Please Help Me Choose My Nursing Path!!!!

neurorn6 · Sep 16, 2008

Nursing has the potential, in just about any speciality, to offer must of what you have on your list. Money, well that's hard to say. Every region of the country offers different pay scales. I'm kind of old school, in that, I believe that med/surg offers you the opportunity to find what field of nursing best fits you. I know that others will disagree with me and that's ok, for me personally it was where I learned and grew. I allowed me to not only figure how what I liked about nursing, ER and ICU, Neuro, and Cardiac but also what I didn't, Ortho, Ped and L&D.

It helped me grow and discover my strengths and weakness. Anyway, I don't know if this helps, but I wish you much luck and good fortune.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2008

Medical Dreams,

My 2cents... if you get your ADN or BSN in order to be a Registered Nurse you are then able to practice and meet all of your requirements. During this time you will get more exposure to NP and PAs and continue to see which field you prefer and develop the basic skills necessary - and take any additional pre-reqs as needed... and thus be able to advance into that field at a later date... this is also nice as it allows you to focus on the RN and the 'now'.

good luck.

also google physician assistan forum - and go to the physicianassistant forum to see a 'flip' side to the NP vs PA perspective then you typically find here.. either way I wouldn't stress to much now - and focus on being a good RN...

I've made that decision and am hoping to be an RN -

MedicalDreams · Sep 16, 2008

Thanks..but it's just hard for me not having a DEFINITE plan beyond RN.

I was thinking of coming a CRNA for a while, but after much research I do not think it is for me..

I really just want to pick something and go towards that while I can!

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 16, 2008

There is no way of knowing which specialties will appeal to you and "fit" with your particular talents etc. until you actually experience them. New nurses are often surprised at what suits them. It's not always what they thought it would be when they entered school.

icyounurse, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2008

There is no way of knowing which specialties will appeal to you and "fit" with your particular talents etc. until you actually experience them. New nurses are often surprised at what suits them. It's not always what they thought it would be when they entered school.

So true. I was absolutely convinced that I wanted to do pedicatrics, and then I did my peds rotation and........HATED it. I actually found that :eek: I actually love geriatrics alot more:)

I would work on the RN and then figure it out while you are working. Completing an RN program is very trying and challenging for many and you may simply be thinking too far ahead.

As to the PA vs. NP route, I also had to make that decision and went with NP because after BSN and 2 years+ experience you can go right into NP school. To do PA in my area you have to go back and take more undergraduate courses, to get into PA school you essentially need a pre-med degree and most BSN programs will not fullfill the requirements. Also, found that the advisors for PA school are not generally impressed with nurses. I was told that I would have to take a medical terminology course?? I was like, umm well I an RN, and they were like, sooo?? :rolleyes:

just_cause, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2008

Medical Dreams, the bad news is there are multiple routes after becoming an RN and gaining experience... NP, PA, CRNA, MH, PHD..etc.

The good news is the paths are open to you - and a definate path may be great now..but things change - desires, goals, lifestyle, job market - and this leaves flexibility in your plan which is a good thing.

PA does not always require 'pre-med' requirements... for example University of Washington - a fine PA program and one of the original PA programs... requires A&P1-2 and experience... you will find a variance of PA class requirements and experience requirements based on your geographical area. Typical requirements include: a pscyh class, an organic chem class, an inorganic chem class, biology (sometimes multiple classes), - then some include stats, med term, additional chem, additional pscyh - etc. However I would just keep that in mind as if it does become a goal later on - it's definately doable to take a class or two depending on what programs in your interest or area require... :)

mpccrn, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2008

sounds like you're an epi junkie........icu or er. there's never a dull moment in an icu. ongoing learning is essential. :smokin:an er has some down time with just minor injuries on occassion.

MedicalDreams · Sep 16, 2008

Thanks everyone! I guess after getting my RN licence and working at a hospital, I will figure out which direction I should go in.

PS: WHAT IS AN EPI?! :uhoh21:

just_cause, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2008

Epinephrine aka adrenaline

nicumom · Sep 16, 2008

I agree that you should work as an RN firs and then choose

I though before I went into nursing school that I wanted to be a neonatal NP. Now, after a neonatal RN for 2 years I realized that it isnt for me, and I like the direct patient contact better v. writing orders and getting lines in. I realize now that I want to choose an educaton path. Nursing is a great field in that you can really do anything. When you are in clinicals you may see what field appeals to you...work in that field for awhile and then look for your path. Good luck