Thinking of a career in nursing-- Need some info!

snuggy · Feb 22, 2006

In becoming an RN, you will have earned a two-year degree, which is more than a "certification". You will be qualified to work in L&D, but that's not to say that you're guaranteed a position in that department.

I also want to caution you about limiting your own possibilities by making up your mind before you've had the chance to experience different opportunities in nursing. The majority of nurses, that I know personally, went into nursing school with the desire to work in one specific area (like L&D) only to discover during clinical rotations that they had a hidden love for something completely different. That's not to say you will change your mind, of course. I just think that you should go into nursing school with an open mind, and look forward to experiencing as much as you possibly can before brushing off anything else.

Since you're still in high school, perhaps you could look into volunteering at your local hospital. I think it would be a really great way for you to learn a lot of different things, as well as provide an invaluable service to your community. You may discover that you love a facet of nursing that you never even knew existed before!

Best wishes!

TexasPediRN · Feb 22, 2006

Check out

http://www.discovernursing.com

Its a site from Johnson & Johnson, and it may give you some infomation that you need.

There are different 'types' (and I use the term loosely), of nurses.

There are LPN's/LVN's, who go to school for 2 years. They work with RN supervision, or part of a team with an RN present.

There are RN's who have their associates degree, meaning they went to school for 2 years. RN's, depending on the state, can do things that an LPN cant do, such as push narcotics or meds, assessments, or in certain states an LPN cannot take orders.

There are also RN, BSN- this is a 4 year school where you obtain your bachelors degree in nursing. If you ever wanted to further your education, you'll need a BSN to do so.

To obtain your RN, you will go to school, graduate, and then you must pass a state board test, at a cost of about 200+ dollars. This will give you your license. Upon graduation you will only have your GN, or graduate nurse title, until you pass the boards.

The jobs you like sound like a great idea. If you are passionate about those areas, and know its what you want to do, thats great! However you may change your mind when you do clinical rotations in different areas :) With that said, I'm a pediatric fan myself and knew this since Day 1. I dont enjoy adult nursing, and I dont do adult nursing. Strickly Pediatrics.

I hope this helped you with a little information to guide you in your decision making :) If you have other questions, feel free to ask.

Also, if you're positive you want to do nursing, start looking into colleges ASAP. Some may have a waiting list, and you may need to apply sooner then later.

Good Luck!

Meghan :nurse:

L&D_2b · Feb 22, 2006

I am a Junior in highschool, and looking at career choices. Nursing interests me very much. I had a question... If I am only certified to be an RN, will I be able to work in labor and delivery, and the nursery? That is what interests me most in the nursing field. I was trying to find out if that is all that is required for working those places in a hospital. Thank you very much for any info you can give me!

Why not call your local hospital and ask if they have a job shadowing program for those who want to go to nursing school? You just might gain a great deal of insight into the field of nursing (good or bad). You might also find another area of nursing that interests you as well.

Good luck.