Published
Hello, all!
After working in clerical hospital roles in multiple facilities and having an up close view of what nurses do on a daily basis, I have realized that I would DREAD working bedside in a hospital. I'm wondering, though, is it possible just to head straight to a clinic or doctor's office upon graduating? Also, is an RN or LVN more likely to work in one of these roles? Honestly, my absolute dream would be to work in a public health setting! I would love to work with underserved populations.
Basically,--and I feel bad saying this--I am looking for a relatively low-stress nursing job (although I know they're all stressful to a degree!). I've witnessed so many resuscitations (more attempted than successful), death/dying, and sudden emergencies and I am just NOT looking to have that be part of my job. I want nursing to be for me, but I'm afraid that my desires may not be reasonable or possible. I hate to put it this way, but I would strongly reconsider moving forward with nursing if it meant that this were not possible.
As I said, I feel guilty admitting all of these things, but I truly am interested in nursing because I feel great satisfaction from helping others, I'm a natural advocate, I keep calm under pressure, and I love to read about everything health-related. I've viewed both the RN and LVN courses at my local college, and every subject seems completely thrilling to learn about.
Also, for background, I live in the Houston area, am in my mid-twenties, married, and have a baby on the way. A good work/life balance is important to me as we want additional children and I certainly want to be involved in their lives. Currently, I'm considering all nursing avenues, and a Bachelor's degree is as far as I'm willing to go at this point (I definitely would be eyeing a public health degree if I did take this route!).
Also, as far as the LVN vs. RN question, I've met a lot of LVNs who have expressed regret for not pursuing an RN degree because of pay and wanting more opportunities. All I'm seeking to do is make a decent paycheck for a comfortable lifestyle and to work outside of bedside.
Basically, I'm at the point where I'm tired of thinking/debating what I want and start doing--and that means finding what works for me and not settling! I am finally feeling liberated and ready to do this!
Any thoughts or advice on any of this is more than helpful to me--I would appreciate it so much!
tl;Dr: Debating between LVN, RN, or BSN--whichever will offer me the most opportunities of working outside of bedside. I do NOT want to work bedside upon graduating and am wondering how possible this is to avoid. I would strongly reconsider the nursing path if this were NOT possible.