cancergirl

Thank You all for you reponses!! I love hearing about all your prior experiences and any advice you have to offer... :)

Background: I'm 27 years old w/ a 3 year old son. I have a BA in Pysch (2000) and just this fall I started the Masters in Social Work program part-time. The program is 3 &1/2 years so I still have a longs ways to go, and after my first semester I'm already having reservations. It really really bothers me that social workers historically are underpaid and have a high burn out rate (I guess some feel the same is true for nurses). In addition, I am not interested in certain populations that social workers can work in such as Adoption, Probation, Mental Health, Social Services, Welfare.....actually the main reason I wanted to get my MSW was to have a masters level education and to work as a school social worker. If I cannot get a job as a school social worker then I would like to work as a therapist, but that is pretty much it. I've considered working in the hospital as a social worker, but I feel that hospital social workers stick w/ discharge planning mainly and I don't know if that is what I want to do!!! As you can see I'm really undecided. I am STRONGLY considering switching into Nursing as an end result b/c it would be similar but perhaps more rewarding. I like the idea of helping people in need, which is why I am in the MSW program. I think I would prefer the hands-on approach and I like the idea of being in a clinical profession. Actually, I wish that my MSW program was clinical, such as the CSW, but it is not. I plan to take the pre reqs for nursing this summer & fall and apply for the acclerated BSN that starts in May 06. I'm worried that taking these pre reqs in addition to my part-time MSW courses may be too taxing on me, which brings me to my main question: Would it behoove me to continue w/ my MSW program while I am taking pre-nursing classes??? I guess I'm just afraid to drop the MSW program to take pre-nursing classes incase it doesn't pan out. However, I'm in a pickle b/c if I drop the MSW now I can totally concentrate on my pre reqs and possibly do better in the classes w/ a lighter class load. Lastly, if all works out as planned and I earn my RN would it be smart of me to go back to school part-time to finish up my MSW (working as RN)? Can an RN w/ a background & education in psychology & social work have more job opportunites then just a regular RN? I look forward to hearing your responses, and thank you for reading this :) Shannon

Hi. I want to do an accelerated BSN program, but I need to take pre reqs first starting this summer. However, I am currently enrolled in school for the masters in social work. I'm reluctant to drop the program until I know that I am accepted into the nursing program. I plan to apply this fall, and I will know that I am accepted in January 06. I am afraid to drop the MSW program on a chance/whim and I was wondering what I should do. I have like 4-5 pre reqs that I need to do before the end of the fall semester. I'm sure I can accomplish this, but I'm worried that I won't get in for whatever reason.... What is the best way to go about switching education programs, and would it behoove me to finish up my masters in social work once I become an RN????? Or at that point should I just chalk up my experiences in MSW as only experiences? So far I've put in 1 semester and I'm in my 2nd semester; however the accelerated BSN program won't start for me until May 06, and by then I would have been in the program 2 years!!!! I just don't want to waste my time & efforsts!!!!!!!!!! Any advice would be priceless :uhoh21: :uhoh21: :uhoh21: :uhoh21: :uhoh21: :uhoh21:

I'm hearing mixed things. I thought nurses make decent pay, but I wa searching thru an old post in 2000, and it was debated that nurses are underpaid!! What is considered underpaid? RIght now I make a measly $18,500/year in human services. I would be happy in the $40,000 range. Is that possibe in nursing?

In most other careers those with Bachelors make more then those with Associates, and I don't quite understand why it is different in nursing???? Can someone please clear this up, thanks :)

Stumbled upon it as well while looking up nursing careers, and I'm happy to have found this forum!!

just curious b/c I went to school for psychology & right now I'm in graduate school for social work. I am thinking of switching to nursing before finishing up my MSW b/c I'm so anxious to earn the title of RN and work in the hopsital doing clincial work!!

Hi there, I just wanted to wish you good luck with your future marriage to your marine!! I was in a long distance r/s with my marine boyfriend for 4 years before we got married. It has been crazy but depsite all the drama & heartache we still love each other. We have a 3 year old son now and are starting to work on improving our r/s. I just wanted to let you know that I can identify with your situation. Good luck w/ everything and I think its smart that you are already thinking about becoming an RN so early into HS.