Thinking about becoming a nurse...

[BenStiller]

I'm thinkng of becoming a nurse and am just wondering about the overall job of a nurse. I'm looking to to get a BSN in nursing and later on move into manager jobs or possibly a CRNA or Nurse practitioner.

I'm thinking the ER would be an exciting place to be. I'm just wondering if you can give me an in depth analyse on the OR and other Dep'ts. Also, How often do you need to stay in after your shift. I'm looking forward to a 12 hour shift, 3 days on, 4 off per week, any cons to it?

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

The job varies so much depending on which specialty you go into. I work in the ICU and I do 3 12-hour shifts per week with 4 days off, and I love that. We do self scheduling, and with the exception of our rule that you have to work 3 of the 8 weekend days per our 4 week schedules, I work the days I want. In fact, next month I penciled myself in so I work Mon-Wed one week and Fri-Sun the next so I'm off 8 days straights to go out of town without using vacation time. Pretty cool.

Anyhow...ICU nurses typically take 2 patient assignments and they are responsible for the majority of the patient's care. We work closely with the doctors and respiratory therapists in dealing with patient care. I find that even "easy" patients in the ICU keep you busy enough that time goes by fast since there's patient assessments every 4 hours, constant monitoring of vital signs, multiple medications to administer, just to scratch the surface.

I'd say that I stay over my scheduled shift times maybe two times per month, and usually not longer than 30 minutes max...

Most CRNA programs like 1-2 years of critical care experience, which they usually define as ICU experience with adequate exposure to hemodynamic monitoring, management of mechanically ventilated patients, and titrating of vasoactive medications. ER and OR wouldn't satisfy that requirement if CRNA is the route you think you may take. Just food for thought!

[Pachinko]

I switched from a desk job to nursing and do not regret it. I've had my best and worst work experiences as a nurse, but it's never boring. I also work in ICU and appreciate the need to think critically. Nursing challenges on every level: intellectually, physically, emotionally. And you feel that you're contributing something.

ICU is a good place to start for CRNA, especially in a cardiothoracic ICU, and preferably in a large city or teaching hospital. Hard work, but you will learn a lot.