Nursing VS Teaching OR...?

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Hello!

I'm conflicted about going into Teaching or Nursing. I have a BA in Science of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. I haven't had personal experience in either field yet, but want a "stable" job that is related to science and involves helping others. My biggest concern is going into a field that is in demand, I can't relocate and having a good work/personal life balance. If I go into teaching, I would do Science middle or high school. I'm just hesitant about the heavy workload that is taken home with you. Nursing appeals to me, but I'm worried of the physical/mental exhaustion. I want to have a career, but also have enough energy to have a personal life (family, etc).

Thank you for any advice/input!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

No one can make the decision for you, of course. But may I ask WHY you have no experience in your degree field?

Jobs are few and far between for newly graduated nurses. In some states, new grads average over a year before finding a job as an RN.

You express concern for both potential fields regarding having to work hard. This is troubling...

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I do have some experience in my degree field, 3 months of lab work, sadly with the graduation/moving away that opportunity was closed. I'm limited with transportation at the moment, and most wildlife opportunities are far from where I currently live.

My concern is not with the "hard work" I enjoy a job where I can give it my all, and feel like I helped/or it was of value. I don't mean to come across as afraid of working hard, I'm concerned with having a balance between work and home.

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If you can get a teaching certificate I'd say go for teaching. To start a nursing education sounds like it would be quite a challenge to accomplish- unless you ARE a nurse, but your post is vague. And if you haven't been watching, nursing jobs are elusive.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Health care is NOT stable right now. The effects of the Accountable Care Act (ACA) are just beginning.... hospital jobs are declining due to loss of reimbursement and there is much worse to come. Since you can't relocate, I strongly advise you to analyze the employment situation in your area. Are new graduate nurses actually getting jobs? If so, in what type of setting (hospital, long term care, clinic?)?? Will you have to have a BSN?

Nursing in most settings is a 24X7 job. Many hospitals only offer 12 hour shifts. We work nights, weekends and holidays. Schedules are not flexible. In most organizations, it is not possible to take > 1 week of vacation at a time. This is the reality. Will this 'work' with your personal and family life? Only you can make that call.

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