What are the benefits and downsides of being a nurse?

jfrydendall · Jan 1, 2009

There are many benefits to nursing, the most rewarding is literally changing people life hopefully for the better no matter what your speciality is. Being a nurse is a career that you have the control to change, if you don't like what your doing there are a vast aray of other oppurtunities you can pursue in this career. I have been a nurse for 11 years worked med surg, managed the OR and ER in a rural hospital and now work in a doctors office. There has not been a day goes by that i haven't used my skills on one level or another and i love it. Like any other jobs there are downfalls, but it has been my experience no matter where you work or what you do nursing or not, there will always be politics, people who you wonder how they even got a job and benefits that could be better. Good luck and in the end if nursing is not for you don't be afraid to pursue a job that is. There is no shame in pursuing what you want.

Jodi :nurse:

CathyLew · Jan 1, 2009

well one benifit is the pay. For the most part, an RN makes decent money. There usually isn't a lack of overtime potential. And you are pretty much in the situation that you can get a job almost anywhere. You may not start out in your ideal job especially if you want to go into a specialty unit or department. But there are lots of kids going to collage now adays, into areas that there just isn't a demand for them. not so with nurses. They will pretty much always be in demand.

down side is burn out rate. Long hours, short staffing. You soon learn that there are many patients who don't want to be helped in the way that you were taught to help them. They dont' want patient education. They don't want you to show them how to live with their conditions. They want a quick fix, or a shot/pill that will make them all better. That isn't going to happen, and they often take it out on the nurses.

there are rewarding experiences. and there are places you can work where the place is well staffed, and everyone gets allong.

Your own attitude has a lot to do with how the job goes.

j621d · Jan 2, 2009

I really beg to differ on the "burn out rate." There are SO many opportunities in nursing that you really shouldn't burn out. I have worked for the same hospital for almost 25 years, but have made some sort of job change every 4 - 6 years. I worked critical care for 6 years, and then went into Quality Assurance. Over the years I've changed my hours (now working part time), or I've changed jobs. I'm now at the 6 year mark of my current job and my new change will be going back to school for a Masters in Nursing.

I'm still thinking of possible cons in nursing. Where else can you get a job with an AA degree, be as young as 20 years old, and be making over 40K in your first year? Add more money if you are in critical care and/or on the night shift.

It's all about attitude. I love nursing.

MinnieMomRN · Jan 2, 2009

You'll never be bored. It's hard work. Your good days are really good... the bad days are really, well, you get the picture. That said, I'm glad I've chosen nursing as my second career. Best Wishes!