Nursing or Teaching?

[alexisjade]

I'm 17 years old and i'm in my senior year of high school. I'm having a lot of trouble deciding between pursuing a career in nursing or a special education teacher. I love putting other people before me and I have a passion for helping others. I can see myself enjoying both careers but I can't decide which one I'd enjoy the most . Nursing sounds appealing to me because I want a job that will keep me active and won't be the same everyday. I also love the schedule of nurses. I'm worried if I become a special education teacher I'd hate working the same hours 5 days a week. Nursing also sounds like a good fit for me because i'm a very caring person and I love people. But I also love helping people with special needs, I have many friends at school that are in special education and they will always have a special place in my heart. I'm very indecisive and I know it's my decision to make but i'd really appreciate any advice anyone has to offer. Thank You :)!

[Agatha12]

While working on my nursing degree I was a volunteer for special needs kids and I loved it. Sometimes I think that I would like to have another qualifications for special need teaching but somehow cant get myself motivated to do it. I think its better to go for nursing degree. It will open up so many options for you to specialise in including working with special needs people. You can always do extra courses just dont become lazy like me :)

[Julius Seizure]

My advice is to try to shadow someone in each profession. Spend a day with them. See all of the ins and outs of what they really do and then decide which you believe is the right path for you.

And when you do this, try to take some time to ask them the hard questions.

Things like:

JOB STABILITY

Was it hard to find a job?

Do you worry about finding a new job if you get laid off?

Do you worry about job availability if you had to move to a new state/area?

FINANCIAL STABILITY

What is an average salary, for a new grad and/or experienced teacher/nurse?

Is it hard making ends meet?

Do you have to work extra shifts (nurses) or get a second job in the summer (teachers)?

Do you worry about being able to retire?

JOB SATISFACTION

Do you feel like you have "job satisfaction"?

What are the best and worst things about this job?

Do you feel like there are opportunities to advance in your career?

How is the work/life balance?

If your child said that they wanted to go into this field, would you be happy about that? Would you encourage them or discourage them from entering this field?

Do you have any regrets?

If you could do it over again, would you still choose teaching/nursing?

[Libby1987]

None of the above.

My daughter is in an SLP program. Healthcare/kids blend. She'll always be able support herself in a variety of settings and even positions outside of the school setting are family friendly.

I don't know where you reside but there's a serious shortage of SLPs in CA so a great job market for grads.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

I would look at other health professions, such as physical therapy, occupational and as mentioned above, speech & language.