Would you be a nurse if you knew then, what you know now?

Nurses General Nursing

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Good morning! May I ask you all a question?

If you had it to do over again, would you still be a nurse?

I am not a nurse either, not yet at least. I am finishing my pre-reqs and hoping to start the nursing program next fall. I will be a second career nurse and have currenly been working in another field for over 15 years. I have always wanted to be nurse but things just never seem to work out in a way for me to go to school etc. I wish I would have gone to nursing school when I was younger but live and learn. I did decide to go the BSN route due to being older and it wasn't going to take much longer in school.

Sometimes when school gets tough or I read stories on this board I get scared and wonder if I am smart enough to be a nurse, will I make it. When I think about doing what I am doing right now, although it isn't stressful, I don't love it. I like a challenge, I like a fasted paced environment, I love working with patients. I was a PCA for a bit and I LOVED it, I still remember certian patients and I don't think I will ever forget them even though I might have only spent one day taking care of them they some how had an impact on my life.

I am scared that I won't make it through nursing school..............and I would be devastated. There is NOTHING else more I want to do.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Without a moments hesitation, I can say no. I used to love nursing, but there are too many problems in the field for which I see no possible solution.

And also, as soon as I can afford to do so, I plan on quiting.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

Nursing has been very good to me. I have been at it for 32 years. Nursing has allowed me to work flexible schedules doing something i love. Because of the flexible scheduling I was able to stay home with my kids when they were little, I was able to homeschool them for many years, and then I was able to pick it back up when I needed to. At times I have been the sole bread-winner and nursing has allowed me to do that.

That said, I don't know that i'd go into nursing *now*. The field has changed drastically since 1977, when I graduated. Patient acuity is higher and staffing is not. Administration is unsupportive of nursing. I'm over working shift work and holidays. I have many health problems that are directly and indirectly a result of working as a nurse. At 53, I want to do something far less stressful, something I enjoy even if it's not as lucrative as nursing.

I loved nursing for about 30 years. Now I'm just burnt out. The profession isn't the same and I don't get the thrill and enjoyment that I once did.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Sadly, my answer is also no. I enjoy school nursing, but if I could rewind time I would have chosen a different career.

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NO and I havent even started my first nursing job yet.I'm tired of a total lack of consideration for new grads,lack of interest as well as lack of desire to invest in new grads and feeling of desperation,dissapointment and a huge decline in motivation to succeed in nursing career.I know that our country is in very bad shape right now but I beyond frustration that hospitals are not willing to invest in new grads also I'm not looking forward to working in a high stress envinronment,struggling as a new grad,always watching my back and never be rewarded for my services~!

Ps.I have several friends that want to do nursing.A year ago I would definitely support it but now I dont even offer any advice (just keep my mouth shut) because I know what the market is like and and I'm beggining to see what the world of nursing really entitles and frankly I'm not looking forward to it.

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Probably not.

BUT, I so have a good, laid back, stress free (for the most part) job that I am VERY lucky to have. So for those reason, yes I'm glad I'm an RN. I am REALLY glad I went straight for my BSN (wouldn't have this job without it!) and the next job I'm planning requires a BSN as well. .

hmmm... what job do you have? Just let us know when you move on so we can look for postings for your current position :D

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.
NO and I havent even start my first nursing job yet.I'm tired of a total lack of consideration for new grads,lack of interest as well as lack of desire to invest in new grads and feeling of desperation,dissapointment and a huge decline in motivation to succeed in nursing career.I know that our country is in very bad shape right now but I beyond frustration that hospitals are not willing to invest in new grads also I'm not looking forward to working in a high stress envinronment,struggling as a new grad,always watching my back and never be rewarded for my services~!

I so totally agree with you. New grads get no respect from anybody. No wonder young nurses are leaving in droves.They can work in IT, marketing, or management, get more respect and make more money. And not throw their backs out doing it! And older Baby Boomer nurses will be retiring in the next 5-10 years! You think hospitals are scary now? we haven't seen anything yet. Take seriously to admonition to always stay with a family member who is hospitalized. You need to be their eyes and ears because nurses are simply spread so thin.

I'm glad I took nursing, though. My DH is very seriously ill with stage 4 lung disease. I have pulled him out of the dumper more than once. I have a severely handicapped 14yo son, as well. Because of my peds background I have been able to be pro-active in his care and treatment. And I have saved *his*life more than once during seizures. I firmly believe that if I didn't know what I know, one or both of my "men" would be dead now. So for that I am grateful to my nurses training.

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Wow.. I don't know what to say after reading this. I'm not one who as a child who dreamed of being a nurse. What draws me to nursing is that I can affect people's lives. The job I have now is just a paper pushing job really doesn't effect anything or anyone. It's just an 8-5 job. There now is the threat of layoffs. I know the job market is tight now, and if my current job hangs on I have the ability to finish school, work part time to gain experience and skills without risking much of anything. Then I can take the nursing world by storm!!!:D :yeah: or at least that the plan. :D

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I would have also gone to pharmacy school instead of nursing school

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Specializes in Corrections, Cardiac, Hospice.

I love nursing. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. I have thought about going back to school for my masters degree, but then I wouldn't be able to do bedside nursing. This is what I am good at and I want to do it the rest of my life. I truely feel like it is my gift. Some people can draw, some people can create beautiful music, Me? I am a nurse. (Not a bright eyed new grad either, been at it for over 11 years with my fair share of knocks along the way;))

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Pharm seems popular. I was thinking OT or PT myself. Some days I think Park Ranger ;)

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Pharm seems popular. I was thinking OT or PT myself. Some days I think Park Ranger ;)

That is way too funny :chuckle

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