Soooo many questions!

[Kyle_]

Hello everyone,

Allow me to introduce myself very briefly- My name is Kyle and I am a recent high school graduate. I currently work at a fast food place, and am trying to save up money for University. Next year I definetely plan on going to University!

I have researched many careers, and thus far a career in Social Work or the Health Field are what I would like to do most. Though being a doctor would be nice, my grades in HS were not good enough for that, and to be honest, 8 years+ of Uni doesn't sound too pleasant to me.

But after looking at salary information and consulting with a family member who is a nurse, I have grown an interest in nursing. But I have a ton of questions. And, this may not be the best place to post them, so mods, please move to the appropriate place is need-be.

Ok, so I will list the questions and please answer what you can!

1. Education-wise, there are two places I would like to go. Either Texas State University in Round Rock(which will offer a Nursing program in fall of 2010) or Temple College. The latter is merely a junior college, and I believe all you can get is an LVN there. However, they have partnered up with Texas Tech University to offer online courses that can transfer one from an LVN to an RN. Oh, and I also wouldn't mind going to Austin Community College either.

I guess my biggest question is- does it really matter where you go to school for nursing? Like, Texas State University is a much more known and respected center of higher education than Temple College. Not to mention that there wouldn't have to be any online courses! However, Temple College is significantly cheaper in terms of tuition and a lot more convenient for me. However, if I were to pursue a nursing degree, I would want either an RN or BSN.(preferably the latter.)

2. Money-wise, is nursing a pretty good career? Would the salary being made as a nurse be suffice for the average person?

3. In terms of hours, what is a typical shift, and how many days a week? How many hours a week? I know this can significantly vary, but on a median basis, is there perhaps a good estimate?

4. Work-ethic - What are the main jobs of a nurse, specifically an RN or BSN? I know this varies from clinic to hospital, nursing home, etc.. But I'm thinking either a clinic or a hospital.

5. Acquiring a license - I know that nurses must have a license. Does this vary from state to state, and if I were to leave the state, could I still pursue a nursing career in my new state? I ask because though I absolutely love the city I'm living in, the weather is unbearable. I would love to move up north!

6. Leaving the country- I am a French Québécois, and am actually a dual citizen with the USA. Let's say one day I decided to move to Québec. Could I stil pretty easily pursue the nursing career up there, given that I was educated and lisenced in the USA?

7a. In terms of College/University- I currently live with two friends in an apartment here in Austin. My job at fast food pays the bills! However, when I go to University/college, I plan on being a full time student. Would I have to give up my job in order to do this? Also, are there any loans/grants I can get that can sustain my living until I could actually get a job? Basically, I just want to know how to transition between this. I want to make sure my finances are ok and I won't have to end up dropping out just to sustain my living!

7b. I have also seen that people can get an LVN and then get their RN by taking clases online, and some hospitals actually offer programs to do this. Also, from an RN to BSN, etc etc. Are these really creible though? Because in terms of the whole financial situation, I could get an LVN, and then gradually make my way up to an RN or BSN. But, I'm not quite sure how this whole process works nor am Isure how credible some of these online programs, or other programs may be.

8. Careerwise again - The whole nursing thing really came to my mind as I was researching "recession proof jobs" for a high school project. I see there is a shortage of nurses and that oppurtunities are endless. I live in Austin, a rapidly growing city with a rapidly growing metropolitan area. Is it(generally and hypothetically) hard for a nurse to find a job, including someone fresh out of college? Or, is it rather easy? And, once getting the job, is it a given that the peson will probably always have the job, or is an issue of lay-off's possible?

I know that I only have "8" here, but as you can probably tell, half of these are really a bundle of a questions. And, I basically just want insight. Most of this is hypothetical but I would really love to pursue a career in nursing. However, I need to learn a lot more about it before making an decisions.

Thanks for your time

[LEN-RN]

Nursing has been good to me. Yes the money is good for now, as not really sure what direction the possible healthcare reform is going to take us. RNs can have an associate degree, bachelor degree, or masters. I know several young people who graduated this year from high school. They are going for their RN at a university, and hoping to become CRNAs. (A masters degree is required) This is a certified registered nurse anesthetist. They make great money. You may want to look into it.

Each state has their own board of nursing, and you would need to apply when you move. You only have to pass the nclex once for the RN license. Some states are grouped together and are called compact states, which means you can apply to one and work in the others as well. I am not sure about Canada.

Nursing school is a commitment so you need to think long and hard about it. Its not like a business or marketing degree. (not to say those are easy) But nursing clinicals are very hands on. Its a different ball of wax, or cup of tea so to speak.

LVN or LPN school is a quicker way to go, and yes you can go back for your RN. Many take this route, as it puts you to work and many times employers will have some kind of tuition assistance.

You are wise in asking questions. I am sure others will give better details than I. Good luck!!

[Kyle_]

Hi, and thanks for the response! you have made some very legitimate points that I will take into consideration. :)

Thanks again,

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Kyle,

I really hope you choose nursing! Sounds like you really have a lot going for you - motivation & goal orientation. I just want to clarify because it seems like there is a huge misconception about nursing right now. Nursing is certainly not "recession proof". Hospitals are going under at record rates because the economy has tanked. We are a business, just like any other industry. If you have explored this site very much, you will discover that our colleagues are losing jobs & new graduates are having a very hard time finding jobs.

I would recommend that you go the community college route first -- much less expensive than university -- but pursue at least your ADN (Associates Degree) and get your RN. It won't take that much longer than getting your LVN. Nursing education curriculum includes hard science pre-requisites, so don't be surprised if you have to do a semester or two of 'non-credit' work if you did not take upper level math and science in High School. You'll be better off in the long run, with a much better GPA.

Also - PLEASE don't go overboard with student loans and avoid private loans at all costs. Keep in mind that your salary will be Stick to federal & state loan programs because they will undoubtedly continue to have more flexible re-payment plans in future - just as they are now.

Good Luck to you!