Teacher or Nurse?

allnurses Guide · Jan 22, 2018

I am both. I got my nursing degree, worked as an acute care nurse for some years, went back to school and got my MSN and now I work in Professional Development - which is basically teaching and helping nurses with career development.

If nursing is still pulling you, you really ought to give it a chance. I was TERRIBLE at math and science. I let it derail my nursing dreams until I finally got the courage to go back to school at age 39. You can do this.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Jan 29, 2018

I used to want to become a school teacher. I also used to want to become a doctor when I was fresh out of high school.

I did end up teaching preschool / early childhood education for many years.

When I was trying to decide between pursuing teaching elementary school vs pursuing nursing, I eventually realized that a big difference between the 2 professions is pay.

Teachers have hours more conducive to raising kids and spending time with them. But, in my state at least, a teacher with a bachelors plus a 1 yr credential earns the same as an LV/PN whose degree only took 1 year.

RustOmnivore · Jan 29, 2018

I'm currently working as a substitute teacher while I wait to start a second-degree nursing program. I have a lot of respect for teachers as it's definitely not something I could do for the rest of my life. You should try to get as much exposure as possible to both professions before making a decision. Job shadowing or volunteering will help you get an idea of what both jobs entail. When I started college, I was interested in nursing but was intimidated by how competitive the programs are. I wish I would have just went for it instead of having to go back for a second degree. Don't let the sciences intimidate you! If you do decide to go the nursing route, you should consider applying to nursing programs outside of your school since your school doesn't actually have a program.

Even if you choose one and later decide it's not for you, you'll have options! There are teaching and nursing programs for people who want to switch careers. You could also work as a school nurse if you wanted to work in a school environment.

FutureNurseInfo · Jan 29, 2018

I have been a teacher for 7 years. I have been doing my nursing pre-reqs for a second year in a row, so, hopefully, to become a nurse soon!

Nature_walker, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2018

I was an ESOL teacher for 8 years. I'm much happier as a nurse. I still get to teach as I've been a perceptor to several of our new nurses on the floor.

I love that I don't have to take my work home with me on my time off. My time is my time. While I was teaching, my time was all about prepping lessons and projects for the the rest of the week. Summer, wasn't paid, so had to teach summer school or pick up odd jobs to keep $$ coming in. Now, if I want extra $$, I sign up for overtime.

In NY state, you need a masters' degree if you want to keep teaching. You can get hired with a bachelor's however, you will have to go back and get the master's within a time limit while you are teaching. In nursing, I went to my community college and got my associate's degree. I started working right away. I am currently working towards my bachelors, however work is paying for most of it so I don't mind going back. My job is not requiring this of me, it's just something I want to do for myself.

I agree with looking at both careers to see what you want to do. Both have pros and cons. Only you will know which one is right for you!