How encouraging would you be toward someone who was considering going to nursing school?
Very encouraging - many jobs will open/re-open as the economy improves and there could be a large group of nurses who could retire in a short time.
Moderately encouraging - there will always be a need for nurses as our population ages and chronic illnesses demand attention.
Slightly encouraging - it's as good a career field as any and better than many other choices.
Neutral - heathcare can work out well for some, but it's not the guarantee it once was of being able to find a good job.
Slightly discouraging - there might be jobs, but nurses will be working longer hours at more stressful jobs, and the pay probably won't be worth it.
Moderately discouraging - for all the expense and effort it takes to become a nurse, you could go into some other field and end up with far better results.
Very discouraging - I would tell them going to nursing school is a big mistake and try to talk them out of it.
Well I take it back, I would encourage them but I wouldn't sugar coat things. I'd tell them what to expect.
Study your orifice off in nursing school and come out of it not knowing a fraction of what you need to know and then its just a lot of Hard work, Long hours, aching back and feet (i'm only 22!), and when you get out of nursing school hospitals will *not* be knocking your door down trying to hire you.
Not to mention some of the nasty nurses out there that only care about the paycheck...
Other than that its a very rewarding experience though! =)
It is the patients that make me want to be a nurse, not the job itself.
I would moderately encourage someone due to the fact that many people don't understand the dedication that nursing school requires. People are suprised when I tell them how much I study and someone actually told me I must not be listening in lecture if I'm studying this much. It takes a very driven person to make it through nursing school and it's not for everyone.
Amazing on a "nursing site" that only 58.63% of the people answering the survey would encourage nursing school. That means 41.37% are neutral or would not encourage nursing school. Does that indicate they are not happy with the profession?
Nursing was my second career. I have been thinking about going back to the previous one after 20+ years in nursing. They keep expecting more and more work from us. Just reaching a point it can't be done.
I talked my 17 year old cousin into going to nursing school. she is doing post-secondary options and was thinking about being a lawyer but she wasn't really sure, I talked to her about how rewarding being a nurse is, how there is a need for more nurses and she could work anywhere!
She will start the nursing program next fall, after graduation and be a RN by the time she is 19.
I am inclined to agree everybody. Nursing is tough, but rewarding and it ain;t a get rich quick scheme. We really need more nurses, to replace an aging nursing population and to look after an aging population. Work loads/acuity are increasing, but I don't believe new generations want to work as hard as previous gens.
I certainly don't agree with the baby boomer work ethic, and who is going to look after them, if they burn out and discourage intelligent, compassionate nurses. What you will be left with is those who can not do anything else/reskill remaining in profession. Its a type of brain drain which I believe exists and is being exacerbated currently. So I answered moderately encourage, I guess in light of the toughness of the job and if they do complete their studies, then God hope they stay nursing.
It takes a caring, competent individual to be a nurse. If someone considered going to nursing school, I would only encourage them wholeheartedly if they felt that was their calling. I have no patience for people who are in it "for the money." Nursing is not "just a job," it's a career. :redbeathe
This is the problem with the profession. We are not respected as being professionals with a set of skills that are worth reimbursing. We wouldn't tell a lawyer to disregard money? Good pay attracts the best. That's been proven. The historical roots of the nursing profession in the realm of religion is part of the problem. We are expected to be martyrs. We 'shouldn't' be in it for the money. Why can't we be in it because we enjoy it AND because of the money?
Keep your teaching liscense current. It comes in handy later. One of the hardest positions to fill is a nursing instructor. Your nursing degree plus your teaching certification, especially secondary and beyond, will work for you.
As an educator going into nursing at a rather mature age, I can tell you than many nursing instructors do not see themselves as facilitators of the learning process. For me, it was more or less, here's the material. Learn it yourself and then see if you can guess what the focus will be. Very poor teaching strategies in general.
Nursing is not "just a job," it's a career. 
:redbeathe
Aaron86
66 Posts
Its hard to say if I would encourage them or not.
Well I take it back, I would encourage them but I wouldn't sugar coat things. I'd tell them what to expect.
Study your orifice off in nursing school and come out of it not knowing a fraction of what you need to know and then its just a lot of Hard work, Long hours, aching back and feet (i'm only 22!), and when you get out of nursing school hospitals will *not* be knocking your door down trying to hire you.
Not to mention some of the nasty nurses out there that only care about the paycheck...
Other than that its a very rewarding experience though! =)
It is the patients that make me want to be a nurse, not the job itself.