Was It Worth It?

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I want real, honest opinions.

Was nursing worth it for you? Would you recommend anyone do it, or tell them to run far, far away?

If you could go back, what would you have done with your life?

Specializes in Trauma Surgery.

I do not regret going into nursing at all, I love it. I have good days and bad days (just like everyone else), but I wouldn't change it for the world. I would just discuss the individual's interests, not so much push people into going into or avoiding nursing. I honestly never thought I would be good enough or smart enough as a nurse, but see where I am now! If I could do stuff a little different, I would... I went to LPN school right after high school so I was an LPN by 19 (surprising I even passed, I was very immature at 19)... but had to go through some conflicts for my first nursing job that helped me with maturing (didn't realize that some older nurses didn't like young, bubbly new nurses--- was let go after transferring to an LTC for two weeks when I worked within the community since I was 16). Though I am glad that my LPN helped the transition to RN very much, I'm not sure it was worth $20,000+ in debt. Also, it took me about five years to get my ADN.

On the other hand, I am glad that everything worked out the way it did- I started working last July on the floor I precepted on right after I passed boards and the staff were so great! I did just transfer out and started in SICU last week. I think I would not have figured out my niche if I got my RN earlier, but I would probably be done with schooling though. What's also neat about finally being an RN, I feel like I'm actually appreciated. I have already been nominated for a daisy award and actually just won the daisy award for August a couple weeks ago. After working in HHC and LTC for over three years, I never won any award or received really any appreciation from patients and family members so it's cool :yes:

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Under the same circumstances I would do it over again. In hindsight, in a perfect world, I would have gone to med school but the world isn't perfect and although I think my thought process and personality are more suited toward medicine I'm managing well in nursing and love my work.

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This was absolutely the best choice for me. I was 22 when I graduated nursing school and making 6 figures. What other degree can you get where you can say the same? I also love nursing. I love helping people. I love the physical skills. I love learning and teaching.

I would not recommend most people I know to pursue nursing however because I don't think most people are cut out for it nor would they enjoy it. But if anyone asks me I don't try to dissuade or persuade anyone, I just tell them the truth.

I would have loved to work in journalism or theater somehow but I can't take the chances or put in the time necessary to be successful in those jobs. This was a "sure thing" where I could still enjoy my job.

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Specializes in ICU.

I was the youngest in my ADN program (20 years old when it started) and it was extremely difficult. However, it taught me the way of the real world and forced be to grow up. I didn't have any kind of medical background when I started, became a CNA during the program, and now I'm a critical care RN. I wouldn't change a thing. It was hard and challenging and at the same time oh so rewarding, and it still is, but that is the fun of it! I took a year off from school and now getting back into doing my BSN and it's not so bad.

I wouldn't change a thing. :)

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Rough the first couple of years but completely worth it.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

Was nursing worth it for you?

Yep.

Would you recommend anyone do it, or tell them to run far, far away?

Depends on the person.

If you could go back, what would you have done with your life?

Never really dwelled on the past.

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Specializes in General Surgery.

I was 19 and in nursing school. It was crazy.

I regret my decision on my last day off before I go back.

Once I'm there it's not so bad.

I regret it when I get a rude patient or family member that somehow knows more about nursing than me.

When they want to tell me how I will practice. I'm not talking about suggestions or mere tailoring of POC to a patient. I'm talking about the one's that think it's their job to tell me how to do every single detail.

I regret it when I'm chasing first year residents and correcting their hundreds of mistakes.

I regret it when they keep adding to my to do list because they keep making the same mistakes.

Working at a teaching hospital it feels like I'm telling doctors how to practice medicine.

Yes yes. I'm all about teaching. I love it. But I implore ... please stop making the mistake after the 3rd time Dr. Doyoueventry.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I would have chosen differently actually, but I don't hate it. Sometimes i really like it. However, if I was young an just choosing I would choose differently for myself.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I want real, honest opinions.

Was nursing worth it for you? Would you recommend anyone do it, or tell them to run far, far away?

If you could go back, what would you have done with your life?

Yes, it absolutely was. The field of nursing has been very good to me. I enjoy what I do, I'm really good at it, and I make good money. No, I would not recommend anyone do it. But for those who have the right personality, I would.

If I could go back and do it differently, I would have gone to nursing school right out of high school, rather than waiting until my late 20s.

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Specializes in ICU.

If I could do it over again, I probably would have gone to med school. I didn't make the decision to go into healthcare until I had one degree down already. I was so burned out of higher ed that the thought of med school pre-reqs/med school/residencies/fellowships/massive amounts of debt laid me out flat just thinking about it, so I went for something I could actually get through faster that had half decent pay.

I don't think I would do nursing again. Pay isn't worth it in my area considering the job stress. I enjoy it, but I feel it shaving years off of my life, and those are years I'm never going to get back.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

Me too, JustBeachy. Me too. Couldn't have said it better.

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Was nursing worth it for you?

Yep.

Would you recommend anyone do it, or tell them to run far, far away?

Depends on the person.

If you could go back, what would you have done with your life?

Never really dwelled on the past.

Good answer - mind if I borrow it?

:yes:

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