To be (a nurse) or not to be?

[PlzClarify]

Yes, that is a serious question.

Hi Everyone,

Some background on me: I have been reading the forums for a long time now. I am currently in a nursing program where you must become a CNA first, followed by a one year LVN program, then a one year AD/RN program. I've been a CNA for over a year, but am currently working in private care as a Home Care Aide. I just applied to the LVN program, for which there is a long waiting list. Due to familial commitments, I need to stay close to home, so this is the path I have chosen, in spite of other available avenues.

I have always wanted to be an RN in L&D. My bigger dream has been to become a CMW. I have a hospital in mind for L&D and I know they have a new grads program. Of course, that means night shifts.

I have read a lot here lately about how this is a really bad idea (night nursing, especially for those over 40). I know many have further issues with mandatory OT, etc, etc. As I recall from my clinicals at this particular hospital on the L&D floor that the majority of nurses seemed to enjoy their jobs and I even heard some say they loved their jobs and were actually home more than they were at work. They all said their worked their three 12 hour shifts per week and that was generally it. This is actually a newly built hospital with pods of 4 patients for each nurse to care for.

I am just wondering if I am delusional to think this is the route I want to go? Again, this is something I have always wanted to do. Yet when I read about all of the cons to this profession, particularly L&D, I have to wonder if I am simply ignorant to all it entails?

So tell me, would you become a nurse again if you had it to do all over again? Would you recommend nursing to your best friend? If you are a L&D nurse, or have been, can you please give me your viewpoints on the issue? If you would not choose to become an RN again knowing what you know now, or if you could change paths now, what else would you do for a living?

Any input would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I can ascertain that you are in California for a variety of reasons. Be cognizant that the chances of securing a new grad RN position in L&D with an associate degree in California are extremely slim, depending on the part of the state.

In fact, securing any type of hospital job in California without a BSN degree might be a challenge. I am not attempting to dash anyone's dream. Rather, I am trying to get you to view this career move with both eyes wide open.

Good luck to you!

[PlzClarify]

Thank you for the reply. I should have mentioned that I plan to bridge to BSN after I complete the RN program. On that note, I suppose it will be quite a while before I need to be concerned with this issue.