Undecided whether to become a Letter Carrier or R.N?

Anaclaire · Jan 14, 2003

My husband works for the post office but isn't a letter carrier. He's been there 16 years. From what I've seen, I'd rather be a nurse. In the post office you are nothing but a number... government... you know...

Tough decision though. How much do you want to be a nurse?

My husband just walked in the door. I asked him your question and he says to go for the nursing because the Post Office's future is shaky... becoming more and more obsolete... benefits will be decreasing, etc.

So, now you have two people's opinions...

Good luck!

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Jan 14, 2003

Wow, in one you work with paper all day, in the other you work with people.

One requires no university education and following procedures, in the other you have to make life and death decisions every shift, and prioritize work so no one dies, plus keeping various family members and admin happy.

One you work with customers from behind a counter, the other it's just a glove between you and their most intimate parts.

IMO if you don't know immediately which job you are cut out for you should definitely become a postal worker.

nursing 101 · Jan 14, 2003

Ouch! That is a tough one!

Now you are probably not working (like most of us) tired of not having money or tired of asking hubby for some. The money would probably help. The post office is a sure bet you won't get fired easily.

But remember this, first it's an interview. Not to rain on your parade but they might be interviewing other candidates as well.

Now nursing demands studying, going to school and probably not having money for the next 2-3 years. But if you want challenge, a degree and the possibility of moving around at will in your career. Nursing is it!

If you are still confused go to the interview, maybe they have part-time positions and you can still start your pre-req's.

But at the end the decision is yours.

Let us know what you decide...

PennyLane, RN · Jan 14, 2003

If your dream is to become a nurse, why drop that for the first opportunity that comes your way? Becoming a nurse opens up many doors to you in the future; I wouldn't imagine that a job at the post office does. With your nursing degree you could go on to get your BSN, Masters, etc. You could work in a variety of different settings with different people. At the post office you don't have that kind of flexibility.

Ask yourself: what do you want to do with your life? Perhaps what job you have is less important to you than other things such as your husband and family. On the other hand, perhaps you feel that you want to make a difference in others' lives. This is a decision only you can make.

Good luck in whatever you decide!!

RNIAM, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2003

I had a simialr situation myself. I was interviewed for a phlebotomist position for the Red Cross.They informed me that the position would have me travelling for trainning etc. Sounded great just what I wanted. The day before I was to accept the position I was accepted to nursing school. If I took the job,it meant instant money, no financial worries no whole thing. I knew it was no contest. I refused the job and took my place in the graduating class of 2004! Nursing is what I see myself doing in 10 years. Good luck on your decision.

Furball · Jan 14, 2003

I'm sorry but "asking hubby" for money?

When I was in nursing school "his" money was OUR money. Now I make twice as much as he.....and it's still OUR money.

Sorry OT but it was something that caught my eye and made me groan.

CountrifiedRN · Jan 14, 2003

Wow, when I read the title of this thread, I thought the postal worker thing was in jest! Since starting nursing school, I sometimes daydream of having a job that requires no thought processes, no responsibility, no license-compromising life or death decisions.......zzzzzzz....want fries with that???:chuckle

Becoming a nurse puts you in a position of huge responsibility, not only for yourself, but for the well being of another person. Nursing school is very hard, and requires committment and sacrifice. If you can be swayed so easily, maybe you should re-think what path you want to choose. There is nothing wrong with either path, but you have to do what you know will be right for you.

**SKM-NURSIEPOOH, BSN, RN** · Jan 14, 2003

i used to carry mail for usps back in '93-'94. it was hard...the job's tough & dirty...but if you're quick & have the stamina for it...why not give the job a try & go to school @ night? as a carrier, you'll have more independence...once you're out on the streets. mind you, it'll all depend on if this is rural (remain in the vehicle) or city (walk the route), but the carriers today have more & more mail to move & deliver...especially those damn circulars:( ! you'll have to not mind the weather either...i never kept a cold while working as a carrier...despite being a city carrier.

i had to quit the usps because i was starting my lpn program that was only being held during the day. i also didn't like the dogs too much...everybody & their mom had a rottweiler & there was a dog in every house. i especially hated saturday, holidays, & the summer because some little child always left their dog out of the house whenever they see me coming with the mail...they didn't do it on purpose...they thought they were doing mom a favor by collecting the mail...but i always had to contend with the dogs growling at me :rolleyes: . usps will teach you how to handle them...all dogs know or understand what "no!" means & they will stop in their tracks if given that command properly...you have to keep your voice low & steady...if it's high pitched...they might bite as high pitch voices seem to agitate them more. always keep your bag between yourself & the dog...keep that can of pepper spray handy...back away from the dog but maintain eye contact...& above of all else...never turn your back on them or run! if you decide to take the job...just follow the instructions from usps & you should do alright.

anyhoo, good luck with whatever you decide to do!

cheers!

moe

candlelvr_27 · Jan 14, 2003

I once tested for the Post Office too. I got a letter for an interview, then got another letter 6 months later for a 2nd interview and then heard nothing until a year later. I decided I wouldn't take that job anyway; once we started we would be lisetd as part-time flex employees, which means working 3rd shift, some 2nds, all holidays, and you have to go in on a moment's notice if called (wait, isn't this a nurse's schedule?? :chuckle ) There were some people there that had been temps for 2 years. I live in Illinois but I think the hiring process is the same for all states since it is a federal position. And there isn't much room for advancement. The people I talked to that had been there for years ended up working behind the counter as clerks. That is not what I would call advancement. So I guess you need to decide if you want a career taking care of people, advancement opportunities, etc. vs slave driving labor with few advancment opporunities.

Good luck!

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2003

I'm sorry to say it, but having been a nurse for ten years, I would advise you to take the Post Office job.

Nursing is not at all what it is supposed to be, and should be.

It is impossible to give pts the care they deserve in today's health-care climate.

I started out very idealistically. I graduated with my AAS in nursing at the top of my class. I was filled with hope and excitment for the rewarding experiences I thought were in store for me.

Nursing has been the most profound disappointment of my life.

Nursing is: working yourself to the very outermost limit of your capabilities on a daily basis, still not being able to give pts the care they deserve, and getting treated like crap.

I have told employers that I will take a 50% cut in pay, if they will also give me a 50% cut in pt load. They look at me like I'm nuts and go back to their cushy office jobs.

I'm sorry that my post is so negative and discouraging, but I am being wholly open with my opinions. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

renerian, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2003

Carrier by day, nursing student by night...........hMMMMMM

renerian