I'm a new nurse, just 8 months in. I think you might be a little disappointed when you graduate if you're expecting a low stress job with great pay. I work in the nicu and while I absolutely love babies and enjoy most aspects of my job, I want to cry everytime I think of work because the stress of knowing that 3-4 lives are dependent on me for a whole night is a lot. I have the best coworkers, great managment, and usually time for a meal break. The best part is I've never had a patient bigger than 12 pounds! Despite all that, I'm stressed. I couldn't even imagine the stress a lot of new grad nurses who go into adult floor nursing have. I see a lot of posts on here about people who have horrible management and don't have time to eat or pee.
The pay isn't anything to write home about either. I make 21.50/hr. It's enough for me to afford all the necessities, save some, and get to enjoy occasional trips or meals out but I don't have a family to support. But im a new nurse and don't expect to make too much because my skills arent that valuable yet. As a new grad, your should be happy to get a job that let's you get some experience. I'm sure any job is less stressful when you know what you're doing and when you have experience youl be worth a lot more.
