xinah

I have a B.S. degree in Animal Science, so I'm working towards a BSN. I expect I'll have to work the night shift for some time, before I could go to day shift. How difficult is it for your body to adjust to working the night hours, then switching to a "regular" schedule on your days off? This is possibly what I'm MOST concerned about. I've never been a night owl I keep telling myself I can't make a decision solely on that negative aspect ... the love of the job could very well outweigh that negative. (and I just MIGHT get lucky enough to not have to work nights!) My family is VERY IMPORTANT to me, and I don't want to be so tired on my days off that I'm a grump and a bear of a person to be around! I've stayed with the job that I have for so long because it works with my family, but it's not quite as mentally stimulating and as active as I would prefer.

I appreciate your candidness! I expect it will be exhausting and stressful, but also exhilarating at times. Tell me how it has worked with your family. I have a 7 and 10 year old.

What career did you switch from? And, what are the unexpected things of nursing that you didn't think of prior to switching careers? I don't mind working hard, in fact, if I'm working I want to be busy ... but I don't want to be a stressed out, tired mess on my days off with my family!

How are you able to shadow a nurse? I figured HIPPA would prevent doing anything like that. Also, what are the things that cause people to "change their mind" about L&D / OB? I know there will be lots of blood, poop and pee ... what else is a negative?

Thanks for the reply! Could you give me more insight into the real life of nurse schedules ... I'm assuming L &D or OB Surgery would be 12 hours shifts... Three 12's is considered full time ... how many hours do you TRULY end up working? How often do you end up pulling a "double shift?"

Considering switching careers to nursing from banking. I'm particularly interested in Women's Health - L&D, surgery. I'd like to work part time (24 hours), so that I can be home with kids the other days. I want to hear from folks who have made career changes, as well as from nurses specifically working in Women's Health. What would you advise?