To Nurse or not to Nurse? That is the question...

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Hi everyone! I am new to this site and came here mainly because I need some guidance. I am 29 years old and just finishing up my pre-reqs for health science. I originally wanted to go into OTA, however, my heart & soul is screaming BE A NURSE!!! I know that it is the right fit for me, however it is going to take me longer to do the RN program than if I did the OTA program. And for the sake of taking the bulk of our expenses off of my hubby's back, I am wondering if I should go with my gut and pursue my RN, which hopefully will turn into my BSN in the not so near future, or go with whats more convenient (OTA)? I live in Boston, also, so I know there's not much of a shortage on nurses but I am a little nervous about getting a job post-grad..any input would be greatly appreciated :cool:

Keri

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Specializes in Emergency.

OTA = Occupational Therapist Assistant? You're not going to have much luck finding a job and good luck actually enjoying your job. Just sayin' from my rotations that most of the patients don't need assistants.

Of course, I could be way off base and it not be an assistant.

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No you are right its Occupational Therapy Assistant...so you think I would be better off w/ nursing?

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I mean there is a fairly high demand in my area for OTA/OT however nursing seems to be more prevalent in the job searches I have looked at..

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Specializes in Emergency.

If your gut feeling is saying "be a nurse," I would probably go that direction. Obviously, it's more coursework that will be more intense, but, I think it will eventually be more rewarding for you. I don't want to stray you from what you want. I just don't want to see someone pick a field (I picked dance for my undergrad...REGRET) and regret it later on.

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Upward mobility is likely better as RN vs OTA as well. BSN could lead to advanced nursing degrees whereas OTA you are stuck as OTA (maybe OT but that'll require a BA or BS first)

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Ya my best friend is an OTA and she loves it thats why I was even considering it, but I Know I was meant to be a nurse & your right there is alot more career advancement options w/ RN..do you know anything about RN's with an Associate Degree & how hard it is to get a job without a BSN?

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If your gut feeling is saying "be a nurse," I would probably go that direction. Obviously, it's more coursework that will be more intense, but, I think it will eventually be more rewarding for you. I don't want to stray you from what you want. I just don't want to see someone pick a field (I picked dance for my undergrad...REGRET) and regret it later on.

haha thanks for the advice! All I can picture now is a dancing nurse lol sorry a little overtired

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