RNHD

Hands down - lack of respect. When I worked in ICU, I got "OH WOW! I bet that's really hard" when people asked where I worked. Now when asked the same question, I get "oh - that must be a cush job".

@schoolRNapril: Are you still in Indiana? My superintendent is planning on doing a salary survey and I wondered which county you are in? Indiana varies widely, so I'm looking for a lot of input. Thanks! If you can pm me that would be great :)

I guess it would depend on how much you need the benefits. If you provide the health insurance for your kids, then it's probably not worth it. If you have a spouse who covers them, it's a good hourly rate. Not sure what part of the country you are in but I know of a PT job @ 17.50/hr in Indiana. Another FT is posted at 18.86/hr. $30 is looking really good, lol.

I think this website will be very helpful to you: New York Statewide School Health Services Center I would recommend joining your state school nursing association as well. They will have great resources & be very helpful to you! Good Luck!

Have you considered school nursing? Many hospitals are now providing nurses for both public & private schools so the pay isn't as low as what you might think. Plus no nights, weekends or holidays when childcare would be REALLY difficult. It wouldn't completely solve your dilemma if your child isn't school age, but childcare during school hours may be easier to arrange. Good Luck!

I'm in the same boat trying to make a decision. I worked critical care for 2.5 yrs & loved the patient care, but hated the nights, holidays, weekends. With kids still at home, I felt like I missed out on a lot of their events during that time. I have since switched to a clinic setting & love love love the hours, but miss the acuity of the hospital. I've thought about military nursing as a way to help pay for NP school & am currently looking into that option. I think probably FNP is what I will choose, but would like an oncology option. Due to the rural area where I live, I'm limited in both jobs & school unless I want to add an hour or two commute to my day I don't think I want an online school - I'm much better hands on. I loved nursing school, (weird, I know) and am looking forward to enrolling, just can't quite make a final decision! Acute care or FNP or PNP??? I am concerned that FNP is too broad & I won't learn enough to be confident in my skills? Anyone find that to be a concern?

I think as long as you have no personal health or work history issues that you would have no trouble getting a job. I finished nursing school (with no medical background) at 42 & went straight into an ICU environment & loved it. Your previous life/work experiences (read maturity, lol) can be a huge asset in the chaotic healthcare field :)

I am also in the midwest, (IN) and left my ICU position making 19.75/hr after 2.5 yrs. The final straw was when an RN I graduated with was hired at a much higher rate when I had more ICU experience. I went to a public school setting & make more per hour (21.25) than what I was making in ICU! Thinking about looking for a prn position since I have so much time off in the summer.

Hello~ I am interested in the Reserves & have spoken with a healthcare recruiter from both Army & AF. I am a 46 yr old RN with 5 yrs nursing experience in ICU(2.5 yrs) & school nursing(3 yrs). (yep, drastic change I know... I switched for the schedule b/c my husband was traveling & had 4 kids at home. His job is more stable now). I have been told that I would be qualified for public health nursing (but only 6 or 7 RN's are accepted at the Oct board review according to another recruiter). I have thought about the reserves for a long time, but really don't know anyone who is actually in it to ask procedural questions. Can anyone give me an overview regarding what to expect? The recruiter asked me yesterday if I didn't get accepted into public health, was I willing to take a med surg slot. I think so? I haven't done anything in nursing so far that I haven't enjoyed, lol but again don't know how different it may be in the military. If I were accepted into any of the programs, what can I expect once I actually get to the weekend/summer drills? The recruiter also told me it was possible to switch specialties to critical care if I switch my civilian job (which I have been considering). Is this true? Also, is it possible to stay until retirement? Pros/Cons? Obviously I have to move quickly to get everything submitted, but the recruiter didn't seem to think it was a big problem. From reading other posts, I thought it would take a really long time, so I was surprised at the recruiters encouragement? I'm in good health, no issues with my license or personal background. A little concerned about PT as I've never been terribly athletic. I have done some 5k's in the past & enjoyed them though, so idk... Any information will be much appreciated! Thanks, Heather

I am 46 & have been told by the Army Reserve recruiter that I can still apply with an age waiver so 36 should be no problem :) I think the cut off without a waiver is 42.