Will I still have life if a become a Nurse?

nurse1012 · Jul 16, 2007

1. Yes, nursing school is stressful. I went to a four year program and it was very stressful at times, but I still had a blast and a little time to play.

2. Your work schedule can be flexible depending on what type of nursing you are in. You can do anything from a M-F 8-5 job to 12 hour shifts in which you are working 3-4 days a week (usually 3 unless you want more). Most nurses seem to have to start out working nights but a lot of places you can work your way to day shifts pretty quickly if you want, some people love nights though.

3. Call also depends on your job, I've worked where we've had to take 40 hours of call a month as well as other hospitals where I was not required to take call at all, that will depend on your hospital policy.

4. Yes, I still take care of my kid when I come home from work, I have to!! I am exhausted at times, but you make time for your family and always make sure you put them first and the job second....many jobs will want the opposite but you have to stand firm and let them know that family is first. Also it helps to find a husband that is willing to do some of the household chores!

5. Nursing can be VERY stressful at times, very rewarding at times and very discouraging at times but you just keep doing it because you know people need you.

6. Least favorite.....nursing can be very unfair sometimes, you are stuck in the middle between families, patients, doctors, hospital policies, etc. Also high patient ratios are really hard to deal with. Working in general is not my favorite thing, I'd really rather just be a mom, but that's a matter of personal opinion.

7. When patients tell you how much they appreciate what you do for them and you know you are doing a good job.

8. Favorite part.....seeing a patient get better of course! Also the friends you make in nursing school and on the job are great! And you know you can always find a job no matter where you go!

9. You can live your life without your job interfering if you try. It's hard at first but you go home and leave your job worries at the front door. Don't answer your phone when the hospital calls if you don't want to go to work though!

10. Usually I enjoy being a nurse, there are times when I want to quit altogether but you'll find out as the years go that absolutely no job is perfect!!

Good luck in your career search! Nursing really is a flexible career, there are so many things you can do with an RN degree!