ahud2015

My dear (virtual) friends! I thank you all for sharing your thoughts, your truths, the good, the bad and the ugly. Your stories have really resonated with me and I am grateful. I'd like to share a few more details about myself so that my story is more fleshed out (and may answer some of your questions). I live in Seattle and have loved it here since 1990. I moved here to attend art school. I earned a BFA (Design) and then went on to get a Master in Teaching (Art). There are nursing jobs here. In fact, there are many that offer signing bonuses. But I digress! I have two beautiful children. My youngest is a "typical" child, and my oldest has disabilities. He suffered a brain injury during birth (completely avoidable, we had a lawsuit, medical malpractice-- completely and utterly devastating as you can certainly imagine). He is in a wheelchair, non-verbal, tracheotomy, G-tube, vented, severe scoliosis (92 percent), Cerebral Palsy, seizures... all due to HIE, or Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. Sounds awful, and it is, but he brings me and everyone around him great joy. He communicates with us, but only those of us that know him well understand. He is my greatest teacher!! And he does have 24 hr care from some amazing nurses. My lead nurse has been with him since birth. She's a 2nd mom to him. (My son lives with his father and I visit regularly and often; and do shifts on occasion. For years I was noc nurse. I felt like a vampire and never knew what day it was.) In fact, his lead nurse was a L&D nurse for many years, also worked in the OR, bedside in hospitals, NICU, etc. She is VERY particular about how things are done. She is the one who has taught me so much over the last 13 years. (I find myself reading thru this board and answering many of the posted questions in my head. It's fun!) What do I do? I've done many things in my life: professional dancer (modern dance), interior designer, graphic designer, teacher (kids & adults) in classrooms and in museums. Currently I am a director for a company out of California, but I work locally. It cracked me up when someone suggested I run a camp!! That's exactly what I do year round! I have really, carefully and honestly, given tremendous thought to what you all have shared with me. It is very tough to feel so very driven and eager to pursue something that you are so passionate about. Initially, upon reading your responses, I will be honest and say that I was angry. I couldn't believe what I was reading, post after post, (and, as much as I hate to actually say) the message was unfolding and becoming quite clear to me. I am crazy. (Wow, that was hard to write!!) And with that, I am exploring other avenues where I may be helpful to sick and injured children. I love hearing your suggestions too (a BIG thank you to the poster who made a list of suggestions. Also, someone mentioned teaching in the hospital. I'd love to know more about that too. Volunteering with the fire dept.?? Who knew?) Please keep those ideas coming! I love reading your posts. THANK YOU for your wisdom and thoughtfulness.

@TheCommunter Absolutely no one has been cheerleading here in their responses! And, if I told you I was 30 you would probably believe me! Otherwise, I have a lot of education to go on (being so old and all) and who'd know the difference??

Oh, boy! I must say in all honesty, I was not expecting the responses I've gotten. I thought I'd get a whole lot of, "It will be tough. School isn't easy and starting over isn't fun, BUT I love what I do and hope you do too!" With all due respect, I'm surprised by how almost everyone here sounds disappointed by what they do. Unhappy, overworked, unappreciated... underpaid. Yikes! That's exactly how I felt as a teacher. It was a huge bummer. (But thank you for chiming in.) I should have mentioned this earlier, but I am also looking into work as an RRT. There is an excellent program at a local community college here. Same position though, leaving the job and going back to school.... @caliotter3 Good lord, I JUST turned 50! Retirement isn't until 65, so don't make me feel older than I already am. Please!! (cough, cough)

@ l.a.m.b. Average pay for Pediatric Nurses where I live is 68k. I have a Masters degree (not in science), so I'd be doing an ABSN program after pre-reqs. Looks more like 2 years... ??

Well, I really appreciate all of the straightforward and honest replies thus far. Can I ask how long you all have been involved in pediatric nursing? What has been your path and how long did it take, or is taking? I'm also wondering if anyone else might have a completely different argument in favor of it?? To answer some posed questions: I have spent an incredible amount of time either doing home nursing (with my son who is medically intensive), as well as observing and/or working with nurses at our local Children's hospital when there for short and long stays on the floor or in NICU/PICU, and visiting clinics. I've been exposed to more than most regular folks and have a pretty good idea of what's involved. The #1 complaint I hear? In a word: paperwork and long hours. (I used to be a teacher, I sympathize with the abundance of paperwork.) And I see how hard my nurses work! It never ends. Do I HATE my current job? No, I work with kids, but I'm not challenged and I feel I have a lot more to offer. Most days I find myself thinking that I'd like to be doing something that really makes a difference. And, as for the platitude-- I happen to think pediatric nurses (all nurses) really do make a difference. You see, this is very personal to me. My son was injured at birth and has global brain damage. And, as I mentioned, I've had to learn a ton of nursing skills practically overnight over the last 12 years. My home health nursing team thinks I'd be good at peds nursing because of my precision and ability to get a lot done (correctly) at one time. Ok, that's it for now. I welcome more honest feedback! Thanks in advance (again)!!

Hello all, I'm a newbie here! I'm a 50yo and have a high paying job, but I am very interested in being an RN (starting out as a CNA-- hopefully in peds). My goal is to work as a Neonatal RN, perhaps in NICU. I'll have to take all the prereqs, etc., and there's no way I can do all that's needed AND hold down my current job. Am I nuts to quit a cushy job and take a huge pay cut to start all over and work as a CNA and go back to school?? I have spent a ton of time at our Children's Hospital, as well as taken care of my 13 yo with CP (spastic quadriplegic in w/c and 24q care). I've learned a lot over the past 13 years. The idea of helping children manage their pain and feel better and be able to go home makes my heart sing!! BUT... yikes!! Advice? (Thank you-- and thank you for all that you do!)