ccarda

Thank you everyone for all the information! Iv'e learned a lot that I was unaware of. I am in my first year of the nursing program so I'm not very knowledgeable about what the normal plans are after graduation in three years or what I am able to do once I have my degree. In response to "isn't taking care of patients what it's all about", that is true! I do want to help and take care of my patients. But I want to be interested in the field I am in. All nurses are equally important, no matter which type you are. I just know i'll enjoy the job more in a specialized field.

Thank you so much for all of your contribution! I'll first start off by saying that when I mentioned "general RN" I was just referring to the typical nurse in any hospital that isn't specialized in a certain field. When I become a nurse, I know I will specialize into a certain field because I want to learn more and get more out of the job (educationally, not monetarily). I want to be educated in a particular area. I'm thinking about heading toward GYN, midwifery, oncology, peds, or maybe psychiatric? I'm just so indecisive. I mentioned the question about furthering your education or stopping, because I feel that if you've already come this far, why not specialize? After that, why not become a practitioner? Why not become a doctor even?! Also, I'd like to say that I didn't mean to put a "general" nurse In a bad lighting, or make them seem less educated at all. I just didn't know the exact title to type! Do any of you have any suggestions on how I can get experience in the different fields I mentioned so that I'll be able to make a better decision on which direction I'd like to go? If I obtain my CNA license over the summer, what will that allow me to do in the hospitals? I know some of my friends have already gotten theirs, but I'm not sure what their duties are.

No. I came up with this question myself. My assignment was to join AllNurses.com and start a thread on a topic of my choice. Your response would be appreciated!

Considering the disadvantages of monetary expenses and a longer education, do you think specializing in a certain field is more beneficial than becoming a general RN? What made you nurses decide whether to continue your education, or stop?

Considering the disadvantages of monetary expenses and a longer education, do you think specializing in a certain field is more beneficial than becoming a general RN? What made you nurses decide whether to continue your education, or stop?