NumberCruncher

Hi Suzanne, Particularly how's the environment, the stress, the duties, the pay. I've read so many things about nursing ... horrible stories. But then, I hear some Pinays say that their jobs are no-brainers or something. Like they are earning so much for doing so little. Then I thought how come there are few Americans who go into nursing if that were the case. I am confused.

Hey thanks. I'm still trying to find my way here. I am a newbie. Thanks again.

Im glad to have found this forum. I am not from the nursing field but I am contemplating on jumping in the bandwagon. I mean, nurses are so in demand globally. And the pay? Very good. However, I have been working for 12 years already and my specialty is finance. I am currently a manager in a big insurance company and if I stay here, I am sure to make it to VP position in about 10 years time or less My post is prestigious given the proximity with the CEO and I have plenty of opportunities to show off and shine. On an average 8-hour work day, I do solid work for 4 hours and 4 hours goofing (net surfing, eating, phone calls, personal stuff). I am not earning so much compared to nurses in the US but I get by. Meaning, I can assist my family and have enough to finance my whims. Not really luxurious living but just enough. I don't have savings and basically count on my gratuity after retirement. I don't have any major debt except for my car (still 6 years in amortization of about $600 a month) Next year, I can apply for a housing loan and mind you, I can buy a huge house with the amount I am eligible to loan. Payment terms is for 25 years. I am sure I can fast forward everything if I go into nursing. But, I wouldnt want too much stress. I started working for a consulting company and by the end of my 7th year, I was close to consulting a psychiatrist due to burn out. With all the nurses stories I hear, I'd get a burn out long before my 1st year anniversary as nurse. I guess I have to forego the big bucks for a more convenient life, huh? It's just that with all the buzz about nursing and with doctors shifting to nursing as second course, I am really thinking about giving it a try. I dunno. Maybe I'd stick with status quo and go the slow but sure way. Or take nursing, and just enjoy the ride. Uh oh. More power to nurses. :)

I would like to get insights from Pinay nurses who work as nurses. How is it like? I would appreciate your responses. Thanks.

Hey, so far this is the best thing I've read. You are right, it all boils down to choices. Hospitals make their own, you make yours. So, why blame the universe for the burn out. Nice one!

I know its kindda cold-blooded to shift to nursing for the money but that is reality for me. I am sure the stress-level in my job doesnt compare with the stress-level of nurses. They should be earning so much for that ton of stress. I have the option to take the Chartered Financial Analyst but as I've said the nursing field is lucrative. Although, I am sure I dont have the real calling. Thanks for responding.

True to my monicker, I love numbers and I work with numbers. I had been an actuarial consultant for 7 years then an investment analyst for 4 years. I am now working as a strategic planner. While pay is good, I am tempted to try nursing because that would pay more. To be perfectly honest, I am squeamish about a lot of things (puke, poop and the like). But I can work on that. People in my country are going ga-ga about nursing. It is indeed the passport to the land of milk and honey. In fact, one of my Mom's friend got hired somewhere in the East Coast. I am so damn green with envy when I learned that her friend earns about 2.5Million (in my country's currency) a year. That would be my salary for about 3 years or so. Recently, I've been looking at switching to nursing and take advantage of the shortage in nurses not just in the US but also in other parts of the globe as well. But, I have come across so many horrid stories in the net about nursing jobs that scared the hell out of me. I mean I can surely get over my "squeamishness" about stuff but to be in constant stress -- as I have read, gives me second thoughts. Please help. Should I switch or not?