for 5 years, in the meantime get your BSN, then go back to school and get your DNP in acute care and work as a trauma nurse practitioner.

There, now your 10 year plan is set, so you can go out and find some fun hobbies:D