Should I do Nursing or OT?

[shinybluedolphinn]

I am a student in between choosing Nursing or Occupational Therapy as a profession. I have completed enough credits to be considered an undergrad Junior at my university.

Option 1: I just got accepted into a Nursing Program at my university, and it would take 3 years to complete based on the credits I have now.

Option 2: The other option is, to major in Psychology- I'm about a 1.5 years away from completing a Psychology degree, and from there apply to OT school.

I feel like my personality and interests lean more towards OT. It seems more holistic in its approach towards care, and it looks like you can have more quality time with fewer patients at a time. It also seems less stressful. On the other hand, I found the OT therapy sessions I observed to seem kind of boring. I know this is debatable and I hope it doesn't offend anyone, but it almost felt like Nurses provide more care and have more impact on a patient. I've only shadowed OTs though, and not Nurses, so I feel I may not be seeing the whole picture.

But to be quite honest, I am turned off by the huge financial investment OT school would be (as opposed to Nursing- atleast in my situation) and I feel Nursing may provide more opportunities for growth, and variety. I am easily bored, so I feel this is great for me! It really seems like you can work anywhere, and in so many different departments as a Nurse. Anyone have suggestions?

[NOADLS]

You should do both. But change the definition of OT to overtime and you'll see why. You'll be rolling in money.

[Libby1987]

OT's are in demand home health with a good working schedule and better pay than nurses.

I've had a good nursing career but I would suggest OT if you're will to consider home health.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

In virtually every facility where I've ever worked, OTs received more respect and better working conditions than nursing staff. They are held in very high regard by patients. Patients and families, on the other hand, tend to displace their anger onto nurses.

Administration treats OTs exceedingly well because they provide billable services, whereas the services provided by nurses cannot be charged or billed. OTs are considered profit makers, while nurses are seen as burdens to the profit margin since everything we do is neatly rolled into the room rate along with the water pitcher, over-bed table and complimentary deodorant.

[elkpark]

The OTs I've known over the years have been a lot happier about being OTs than most of the nurses I've known have been about being nurses. My advice to someone getting started now would be to go into OT rather than nursing.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to the Pre-Nursing forum for more feedback.