emma34

I guess I was looking for subjective opinions...but basically I'm in a social work/admin type role now which is well paid and flexible. But long story I hate it and need to figure something else out. I've worked in health for so long in an indirect capacity I feel it would be best to stay in this area. Things I'm looking for...I prefer working days, have holidays off...hense why I'm attracted to allied health. I think many of the allied health jobs have similar salary, work schedule, etc...I appreciate direct social interaction but also don't mind admin stuff, I don't want to go back to school forever but I'm willing, I feed off excitement...but I think all off these jobs would be considered busy... Thoughts?

Hi nurses, Just wondering what you all think about what the best allied health job is? Looking for advice on what path is best for me...obviously I know it depends on the person but I'm looking for a general idea about what you folks think. Thanks! Speech Language Pathologist? Audiologist? Physio? OT? Social Work? Ultrasound? etc...

If I were you I would just attend the meeting with your rep and listen to what they have to say. Don't make any rash decisions. They have already made their decision, perhaps it is just another written warning - you can't make any assumptions. Just hear it out. If you disagree with their assessment and their decision, grieve it with your union...

I'm interested in moving to the USA from Canada. I'm hoping California. I'm currently a social worker (completing my MSW here) but am considering perhaps doing a nursing degree thinking it would help my chances of being able to move to the states (also I have always wanted to be a nurse...). What are the chances I would get hired as a social worker in California (assuming I become licensed)....does anyone know what the job market is like? If I want to be a nurse in California, should I do schooling here in Canada (WAY cheaper) or should I move down to do it in the states (way more expensive but perhaps less hassle with immigration?) Thanks for all your advice! My husband is a lawyer is also considering his options...we are just starting to research so please forgive my lack of knowledge.

FYI I'm not in the US

I'm not a nurse, i'm in social work, I just had happen to read these board because I am interested in become one. I just wanted to comment because I do a similar job...I deal with quality improvement and risk management in hospitals (I work in a team with nurses). I wish I was able to focus on prevention or statistics or anything of that nature, unfortunately I basically respond to complaints all the time, many of which are not valid but we have to listen to them anyway, and write a ton of reports about them so it's all official that we have responded and reviewed each matter. Also when i sometimes do find something wrong that needs improvement, i may not be allowed to speak about it because it could make the hospital look bad...hopefully other people have more positive experienes in the area.

I'm facing the same debate as you (and it's a never ending internal debate for me too)...so I may not be much help but I'll chime in anyway. Take a look around your local area on job boards, etc. Are there psychosocial nursing related positions? In my area there is lots of social work type nursing jobs and the trend seems to be going that way as far as I can tell...because I think we are starting to realize a lot of people's social problems stem from physical problems as well so it's valuable as a professional to be able to have a conversation about one's social AND physical well being. Nursing pays more, there is more career opportunity...you may have to pay your dues in an area you are not passionate about for awhile, but once you find your niche I think you may find it more rewarding...you can always volunteer at social services agencies on the side if you are very passionate about eating disorders and at risk youth.

Thanks for your insightful comments! I sincerely appreciate it! One thing I know, the province I'm in, nurses are paid way more than social workers. I work alongside a nurse who is paid 90k for basically the same job I have where I am paid 60k. She is also more respected because she's had clinical practice whereas my experience is more administration and research-based. Medical Social Worker would be up my ally as I ultimately want to work in the hospital...I just love the fast paced environment compared to a dim office... not to mention I really want to feel part of a team. I don't know if there are opportunities for Social Work in health care administration, perhaps if I were to gain an MPA or MPHA on top of my MSW, would that help? Thank you again... Your points about childcare, etc are good points and something I will need to consider....

I'm not a nurse but I just figured I would charm in with my two cents. I have had similar work experiences to you in administration and am also considering nursing. Personally, I think there are pros and cons to both, but I do believe that your administration experience would help in you terms of getting a job and finding your niche. For instance, if we after 5 years of bedside nursing you get tired of it and want to try a more administrative role, it would be easier for you since you have such a breadth of experience. I think having administrative experience too will help you be realistic about the downfalls of nursing...plus paperwork and is a big part of nursing and you will be a pro at that too. Again, i'm not a nurse but that's sort of what I think...

I started working in social services with a BA after university about 5 years ago. Last year I started an MSW program. I appreciate that I need an MSW to gain job opportunity but I dislike the program and find it very fluffy. I don't feel like I'm learning anything practical... I've been very lucky job-wise in some respects because last year I was offered and accepted a job as a health consultant with the government. The job is good because I am paid well ($60k/year), I work flex hours, have a pension/benefits, and I have total autonomy. But the work is demoralizing....and most days I feel like a glorified complaints department for the health department in a position where I'm not given the tools to offer any solution. Also I have nearly zero social interaction and I am a very social person by nature. I really think I would like to be a nurse. What attracts me to is the pay/growth potential (I'm a very career-oriented person so I'd set my sights on management eventually), flexible hours, social interaction/comradery, and fast-paced nature. I used to serve tables for years and loved running around on my feet being crazy...it gave me a sense of accomplishment, shifts flew by, and I always felt like something interesting was happening in my day. I am an emotionally strong person whose not afraid of hard work (although I'll admit it would be difficult to give up my lavish office lifestyle). I'm also very familar with the frustrations faced by those in health (not enough resources, staffing, etc). I did shadowing when I was in high school on a maternity ward but it was on a day where things were abnormally slow so I didn't get too much feel for it... I've been accepted to a full time program (3 years) but also want to start a family in the next few years and feel conflicted about being able to do all this at once. I've also seriously considered OT but the program where I am is too competitive for me GPA-wise. Can anyone provide some insight on my situation? Thank you!!!

My friend is a nurse and she has told me that she heard about a bite release pressure point just below the septum. Has anyone heard of this and do you know if it works/is it appropriate? Why I need to know this is a long story...but I need a good bite release technique. Thanks!