I'm in such a dilemma... 4 years ago, when I was about to decide which majors I wanted to take in university (UC), I had two choices,they were political science and nursing. I chose political science with the intent to go into law school for environmental law. After two years in university, I decided that law school wasn't for me. I also got a minor in Environmental Systems by the way.
Fast forward 4 years to 2009. Whilie in university, I was working in the environmental field and still am right now. I now have 4 years experience working in the environmental/safety field. Working in a Navy installation (civilian contractor), making decent money ($50K-60K/yr range) and enjoying the single life.
Since last summer though, I made the decision to start taking all the pre-requisites to apply to nursing school. Not too toot my owh horn by I am doing pretty good too. All As except one B.
Now I'm in a dilemma deciding if I will continue with my pursuit of a nursing degree. I actually have it all planned out. I was thinking of applying to entry level master's program to 5 CSUs and two JCs as back up plans. I will be finished with all the prerequisites at 7 schools this fall.
Also, I will probably have enough money saved up to pay for half if not most of all the tuition needs of an ELMPs at the CSU level.
NOW IF YOU WERE ME, WOULD YOU PUSH WITH THIS PLAN IF YOU WERE IN THE SAME SITUATION AS I AM AFTER CONSIDERING ALL FACTORS SUCH AS ECONOMIC AND JOB OUTLOOK.
^I definitely think about that cosmicsun. Specially now with the passing of the health bill. I will definitely keep a close eye on how the nursing field will get affected with the new bill.
^I definitely think about that cosmicsun. Specially now with the passing of the health bill. I will definitely keep a close eye on how the nursing field will get affected with the new bill.
That new bill they just passed wouldn't "affect" anything this year anyway. You know how Congress works -- SLOWER THAN A TURTLE. Federal and State governments always seem to be moving in 'slow motion'... they remind me back in the day, when I used to watch "Bionic Woman" and "Six Million Dollar Man." Anyone remember those 'SLOW MOTION' scenes with sound effects? --- This is how any law works in the U.S. -- SLOW with sound effects.
But will the law be beneficial to the nursing career? I won't be done in 2 hopefully 3 years time anyways so I am fine with that.
True... but didn't you mention about going to start nursing school this fall? Or maybe Spring 2011, the new bill is something to consider since, the "real effects" won't actually be felt 'til AFTER 2 to 3 years. What if it hurts nurses more (jobwise)? Think about it, we really wouldn't know 'till AFTER we've spent tons of $$, private school or not. And oh, think about the time you invest in nursing too. But, hey, if it's what you want -- then go get it, right?
Whatever you decide and it doesn't matter what me or anyone says (here or in the real world), I hope you won't regret it. I know a few people who went into nursing, and they regret having to graduate with almost a useless degree. Since they're either unemployed or underemployed AND with loans to match with their nursing degrees. YES, THEY WERE U.S. NURSING GRADS. Oh, their schools have good reputations too. By the way, schools with good/excellent reputations don't equal jobs either. Maybe this was true in the past, but it isn't now. Nursing schools will claim otherwise. This is the reality of the nursing profession now, people seem to HAVE NOT accepted it yet. I'm hoping for the best, but I'm also choosing reality. My head isn't up in the clouds, like most people choose to be.
If you think about it though, nurses will always have jobs. Its just a matter of being where the jobs are and how many years you are willing to sacrifice to get the word "experience" under your belt and then you go hunting for the better paying jobs.
This is the ONLY reason why I still believe in nursing, inspite of. There will always be jobs for nursing, I agree. I like to think this way as well. But the truth is, the ONLY job that's really safe belongs to doctors. MD's will always be needed, nurses are expandable. I hate to say it, but it's true. For every nurse who is currently employed, works a job that is fit for two people. The only reason nurses are putting up with this is, because they're just thankful to have jobs. Most nurses don't have the heart to tell students what they're really in for. A lot of nursing students don't really know what they're in for. I know that when I graduate in two to three years (God willing), my nursing degree will equal to ANY type of degree. The nursing profession has lost it's advantage over the job market. I have to compete in the rat race just like any other graduate with an english, psychology, art, etc. A Nursing degree has become a 'stale' degree (just like any other). It won't have ANY perks at all by the time I get mine (and that's assuming I get it and graduate). I have accepted this 'ugly truth' in the nursing profession, so If I were to get into it -- I will choose the part-time route, while working of course. In your case, maybe you should too.
Oh hey, I'm not trying to discourage you. I'm just saying, you can go after what you want, just be smart about it. Nursing is not all or nothing, you can still be in it, just be practical. You don't have to be in school full-time.
I read somewhere that 54% of health care workers are nurses and that they are the foundation of the health care reform and there will still be a shortage that they say will last well into the 2020's.
I really want to be a nurse and to make my decision harder, by the time I graduate, my salary as an new RN will be similar to what I made from the job that I quit from (which should be about mid to high $60K by summer 2011.).
I am shooting to be a NP and according to what I have read, the bill will encourage way to nurse run health clinics (NP) to alleviate some of the pressures caused by a shortage of doctors.
I will try to get the resources for what I have said above.
Also, hard work and long hours are nothing new to me.
Oh by the way, is there any part time BSN or entry level bsn programs in CA? I really want to get an MSN and get most of the training out of the way thus I am aiming for CSULB or CSULA. If there's no school, I would have to quit a good paying job and pursue nursing full time with the assistance of my very talented girlfriend.
You think about this health bill and how it will be-Everyone has access to healthcare. What does every thread on here talk about-Being overworked and under payed. I've had days when I'd have 6-7 patients and I'd have to refuse to take another one for liability reasons(That's with me being the charge nurse). Think about everyone with a stumped toe coming through that door now-People who have never had access to healthcare. A nurse will be taking care of 10 patients on the day shift!!!!!:eek:If you're not a nurse, you can't imagine that scenario-The quality will be so poor and there will be so many complaints and lawsuits, it'll make your head spin.
As far as an NP, I have several friends who are NP's and work as floor nurses because they make more money as a floor nurse. If you think it's tough to find a job as an RN, it's worse as an NP-You have to sell yourself and the job availability is far less. Not trying to be negative, just putting out facts from my experience.
I read somewhere that 54% of health care workers are nurses and that they are the foundation of the health care reform and there will still be a shortage that they say will last well into the 2020's. my salary as an new RN will be similar to what I made from the job that I quit from (which should be about mid to high $60K by summer 2011.). the bill will encourage way to nurse run health clinics (NP) to alleviate some of the pressures caused by a shortage of doctors. Oh by the way, is there any part time BSN or entry level bsn programs in CA? I really want to get an MSN and get most of the training out of the way thus I am aiming for CSULB or CSULA.
Foundation of health care reform? Nurses are continually losing their hours and their jobs. I almost laughed on that one. If I really cared about an issue/situation, I sure wouldn't treat it lousy! AND call anyone or anything "foundation." $ 60K by summer of 2011?? Wha?? The 'Hiring Gods of employment' aren't even sure they can make payroll today. That includes hospitals, medical facilities, etc. An NP is not an equivalent to an MD (not even close), but that plan may work in the long run because most people don't have the time nor the money to go to Med school. So, a benefit of a doubt is in order, but in the good way on that one.
I know you're weighing your options right now. But, just do what's best for you. Don't give in to the 'nursing hype,' learn from the ones who have gone through, from what YOU'RE about to go through. I'd give you some names of schools but, I think that YOU KNOW more than me, since you're already in Cali. I'm still stuck in Vegas. Whatever you decide, just keep the practicality aspect of it, that's all I'm saying. Even if you know that nursing is the right career path for you, will it be the smart choice these days? We all have to answer that question realistically now. Some people are still stuck in the 'glory days' of nursing.
Thanks for the experienced input Johnny. Hopefully what you are saying would not be the future norm because if it does come true, healtcare as we know it would cease to exist (imo).
Thanks for the experienced input Johnny. Hopefully what you are saying would not be the future norm because if it does come true, healtcare as we know it would cease to exist (imo).
I'm not sure how it couldn't be the norm. Nursing and MD shortage and this new healthcare bill don't even go in the same sentence-With everyone and their brother being admitted and the severe shortage, who does the government think is going to take care of them. When it's consistently taking 2 hours to get to a pt. with pain med, the gov't will then see how their reform worked.
As far as an NP, they are very limited in the hospital and will, in no way, be a substitute for and MD or even close. Call an NP at 2AM for an order and see what they say-"I'll have to call the doctor." Most of the time, they don't have a clue, especially in the ICU. The ICU is usually over their head in the situations I've been in. You can't treat every pt. with tylenol!!!!:)
I guess the articles that I read didn't really address your experiences. I am weighing my options right now and trying to see what would be best for me.
Also, what I meant regarding the mid $60K per year was I would be getting that much next year. Correct me if I'm wrong but I was assuming that a newly grad RN would be making around the same amount.
:)
arkmann
19 Posts
^I definitely think about that cosmicsun. Specially now with the passing of the health bill. I will definitely keep a close eye on how the nursing field will get affected with the new bill.