Should I Even Try Becoming An RN?

[Leahwannabe]

I am a veery young college student taking associate of arts pre-reqs at Edmonds Community College. Im in the Running Start program which is college in high school, so basically just early college. I will be 18 in a few short months and I need to move out asap and I will have no help paying for new classes of which I choose.

So, since I have stated that I have not began any specific career classes and that I will be investing into my education very soon, I am worried that my choice to become an RN is a big mistake. I keep reading on so many big-time magazines/newsletters that we have a nursing shortage and blabla, yet I keep reading very recent articles and threads of BSN graduates finding NO work. I keep reading of desperation and hopelessness JUST TO FIND A JOB.

I think of myself being a nurse in pediatrics and my heart flutters at the thought of helping children. I have always loved working with people, especially little kiddos and babies. I thrive in customer service because of my social skills and the ability to work extremely well under pressure. That being said, I will have to probably retake my prereqs just to be considered in a nursing program, then I will have to move onto a BSN, etc. Im realizing that becoming a nurse is not just a degree, its an expensive and draining commitment.

So to wrap up my spiel and actually ask my question, to be or not to be an RN? any RN's want to tell me the realities of the professional world after graduating? Will I be able to find work? Im scared and unsure.

[nursejami]

Working as an RN is not a pipe dream! :) However, you are smart to be realistic!

*There ARE shortages. .. just not everywhere. You may need to b relocate after school to get a job.

* You probably won't get your dream job right out of school. Peds and other specialties usually like you to have nursing experience first.

* This is so important: GET A JOB IN HEALTH CARE! Getting your foot in the door in this economy is so important! Start volunteering in hospitals, get a job in the hospital kitchen, whatever! Get your CNA as soon as possible and start working. Nursing home, hospital, home health... Get in there!

It's not impossible, but you may have to work hard for it! If it's your dream, make it happen.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Is "move out asap" your choice? If so, you may want to re-think this because it will make everything much more difficult for you.

Also, have you already explored all of the options for financial subsidies that are available to you? Complete and submit your financial aid application - as often as required, especially as your living circumstances change. Do this as early as possible each term. If you are not listed as a dependent on anyone's tax return, you are eligible for aid.

The outlook for health care industry jobs is pretty bleak right now as a result of many different issues. Just since January 2013, nearly 42,000 jobs have been eliminated throughout the country. Some of this is due to the ACA, but no one knows if/when things are going to even out.

You're attracted to an idealized vision of nursing ..... "saving the babies" that is far removed from our day-to-day reality. PP is correct - the best option for now is to learn a bit more about healthcare by getting an entry level job that will provide that exposure. You may discover that health care is not for you.

[Leahwannabe]

It is technically my choice, but I think it may be the best one because my family is known for quick and irrational decisions and they have already told me to get out from time to time... (haha)!

And that's a big point you made about my idea/reality. Just like nursejami noted I gotta keep being realistic... Its a bit difficult for me because I really thought I landed a mark on finding a career match since I have never had an idea for a declaring a major but seeing is much different than my own believing... I am wondering if becoming a nurse is a lot more "difficult" than pursuing other careers but I figure any high double-figured salaries require that strain.