Should I go back to school

Nurses General Nursing

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Ok, I am here to ask advice from nurses. I have a masters degree in public administration but can really find a job. I have been thinking about going back to school and becoming a nurse. I am worried about it paying off in the end. Will I be able to get a job? I am also worried about going back to school and it taking two years. Does anyone have any advice?

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As long as you know what you are getting into. Working days that start at 7am, working evenings, night shifts. Working weekends, holidays.

I love being a nurse but have found that those things are the part that don't fit with my life. Between being a single parent and having some medical issues that basically make it impossible for me to work nights, at all. And having a partner who works Mon-Fri 8a--5p, no holidays as a deputy in the courts. So our schedules don't mesh very well when I work off shifts.

So before you make the decision--yes you have to want to be a nurse and be okay with the other stuff that goes along with it. Some gross things, some sad. But lots of good and feeling like what you do really does make a difference. Think about if the hours work for your life. Good luck to you..........and if you do go back try to find an accelerated BSN program. I had a BS in Health Science first and went back and did a ABSN program. There were a couple of MPHs in my class. Good luck to you.

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Since you already have a bachelor's degree, you could enroll in a Accelerated BSN program and it would take less time.

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NO!! What makes you think nursing is any better. Everybody seemingly wants to go into nursing for job security. How is it you started off in admin/business and now you are so eager to go into nursing. Previously nursing was viewed so differently. It is amazing what the economy will do to one's viewpoint. Plus, if you asking complete strangers what you should do with your life you have bigger issues.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.
NO!! What makes you think nursing is any better. Everybody seemingly wants to go into nursing for job security. How is it you started off in admin/business and now you are so eager to go into nursing. Previously nursing was viewed so differently. It is amazing what the economy will do to one's viewpoint. Plus, if you asking complete strangers what you should do with your life you have bigger issues.

EASY sidcasey! We all come to this forum with questions and ask for advice. The OP is hardly the first one to pose this question. First of all, the OP did not state that they were "so eager to go into nursing", but was merely contemplating it and that is why they were asking for advice. Secondly, it was pretty rude of you to state that the OP has "bigger issues" simply by requesting the opinions of the nurses on this forum. The OP made it clear that they are finding it difficult to get a job in the field of public administration. You are correct in stating that "it is amazing what the economy will do to one's viewpoint", which is EXACTLY why the OP is looking into other options.

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why would you want to go into Nursing,there are zero jobs for new grads!!

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why would you want to go into Nursing,there are zero jobs for new grads!!

Not true here. In hospitals they're being picky but in LTC? They/we're desperate for RNs. And LPNs, too.

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I would do my research first because the job shortage is regional. I live in the NYC metro area and jobs for new grads are very scarce; it's a different story in upstate New York. I've seen plenty of jobs if I was able to move 4-6 hours away from my current location. However, I'm can't because of family obligations.

It's something to consider because if you have a spouse with a good job and children that are in school moving may not be an option for you. I would also recommend that you do it as cheaply as possible. I know people recommend the ASBN program because you have a MPH but some of those programs are very expensive. I have seen sign on bonuses for experienced nurses in certain specialties but I haven't seen anything for new grads.

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Specializes in Cardiac care/Ortho/LTC/Education/Psych.

You know as long as you do not mind having puke or urine on your shoes, being yelled because it took you 2 MINUTES to bring water or something else to your patient, being yelled by docs for calling them when their patient is on verge to code, telling everyone that you are going to the BATHROOM to PEE because it is the only way you can get the minute to be on your own, come home 2-3 hours later then expected and look who will work your weekend because you are planing to have 10 days off with your family , and on the end earn some median salary , yeah , sure, it can be fun I promise. I change profession and I do not sorry , it can be hilarious sometimes and other time you cry with patients , and hug them and feel as a part of family even though you tell them when they leave that you NEVER want to see them again on your job place ( but add somewhere in a shopping mall maybe :))

Nursing REALLY is not for everyone but nursing is ABOUT everyone.

Good luck with your decision.

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Specializes in med surg home care PEDS.

Wow, talk about perspective, that about sums it up

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NO!! What makes you think nursing is any better. Everybody seemingly wants to go into nursing for job security. How is it you started off in admin/business and now you are so eager to go into nursing. Previously nursing was viewed so differently. It is amazing what the economy will do to one's viewpoint. Plus, if you asking complete strangers what you should do with your life you have bigger issues.

Thank you for your opinion but I don't think you understand the point of this site or my post. I was mainly asking some general questions. I was not asking strangers to solve my issues. The economy can change alot of things and it has effected me greatly. I picked a masters degree that I was really interested in and I loved the area I picked. A masters degree is great when you can't pay bill and worry about how to buy food for your family. I have been considering alot of different options and like I stated earlier, I was just looking for some general answers. I really hope when you are in a time of need that you have a great website to go to and receive advice like you offered me. Thanks

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Maybe if you have the time you could look into job shadowing at one of your local hospitals. That way you can get a closer look at what it's like and see if you think it's a match for you. I am sorry you have not been able to find a job with your previous degree. I think you are doing the right thing and considering other alternatives because you have to look out for yourself and your family. As far as hospitals not hiring new grads, mine still is. It's a lot of money to orient a new grad so this may be happening at hospitals who are finding themselves in a financial pinch. Maybe you could get your foot in the door somewhere by starting out as a CNA just to show your work ethic so they would want to keep you around as a nurse. It may be hard though working and doing the ABSN program, for they cover a lot of information in a short amt of time. Good luck with your decision. :yeah:

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