What do you do?

Well, I don't think I'd want to go through nursing school again but I have never regretted becoming a nurse. I think the key is finding a supportive environment with good working conditions. It's rewarding to know that you are physically helping people. The flexibility is there with so many different specialties to go into, facilities to work in, shifts to work. There's also many opportunities to advance your education and career.

I do sometimes envy friends who don't have to work weekends, nights, or holidays, have way less responsibility, less exposure to hazards, while sometimes making more money. Then again, there are some nursing jobs with similar conditions!

Thanks! I appreciate your response. I could earn a lot more if I remained in corporate America, but I hate it! It's unrewarding and makes me gain weight! At least you're doing something that matters at the end of the day.

If you hated waitressing I don't think nursing will be your cup of tea either. Often you are treated by patients as nothing more than a glorified waitress who can bring pills along with coffee and toast, and you serve it up with a smile while dealing with some of the most demanding and obnoxious people you've ever met.

Not to say that that's all it is...but some nights it sure feels that way. Other nights, you meet the sweetest or funniest or bravest people and helping care for them makes your job truly rewarding.

I couldn't sit at a desk all day. The stress can sometimes be overwhelming but it sure beats the boredom of the daily grind. Best of all, when I leave, I leave all that stress behind. It's not waiting for me when I come back, though I may have an all-new set of even worse problems waiting. You just never know, and I like the unpredictability and being able to think on my feet.

The most important thing is to find a place where you fit in and you like and respect the majority of your co-workers--a place where everyone works together and usually has fun doing it, rather than having fun looking for things to report and write others up about. Without a good team, it's a miserable job.

I didn't mind my customers so much as I hated never knowing what I was going to earn from shift to shift. I hated the incestuous relationships and the amount of drinking and drugging among my coworkers when I waitressed. However, I did work at 2 restaurants where that was nearly non-existent and it was a much better environment in which to work.

Leaving when your shift is over and not bringing work home is priceless! My life is quickly heading down the path of nonstop work, and I want to avoid it.

Thanks for your reply!

One thing you will find in nursing school is an older group of students. There are many who start nursing later in life for some reason. I started school in my 30's and I was pleasantly surprised to find many my age and several older. Nursing school is hard and takes a level of commitment, but I have never been sorry that I became a nurse. I have worked in a variety of environments and enjoyed each of them. Floor nursing does involve being subjected to the whims of people who are not at their best because of pain and illness. I loved Corrections Nursing because we are on our own and able to fully use our assessment skills and brains, but you have a pretty negative patient base. Nurses are sorely needed and you will be able to find work easily and the salary is decent. It is also pretty great to be able to say to yourself that you saved a couple of lives in your career. Good luck with your decision.

Thank you! By the time I start nursing school, I will be in my 30s. I'm glad to hear I'll be in similar company!

I've never heard of Corrections Nursing, so I appreciate your perspective!

nursing is the hardest thing ive done in my life besides giving birth.

dont know if i would do it again, although i love it.

been a bit hard on the psyche.

i now work at an LTACH

i have worked in dialysis, ICU, med-surg, long term care (w/ vents) for the most part.

Whoa! What an answer! Thanks!

I think it's pretty definite that I'll become a nurse, but I'm still curious as to what all you do in your day-to-day jobs.