bettywolfe

Volunteering is an excellent way to find out where your interest truly are. Don't limit yourself, try out both. You will find a different experience in each setting and the contrast may give you more experience and information for future decisions.

I have read through the entire thread and see valid points on all sides. As a staff development coordinator in an LTC, I can attest to an actual nursing shortage in LTC's and in Western Colorado (The Western Slope). For all the reasons that have been listed, I believe it will continue. I have been in nursing for 40 years and have never seen such a glut of nurses that it was not possible to find a job, or several jobs for that matter. Sometimes the hours are long, and the pay a little less than you might hope for, but all in all it has been, for me, worthwile. If it is possible, I would look for other schooling possibilities that will shorten the lead time to get into a program. Good Luck in your endeavors. Just as Virginia was assured there is a Santa Clause, let me assure you that there will be jobs for you when you graduate.