ArtisticAthlete

BUMP! I'd like to know the answer to this, too. Any takers??

Great info. Thanks! I know. I'm really bad at that. I guess I'm going overboard w/ asking a bunch of questions before I make a decision b/c I've already been in a healthcare program and I didn't ask these questions before I got there...and, as a result, I ended up not liking it and had to leave/change careers. A definite waste of money/time and I don't want to go through that again. I've been scarred. Lol. So now, I'm focused on the future and I feel like I need to cross all of my I's and T's before choosing another career. :typing But, you're right...I need to live in the present!

With the current job market, isn't it really hard for a new grad to get any job? I think I've seen a couple of threads (I need to read some more; I just skimmed through them) where a lot of new grads were complaining about the lack of jobs available... I'd be looking for a job in about 2 years but I was just wondering how hard it would be, to find a job, and if it would be a smart move on my part to become a nurse. I don't want to go through school then not be able to find a job b/c I'm a new grad w/ no experience. What do you guys think about this issue?

Hi, I'm thinking about doing a 1yr accelerated BSN program and was wondering how hard it would be for a new grad to get a job in the NICU? Is this an area that's pretty much impossible to get into w/o a couple of years experience? If so, what should be the steps a new grad should take in they wanted to work in the NICU? Thanks!

:chuckle That bad, huh?

So, it's abnormal for that to be annoying ("whining adults patients") in my eyes? Most people don't care about that? If so, I guess you're right...I have some soul searching to do.

I've worked in healthcare before (not nursing) and I just prefer pediatric patients. Adult patients seem to whine and complain while kids, they may whine and complain but it's acceptable, in my eyes, because they are children. Adults who aren't compliant and whine, complain, etc. are hard for me to deal with. I just don't understand it. So, therefore, I prefer to work with kids. I just have a natural connection with kids; always have. About doing adult nursing in clinicals, yeah, I thought about that. I guess I'm still deciding. If nursing ends up something I REALLY want to do then yes, I will put up with it and keep my eye on the prize. As of now, I"m still deciding so who knows.

I agree. Different strokes for different folks. One would think a nurse should be super compassionate and loving but the reality is, most nurses I've met (or know...including friends) have an "attitude" so I'm sure I'd fit right in...if this is the career I choose. :chuckle Now, I know there are nurses who don't have an attitude (so don't tell me I'm generalizing)...I'm just saying I've never come across any. Well...one. She's the sweetest person I've ever met but everyone else seems to have a 'tude. But, to each their own. As long as you get the job done it doesn't matter.

QUESTION: After reading through all of these responses, I've come to the conclusion that all of you guys are talking about "Floor Nursing", right? Are other areas of nursing as stressful? I remember a couple of my nursing friends saying, "I hate floor nursing! I'll never do it again." Now, I can understand why they said that. But, if you're working in a hospital, isn't floor nursing the only thing that's available? If not, where else can you work, in a hospital, that's not considered floor nursing? Is it hard to get a job, as a nurse, in a private practice? That would be more up my alley but I'm assuming a lot of people would want to work in a PP so competition may be stiff - along w/ limited availability?

Oh, I get it. I got it after post #5 by ohmeowzerRN. After I read that post, I thought, "Phew! No wonder nurses always say they're overworked and underpaid." That's a lot of stuff you guys have to do/deal with in a 12hr shift so yes, I see why you guys are exhausted. From a spectators view, it looks like you guys get a good salary, which you do, but yeah, I'd have to say that with all the stuff you guys have to put up with, and do, you definitely deserve to get paid more. Also, I now understand why nurses say "This job isn't easy! It's a calling." So yeah, I get it. Definitely.

Hi, Thank you for your post and no, I don't think it was offensive; you made some good points. Maybe the healthcare profession really isn't for me (like some of my friends have told me Lol), but I like science/healthcare (especially disease and the human body) and that's just an avenue I thought I'd always pursue. Hm...maybe I should consider research? We'll see...

"Do NOT tell a nurse to..."...really? Are you serious? :chuckle I'm sorry but that's pretty hilarious. You just reminded me of a Kindergarten teacher yelling at her student for trying to eat glue or something. Ex) "Do NOT put that in your mouth!" Anyway, we've gotten over the mix up; see above post. Oh, and you may be correct about my future bedside manner. Not that I think I'm rude but I'd be lying if I didn't say I've heard that before ("...RN/NP, PA or MD may not be for you."). Lol. Perhaps I have something to think about...

Very, very true. I can understand where you are coming from. I'm really dramatic (i.e. saying "sooooooo" or "reeeaally!?") and speak like this in my daily life (perhaps I should be an actress? :chuckle). But yeah, I can see how it may come across as one being sarcastic or negative (on a forum)...especially over a sensitive issue as such.

Well I guess you're missing one of your senses. No troll...truthful thoughts. I just have a blunt way of asking questions; no need to beat around the bush. That's what I was thinking and wanted to get some answers. Answers...I definitely got so now I totally understand. Nothing more to it...

Ok...you guys have given me great insight so yeah, I understand now. Thanks for the info! And, just a little fyi - KUDOS TO NURSES!!! I kind of got tired just imagining doing all of that stuff. Haha.