RN vs. Diagnostic Sonographer

[NurseBanana]

IF you had to do it over again, what would you choose?

I am applying for an ADN program at the moment, which will start in the fall. I have been feeling really good about this decision after years of struggling with career path (after failing BSN program due to my husband's death).

So this morning I was thrown off a bit because of a bunch of nasty comments about Nursing, as a profession, that I read on a loan forgiveness ad on Facebook. I know disgruntled people will use anyway to vent their displeasure...but these comments really got me thinking, do I really want to get into this, or should I do something that seems less temperamental like Med Sonographer?

It seems that Med Sonographers work less hours and make almost as much as what I would be making as an entry level RN. And if you ask if I am wanting to "rise up in the RN field" and be a manager to make more $, the answer is NO. I have seen nothing but MISERY from RN managers. Also I saw that the growth for RN is 16% in the next 10 years, while for MEd Son is 24% ! That's a big difference!

Is the RN field so saturated already that I will not be able to get a job without a BSN? Does anyone have any kind of insight on this? Thank you!

[bluestar776]

I am going into the RN program in the fall it was my second choice. I wanted sonography so much but in Canada we hardly have any colleges that teach it. Where I live there are only 18 spots in sonography and over 800 apply. This was my 3rd year applying and with a 90 average I'm always wait listed they don't take into consideration how many years you've waited to get into rhw program either. You're so lucky to have that option ! See if you can't go into the hospital and shadow a sonograper to see what it's like and find out more about it :) that will give you a better idea.

[nurselili30]

I liked sonography too but decided to enter nursing because ultimately i want to obtain an mph and work in global health. I think you should go for what you think will fulfill you the most. Plus the pay and job outlook is a little misleading. I know someone who did this program and couldn't find a job for 2 years….after she finally landed one her starting pay was $40000/year. Nurses in my state make over $50000/ year starting.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

You caught me on a day when I think I want something different. My doppleganger in the Other Universe wishes they had been a nurse.

I have also thought being a Nuclear Med Tech looks fun.

On most days though , I am really very happy with my career choice. I've been a nurse over 30 years and have arrived at a pretty cush gig. Not sure if I would do it again in this medical economy. The stress of making the almighty dollar for "the man" and not give a **** about taking care of your 6-8 patients.