Should I go into nursing?

[looking4options]

I'm a masters of science graduate in psychology and neuroscience and have been working as a research assistant/coordinator for the past 4-5 years in a hospital research setting managing clinical research projects, with experience in both neurology and psychiatry departments. Currently, I make about $50k per year working full-time, with great benefits and a pension plan.

I like my current job given its flexibility, for example when I work later on some days and weekends, I can bank those for my vacation time. However, there is not much growth (pay-wise especially, the most one can advance to is about $60k per year) in such positions and they are typically meant as turnover positions for those looking to go on to an MD or PhD, not to stay long-term.

My work is largely administrative (about 70%) but I do also work with patients and families directly in assessments and in therapy/treatment sessions from time to time, which I enjoyed tremendously. This got me thinking about nursing as a profession. At this stage of my life, it seemed to be a great fit for its promising financial returns (with a small time investment), and of course, the human factor. As well, I'm looking for a skillset and profession that will lend itself well to international settings as well as a non-9-to-5 work schedule. While those are all very convincing arguments for me to change gears, I am wary of the family life that I'll miss out on by working night shifts, especially once I have children.

These are my very surface impressions thus far so I'm hoping someone who has more knowledge than me can speak more about nature of the job and if possible, give me some advice on whether this would be indeed a good investment of time, energy and finances.

Many thanks in advance!

[dishes, BSN, RN]

What is the real job market for new grad RNs in your area? Are they struggling to find nursing jobs? Will you be taking out loans to go to school? Can you repay them while working in a casual position?

[loriangel14, RN]

Yes you will have to be prepared to be working nights, weekends and holidays. You will miss some things. What province are you in and how is the job market? If you read on the Canada forum you will see frequent posts by new grads struggling to find work.

[looking4options]

Thank you both!

I'm situated in lower mainland of British Columbia. My impression is that the job market here is fairly decent. And I have quite a bit of savings from working full-time in the past 5 years so the finances isn't a huge burden.

What does the schedule of a typical nurse at a hospital look like? I'm interested in knowing how many shifts need to be fulfilled, the length of shifts etc. Can one also work part-time at a hospital? If so, what does that look like in terms of hours and shifts? I know it's gonna depend on the site but just wanna get a general sense of the possibilities.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

I think your impression that the lower mainland BC job market is fairly decent may be inaccurate. Currently, there is a suprlus of new grads in all of the large and medium size cities in Canada. Also, most Canadian nursing employers are unionized and vacancies are often filled by nurses with experience and union seniority rather than new grads.

[looking4options]

I see, what about more rural areas? Also, what about research nurses?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Rural areas could be an option. With your background, research nursing could be an option, but I don't know if it is worth more education to stay in research. Do you currently work with research nurses? Are they paid more than you? Where I am, research nurses are not under a union contract and some make less than they would if they worked as staff nurses.

[NewRPN85]

If you're willing to go into a rural setting you should have a better chance of finding a job. I live in a big city (Toronto) and it took me ten months to find a job. And I consider myself lucky. Being a nurse and working with families and patients is going to feel different from what you're probably used to. You'll see a different side to both. Patient and their families are usually stressed out and they can take it out on the nurse. It sucks but it happens all of the time. The schedule is also takes a bit of getting used to. The first time you work a 12 hour night shift is a bit of a shock to the system.

As for research nurses, I've seen RN job postings with pharmaceutical companies. Your current education and experience could give you an edge over other nurses.

When it comes to shifts it can depend on the setting. I work in an inpatient substance abuse treatment facility. I work full-time. They're all 12 hour shifts and I usually work 2 on 2 off, 3 on 2 off, 2 on 3 off and so on and so forth. Some nurses work 4 12 hour shifts then get 5 days off. It really depends where you end up.

As far as actually going ahead with becoming a nurse I'd say it depends on what you want out of your career and what kind of person you are. If you can take all manner of fluids the body can produce, the emotional and physical toll the job can take on you and you actually care about helping people then it could be for you. If possible I'd recommend trying to talk to some of the nurses where you work and ask them what their day looks like. Try to talk to a few that have been nursing for 30 years and some that are newer and get their perspectives.

[toronto24]

HI NewRPN85

Where are you working right now? I live in Toronto and I will finish my RPN by August.

[NewRPN85]

I work for a company called Bellwood.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Rural nursing will enable you to work full time, but be prepared to be called all the time. Weekends, holidays, nights. Many small towns are desperate for nurses.

There are few jobs for new grads in any of the urban areas. You will likely find a casual position, no guaranteed hours there.

Research nursing positions usually require experience in nursing (at least a couple of years), unless you decide to pursue a Masters degree immediately after your undergrad.