OT vs Nursing Help?!

[StephanieFaust]

[COLOR=#000000]Hey Guys! I just completed my freshman year at Villanova and need to decide this summer between a 5 year OT program with Thomas Jefferson or getting my BSN at Villanova.[/COLOR]

If if I was a nurse, I would only be happy in pediatrics, labor and delivery, and NICU. I want to end up in the NICU eventually but know this is competitive-however I shadowed here and fell in love. This is my dream job and it seems like a few new grads from nova got into nicu right away according to the statistics on the webpage. I am just terrified of not being able to fine ANY nursing job as a new nurse! 99% of the class of 2014 is working now but still... Nursing appeals to me because it is so exciting and I can move up to get my MSN. I am just nervous that I would only be happy in a few specialties. Where I am from, average RN salary is $78,000 and MSN salary is $115,000. These are average and obviously wouldn't make this starting out. How stressful is nursing really? Is it hard to have a family with?

As an OT, my dream would be to get in the nicu, but I know that it is super competitive. OT appeals to me because it is working with people and low stress compared to nursing, and it is very easy to find a job as a new grad. I am just worried that I would get bored as I'm pretty type A and like excitment. In my area the average Ot salary is $89,000 so more than an RN but less than an NP.

Nursing would be better because I have to pay for a year less of college, so I save a lot of money especially since I am on financial aid here so it is much cheaper than jefferson. I also want to work part time when I have kids if that matters. HELP- WHICH DO I CHOOSE?! Thank you I'm so confused.

[nursemaple2]

I wouldn't base my decision, or even consider, the extra year of school as part of the equation. That year is nothing over a whole career.

I don't know you so can't say what would work best for you. I can only tell you I got into both programs many years ago and stayed with nursing. Over 25 years I been in numerous roles from ICU bedside to administration to educator. Nursing has provided so many opportunities. But it is a tougher market now. Nursing is also very stressful, too stressful. Gotta say, I'd lean to OT.