I am a recent graduate in Childhood Education/Special Education in NEW YORK. There are very limited jobs. I was thinking of starting over and going back to nursing, however, I don't know if this career choice is right for me. Also I hear that you should have your BSN, not just AN? This would mean I would have to find a 12 month accelerated program to get into and make sure I have my BSN. I do not know if I should stay with education and go for my masters, or make the career choice now while I can. The only thing that worries me is my husband is a police officer. His hours rotate, he is never off for holidays, and when I have children I want to make sure I am around for them. Is this possible in the field?? Do nurses hours always rotate?? Do you hvae to work weekends and holidays???......
Is it really about the patients?? Or do you have to worry about paperwork/doctors/patients families more than that?? I need insight on the field, the Ins and Outs, the good and the bad to really help with my decision. I would appreciate both negative and positive aspects of the field. Also I am from NEW YORK- and have heard recent graduates cannot find jobs- is this them being picky? Or is the job market tough in the Nursing field----
While I don't dispute your experience, I don't see that "indentured servant" is even a remotely accurate description given the complaints you described.
There are a lot of considerations for the OP - if hospital nursing, she well may have to work less desirable shifts, holidays, etc. But it's not a given. I'm a RN and I do not work nights, weekends, holidays, nor do I take call. I'm there for my family. This was not always the case, but I didn't have to switch careers to put myself in similar position to where you are now. I just had to switch facilities.
Indentured servitude refers to the historical practice of contracting to work for a fixed period of time, typically three to seven years, in exchange for transportation, food, clothing, lodging and other necessities during the term of indenture.
- What I meant by that is we work grueling hours, on our feet for little emotional or financial gain, and make just enough money to make ends meet. At least in NJ, (on single family households) our salaries are truly pennies for what we do. I feel like we are 'bound' to work in this enviornment at least for a little while, in order to move forward.
But, as always, I respect your opinion. It's just an analogy I like to use. No offense intended to anyone. And you bring up an excellent point, I was most definitely referring to hospital nursing, not other aspects.
Infusion centers, Surgery centers, Informatic positions, Legal positions, School Nurse positions etc will offer a different perspective, for sure.
Well I was an LPN for 7 years and a CNA for a couple years before that. Just graduated from RN school in December. Even with my experience it took me 9 months to find a job. I had to do a lot of calling HR and practically begging for a job.
I haven't really worked as an RN yet (still working in my LPN job) but I do LOVE nursing. It's the paperwork and administration who drives me crazy. The residents/patients and even their crazy families don't drive me too crazy because I know they are coming from a bad place usually.
I find it interesting that a teacher who wants to be a nurse posted and someone who is a nurse answered that they'd wished they went to school to be a teacher lol. What's that saying about greener grass?
Thank you I appreciate all comments! I agree you are right- I ssould not only pick nursing because of the job market- which is PART of my reason- however I have been back and forth with this decisioin ever since I graduated college- my father was a teacher but my mother was always sick and in the hospital, cancer, open heart sergury etc. so I got to see both sides............she still talks to a nurse after 30 years outside of the hospital who was with her fighting her battle of cancer........
but I have always wanted to help people that is why I went to school for special education- but now that there are now jobs that allow me to help anyone I do not want to just sit at a desk and be behind a computer- I wanted to do something that I felt passion towards and was willing to change someones life- but apparently the market for nurses is just as bad ....so I should just wait it out and be patient in my field-
I find it interesting that a teacher who wants to be a nurse posted and someone who is a nurse answered that they'd wished they went to school to be a teacher lol. What's that saying about greener grass?
I was a teacher and hated it. I switched to nursing and love it. For me, it was not about greener grass, but about finding the right fit. Can't speak for any others.
I was in finance for five years and recently went back to school to become an RN. Unlike most people, I didn't do this out of necessity. I did it because that's where my passion lies (I had a good paying job). Both my folks are retired nurses so I know what it demands, buy if you have any questions about the job or apprehension about nursing you should volunteer in a hospital. If you read some of my previous posts, I'm a big advocate of volunteering. Most places only require a four hour per week commitment for six months and if you actually do end up doing nursing it will help you make connections and possibly help you find employment after graduating.
Actually a better idea is become a PCT. In our hospital volunteers are extremely limited in what they can actually do. A tech has a much better view of the realities of nursing.
Mike, I read another one of your posts. Are you an RN now or in school?
Many people are passionate about nursing until they put in a few years lol!
Actually a better idea is become a PCT. In our hospital volunteers are extremely limited in what they can actually do. A tech has a much better view of the realities of nursing.
Mike, I read another one of your posts. Are you an RN now or in school?
Many people are passionate about nursing until they put in a few years lol!
In school right now, but from her post it seems like she didn't really know much about nursing so with that in mind she would get a chance to see day-to-day what nurses do. I know how tough nursing is, as I said both my parents are retired nurses...we never had a Christmas on December 25th lol.
I actually love being a nurse! I started out as a CNA 4.5 years ago and now I have my BSN Out here in NC the money is on the low side for nursing salaries compared to the rest of the country, but I have always wanted to help people! But I have always been fascinated with the human body and playing detective if they suddenly spike a fever! Or if they are post op and suddenly blood pressure takes a huge dive!
I also like talking a lot. I'm a woman! So I rather hold a long conversation with my patients then count change or play customer representative at a call center! HAHA Just not my cup of coffee.
I feel your pain I've been a cna long enough to finish half a degree in medical office administration and finish a
BA in sociology. I'm headed down the path to social work aaaaaaaaaahhhh (no science). I thought I wanted to do medical social work, but I hear positions are rare in hospitals and I don't want to do child protective services or school social work. I just love biology, human biology, and medical terminology.
This is my delima, I love being a nurses aid, but I too get tired of having to at work when everyone is off for the holliday. For the last 4 years I only worked weekend and my God (hated) it. Now I'm about to get my sociology degree and I'm constantly haunted by the biology, human anatomy, and medical coding book on my shelf. I am a mother of 3 and must make money for my kids, so money is important. However, I don't know what else to do either I want to study science it's funny but it gets me excited. What other career combines humany anatomy, medical terminology, and work 9 to 5 and no weekends oh and make ok money 35k?Would love to know.
I can honestly say that I have contemplated a few careers and it just seems like nurses have the best opportunity.I guess i'ts good and bad. hey but isn't that with every career?
Out here in NC the money is on the low side for nursing salaries compared to the rest of the country, but I have always wanted to help people! But I have always been fascinated with the human body and playing detective if they suddenly spike a fever! Or if they are post op and suddenly blood pressure takes a huge dive!
ColorfulStethoscope
37 Posts
Please explain to me why a BSN is so much better than an ADN program? Many ADN RN's graduate and do the RN to BSN online...