Please help me decide!!

[southernbelle22]

ok.. i am 22 and have been fighting w/ the decision to be a nurse. i can get my lpn in 2 years b/c i have to go part time b/c i have to work a full time job. i'm going back and forth between nursing and cosmetology. not that cosmetology isn't a worthy job, but my #1 goal is to do something meaningful with my life. i want to look back on my life and be glad that i helped others, but there are two things holding me back. first, i never did very well in school and fear i won't pass, and second...i have heard lots of stories that lpn's clean up people all day, and give enema's.please help me!!! they have to do other things too!!!

[sassiebaz]

I have been going back and forth as well. I am 90% decided to go forward with my LPN. Let me tell you, I once considered cosmo. as well. But, the fact of the matter is, you are on your feet all day, if you want to make money you have to work weekends and evenings...there really isnt any question about that. You get carpal tunnel and wrist problems faster than you ever will as a nurse. Yes, the environment seems fun but, you pay your own taxes and I dont believe the longevity is there. not to mention you could always go on and get you RN and make even more money. I made some phone calls to the directors of nursing at several different facliities that employ LPN's. They were very encouraging and said although you will have those days where the work is less than glamorous, you have those days that you know you have made a huge impact on someones life. He also said there are so many different opportunities for people that only want part time or over time. I had to do more research for myself so I could feel comfortable with my own decision. It's tough, I know. talk to several different people in each field and ask alot of question. Either way, follow your heart.

[kat7ap]

Nursing is not a glamorous job and there will be times that you have to do "unpleasant" things like cleaning people up and performing enemas but it's not all you do all day long. You do have to deal with bodily fluids, but to be honest it's really not that bad. You get used to it. However it's not for everyone.

Before you get started I'd suggest job shadowing an LPN or get your CNA certification so you can know if it's what you want to do. I'd also do the same with a cosmetologist too if you can. Ask them questions about salary and job satisfaction. You can find multiple posts on this board about real LPN's salaries all over the country.