Hello, I'm a 25 yr old male, soon to be 26, currently a project coordinator with a large financial institution, and I am considering switching to the medical field and pursuing nursing. I would like to become a nurse anesthetist, and in the mean time learn and grow as an ICU/ER RN. My current job is simply too boring. The business end does nothing for me, and I feel I am tied to a desk all day. I love helping others, and get great gratification out of this. However, I do have my concerns which I will list below.
*To those who are thinking they see this all the time and this thread is pointless, it's my understanding that the field is constantly changing and I am seeking advice from those who are aware, not those with an ungrounded opinion*
Is the field becoming overpopulated? Will I have issue finding something? Is 26 too old to begin a new career in this?
Is it worth the hard work and dedication to studying? I will be broke, and very busy, from now until I land an RN job...
Are there any benefits to being a male in this profession? Will I catch a lot of crap from females?
How is the stress factor? I heard the reason there are tons of out of shape nurses is because they wear themselves out at work and have no energy when their shift is over.
How is the pay? I've heard decent, however I've also heard starting off it can be rather disappointing.
I understand becoming a CRNA is like going through med school for nurses, and this excites me as I know I am an intelligent person. I am anxiously looking forward to the challenge. With that said, is this a realistic goal?
Thanks in advance to everyone providing feedback! Much appreciated.
Esme12 you make it sound pretty rough. I know it won't be easy, so I appreciate your words of wisdom. Wouldn't CNAs do more menial tasks? I want to be in an ICU/ER, so hopefully the tasks won't be too insignificant : )
You are going to be a nurse. If you think you are going to have a CNA to act as your handmaiden you may be surprised.Nurses provide patient care. As another poster pointed out, a lot of ICUs have no CNAs and you will responsible for all aspects of care. ER nurses also have to deal with bodily fluids.
There is nothing "menial" or insignificant" about taking care of your patients needs. If your patient is covered in liquid stool you will not getting someone else to do the clean up, being in the ICU or the ER won't change that.
I can't say much about employment because here in Canada, it's not nearly as competitive as I've learned it is in the States (I honestly had no idea how hard it was for New Grads to get jobs in the States until I started frequenting this board!) You also can't work as an RN without a BN or a BScN anymore in Canada. The pay rates are also much better here. So really I have no opinion on this matter
Now, I don't want to sound mean... but I question your motivations and your expectations of nursing. I know you said you like "helping people"... but there's a lot more to nursing than just "helping people". Nursing is helping people that don't necessarily want to be helped (Emerge: the belligerent intoxicated middle-aged man who comes in by police who was in a bad bar fight and was punched around in the head, and then fell and hit his head. He comes in fully packaged (c-collar, board) and no matter what you do, he refuses to cooperate, refuses to keep his head/neck still, continuously tries to beat you and anyone else off, wants nothing to do with anything and you still have to do your very best to treat this man and his potential injuries. You can't just throw up your hands and say "well, fine, the h**l with ya, you don't want my help, bye!"... ICU: the 80 year-old post op patient who has had a very complicated vascular/thoracic/abdominal surgery, has many invasive lines (central venous lines, arterial lines, NG tubes, surgical drains... any of which get pulled out and it is a very BIG issue) who has ICU psychosis and medication induced confusion who continuously tries to get out of bed, pull out his lines, beat you off when you try to redirect him, etc... and trust me, when the elderly are in this situation, they can be MUCH stronger than you think!!) Having worked in both ICU and Emerge, these are situations I encounter daily. Not to mention the psych patients that come into Emerge that are manic, confused, suicidal, combative, aggressive. They are not in their right mind.. you can't turn them away. You have to do your best to help them. They are in your department for a reason. It can get pretty hairy in both departments.
There are no "menial" jobs when you are a Registered Nurse. I don't know what to think about your "menial" comment... Your patient needs to be cleaned up, you clean them up. They need to be fed, you feed them. They need a suppository or an enema, you give it to them. Because they are human beings and their care is entrusted to you. I come from an ICU where there are no LPNs employed. If we were very short, we may get one floated to us. In ICU, you do everything for your patient. Basic care (vitals, baths, catheter, flexi-seals, trach care, turning/positioning, etc etc etc) to complicated medication drips (levophed, cardizem, nitro, amiodarone, sedation drips, etc.) and procedures (assisting with central line insertion, chest tube insertion, bedside trachs, intubation, codes, etc.). It's all on you as their nurse. There wasn't any "oh, my patient has a sea of loose stool under them, right down to their heels... I'll just go get the LPN to clean that up." (not where I come from, anyway).
Nursing is knowing how to work as a team. If you're not willing to get your hands dirty, then why should someone help you, if you won't help them (if it's something "menial")?
Now that I work in Emerge, I have had to learn how to work with LPNs. They were very pleasantly surprised when I started because I didn't ditch the "dirty jobs" on them... I ask for help if I needed it (heavy patient), and I've learned that with all the turnover, sometimes you do need to delegate some jobs so you can call report to the floor or give a pain med... but if there's an expectation of never having to do anything "menial", well... I don't really know what to say other than think very hard about becoming a Registered Nurse. LPNs are an amazing asset to the healthcare team. We don't have CNAs, but I'm thinking they are equal to our PSWs, which I know of only a couple employed in my hospital and they are mostly used as sitters.
I don't want to sound uppity, and I don't want to be overly harsh, but the realities of nursing may not be what you're thinking, and to invest so much time and money into something that may not be what you're thinking, or may be some horrible reality check, I don't think is fair. Do you know any RNs you could talk to to get a better picture? Do some more research? Maybe some other healthcare related jobs might be more up your alley... Paramedic, Respiratory Therapist (here it's the RTs that mostly become AAs (Anesthetist Assistant, which I think might be like your CRNA but I can't be sure)), or something I'm not thinking of that only exists in the States? hehe.
I do really hope you find something you like, it's no good being stuck in a job that you feel is boring.
I'm a CNA and I see my tasks as extremely important. If there is a change in patient status, I'm likely the first to notice. I also practice nursing assessments in my head while caring for some patients.
Now, CNA work typically isn't very intellectually stimulating. I like the patient care/interaction of being a CNA, but it is very physically demanding and it is boring to me. So overall, being a CNA will teach you how to interact with patients and time management. If you need to be intellectually stimulated at your job you will most likely not like being a CNA. BUT, I'd still recommend working as one before/during nursing school. Your CNA experience will make you a better nurse.
I'd suggest taking an evening CNA course and then find a PRN position and pick up some shifts on your off days. It will be a minimal investment and you will quickly figure out if nursing is for you. If you enjoy the patient care/interaction you will probably enjoy being an RN.
Also, I'd suggest you shadow an RN and then a CRNA. That's what I did and the experience was phenomenal.
If you are enticed by the high salary of being a CRNA, I can't blame you! But that alone won't get you there. You have to take it one step at a time. I applaud that you are thinking big, I'm the same way, but you need to be a realist at the same time. Realize that you may become an RN and never make the cut for CRNA school or other factors may come in to play preventing you from that path. Will you still be happy as an RN?
I can't say much about employment because here in Canada, it's not nearly as competitive as I've learned it is in the States (I honestly had no idea how hard it was for New Grads to get jobs in the States until I started frequenting this board!) You also can't work as an RN without a BN or a BScN anymore in Canada. The pay rates are also much better here. So really I have no opinion on this matter
There are no "menial" jobs when you are a Registered Nurse. I don't know what to think about your "menial" comment... Your patient needs to be cleaned up, you clean them up. They need to be fed, you feed them. They need a suppository or an enema, you give it to them. Because they are human beings and their care is entrusted to you. I come from an ICU where there are no LPNs employed. If we were very short, we may get one floated to us. In ICU, you do everything for your patient. Basic care (vitals, baths, catheter, flexi-seals, trach care, turning/positioning, etc etc etc) to complicated medication drips (levophed, cardizem, nitro, amiodarone, sedation drips, etc.) and procedures (assisting with central line insertion, chest tube insertion, bedside trachs, intubation, codes, etc.). It's all on you as their nurse. There wasn't any "oh, my patient has a sea of loose stool under them, right down to their heels... I'll just go get the LPN to clean that up." (not where I come from, anyway).
Nursing is knowing how to work as a team. If you're not willing to get your hands dirty, then why should someone help you, if you won't help them (if it's something "menial")?
Now that I work in Emerge, I have had to learn how to work with LPNs. They were very pleasantly surprised when I started because I didn't ditch the "dirty jobs" on them... I ask for help if I needed it (heavy patient), and I've learned that with all the turnover, sometimes you do need to delegate some jobs so you can call report to the floor or give a pain med... but if there's an expectation of never having to do anything "menial", well... I don't really know what to say other than think very hard about becoming a Registered Nurse. LPNs are an amazing asset to the healthcare team. We don't have CNAs, but I'm thinking they are equal to our PSWs, which I know of only a couple employed in my hospital and they are mostly used as sitters.
I don't want to sound uppity, and I don't want to be overly harsh, but the realities of nursing may not be what you're thinking, and to invest so much time and money into something that may not be what you're thinking, or may be some horrible reality check, I don't think is fair. Do you know any RNs you could talk to to get a better picture? Do some more research? Maybe some other healthcare related jobs might be more up your alley... Paramedic, Respiratory Therapist (here it's the RTs that mostly become AAs (Anesthetist Assistant, which I think might be like your CRNA but I can't be sure)), or something I'm not thinking of that only exists in the States? hehe.
I do really hope you find something you like, it's no good being stuck in a job that you feel is boring.
I'm guessing that you work in Ontario.
In Alberta, there are LPNs in the ICUs and they are not the RN's handmaiden. Same goes for our Emergs.
AA's aren't utilized out west. But if it can save the government some $$, they'll probably bring them in.
Nurses of any designation have to clean up bodily fluids. Even in the OR. Been there, done that.
The OP just sounds naïve and ambitious. I really don't understand why so many males think their gender will be a huge advantage in finding work (well, they'll never get pregnant, but there is still paternity leave)
In Alberta, there are LPNs in the ICUs and they are not the RN's handmaiden. Same goes for our Emergs.
AA's aren't utilized out west. But if it can save the government some $$, they'll probably bring them in.
Nurses of any designation have to clean up bodily fluids. Even in the OR. Been there, done that.
The OP just sounds naïve and ambitious. I really don't understand why so many males think their gender will be a huge advantage in finding work (well, they'll never get pregnant, but there is still paternity leave)
We aren't the handmaiden in Ontario either. RPNS are independent in their practice. I've only ever heard of the term PSW here in ON so im assuming that's where they're from...however the post makes it sound like we work under RNS or something....not the case. and OP, no task is menial or insignificant...not sure what you mean by that...but if you think that is the case then I would recommend doing more research on what nursing really entails. (writing on phone...excuse the form)
Actually I'm in NB! :) While the scope of an LPN doesn't seem to be as advanced here as in other provinces, they most certainly are not our "handmaidens", and for the most part I don't find they are treated as such.
Hello, I'm a 25 yr old male, soon to be 26, currently a project coordinator with a large financial institution, and I am considering switching to the medical field and pursuing nursing. I would like to become a nurse anesthetist, and in the mean time learn and grow as an ICU/ER RN. My current job is simply too boring. The business end does nothing for me, and I feel I am tied to a desk all day. I love helping others, and get great gratification out of this. However, I do have my concerns which I will list below.
*To those who are thinking they see this all the time and this thread is pointless, it's my understanding that the field is constantly changing and I am seeking advice from those who are aware, not those with an ungrounded opinion*
Is the field becoming overpopulated? Will I have issue finding something? Is 26 too old to begin a new career in this?
In my area nursing IS overpopulated and new grads are having an incredibly hard time finding something. Especially new grads who say that their goal is to be a CRNA... no one is going to want to take on someone who they know will be leaving in a year or two, especially not in this job market where there are dozens of nurses for every open job.
Is it worth the hard work and dedication to studying? I will be broke, and very busy, from now until I land an RN job...
Only you can decide if it will be worth it. If you want to be a nurse, it's worth it. If you are just looking for a career that you think will be recession proof and give you a decent salary, it probably won't be.
Are there any benefits to being a male in this profession? Will I catch a lot of crap from females?
I don't think being male alone will bring you any benefits. You may encounter many patients who will refuse a male nurse... and the majority of the time this request will be accommodated. I don't think you'll "catch a lot of crap" from your female coworkers solely because you are a man but you will be around a lot of estrogen. Sometimes when you work closely enough with other women, your periods sync up... this is called "menstrual synchrony"... my whole weekend group when I worked in the hospital experienced this. Some of our male colleagues found it to be a rather unpleasant weekend to work if it was our time of the month.
How is the stress factor? I heard the reason there are tons of out of shape nurses is because they wear themselves out at work and have no energy when their shift is over.
Who says there are "tons of out of shape nurses"? If you wake up at 5am, leave your house at 6am, spend your day running up and down the halls without so much as a pee break and don't get home until 9pm, when do you imagine going to the gym?
How is the pay? I've heard decent, however I've also heard starting off it can be rather disappointing.
This largely depends on your geographic location. In my area, the starting salary is around $26-$30/hr but new grads are also largely unemployed up here.
I understand becoming a CRNA is like going through med school for nurses, and this excites me as I know I am an intelligent person. I am anxiously looking forward to the challenge. With that said, is this a realistic goal?
CRNA school is not "medical school for nurses". Everyone and their mother wants to get into nursing nowadays to become a CRNA. Few nurses will ever become CRNAs.
Esme12 you make it sound pretty rough. I know it won't be easy, so I appreciate your words of wisdom. Wouldn't CNAs do more menial tasks? I want to be in an ICU/ER, so hopefully the tasks won't be too insignificant : )
1. Many ICUs do not employ CNAs. If nurse only have 1-2 patients each they are expected to do full patient care.
2. What do you mean by "menial" and "insignificant" tasks? ICU patients poop and pee and vomit too and as a nurse, you would not be above cleaning them. And actually, ICU patients are probably more likely to be total care, especially if they are vented/sedated. Those patients aren't going to be ambulating or using the bathroom.
3. Getting a job in an ICU or an ER right out of nursing school is extremely difficult. You may have to take whatever you can get as a new grad... and that may be LTC or Med/Surg.
Specializes in Peds ED, Peds Stem Cell Transplant, Peds.
Esme12 you make it sound pretty rough. I know it won't be easy, so I appreciate your words of wisdom. Wouldn't CNAs do more menial tasks? I want to be in an ICU/ER, so hopefully the tasks won't be too insignificant : )
Sorry this question gets my goat. You have a patient they are yours, not a CNA. If they are puking or crapping all over the place, it is you, not a CNA job to make sure they get cleaned. It doesn't mean the CNA can't do it, it means if they can't, you do it. This plus any other aspect, including bathing, and bed making, even feeding.
I know you are not a nurse and don't work in the medical field yet. Never expect someone else to do your job. As a nurse your job is caring for your patient. There are no menial jobs in nursing.
Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Is the field becoming overpopulated?
*** Nursing yes and has been for about 5 years now. New grads, and some experienced nurses are having a very hard time finding work. CRNA no. Plenty of jobs open for them.
Will I have issue finding something?
*** Almost certainly. Finding work in the field you MUST have for CRNA school, ICU will be even harder as it is in very high demand. There are many nurse residency programs out there for new grads to go to work directly in ICU, however the competition for them is intense.
Is 26 too old to begin a new career in this?
*** Don't be absurd. Of course not.
Is it worth the hard work and dedication to studying?
*** You are lumping nursing in with anesthesia. I LOVE my career as an RN. I have a fun and exciting job, tons of respect and autonomy, and I make very good money. However I worked my way into this job. I think it's worth it. I think most nurses do. However a sizable minority are unhappy.
CRNAs have a very high job satisfaction rate. All of my many friends who went to anesthesia school are happy they did so. A couple of them make BANK! I mean like you wouldn't believe me if I told you
Are there any benefits to being a male in this profession? Will I catch a lot of crap from females?
*** Not really and unlikely. I can't imagine that you would be the only man in your school or the unit you work on if you can find a job.
How is the stress factor?
*** I Like my job, it's fast paced, exciting and darn fun so I have very little stress at work. YMMV. Stick to critical care and ER and stress should be better.
heard the reason there are tons of out of shape nurses is because they wear themselves out at work and have no energy when their shift is over.
*** I don't know. There are tons of very in shape nurses too. I (usually) have plenty of energy at the end of my 12 hour shifts.
How is the pay? I've heard decent, however I've also heard starting off it can be rather disappointing.
*** Low relative to the level of responsibility. Wages have been falling for 5 or 6 years. Expect to start at $20-30 and hour depending on where you live. Where you live makes a HUGE difference, not only for pay but also for the kind of working conditions and autonomy you will experience. Florida and the south the worst states to be a nurse in, west coast states tend to be the best.
I understand becoming a CRNA is like going through med school for nurses, and this excites me as I know I am an intelligent person. I am anxiously looking forward to the challenge. With that said, is this a realistic goal?
*** Sure, lots of people do it all the time. The bottle neck is getting that first ICU job. Getting into CRNA school is pretty easy, at least I never heard of anyone who couldn't' get in if they played their cards right.
Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Esme12 you make it sound pretty rough. I know it won't be easy, so I appreciate your words of wisdom. Wouldn't CNAs do more menial tasks? I want to be in an ICU/ER, so hopefully the tasks won't be too insignificant : )
*** Uh-Oh. Now you stepped in it. I have some comments fro you but it looks like others have already tried to educate you about it. Please take what you have been told to heart.
Hello, I'm a 25 yr old male, soon to be 26, currently a project coordinator with a large financial institution, and I am considering switching to the medical field and pursuing nursing. I would like to become a nurse anesthetist, and in the mean time learn and grow as an ICU/ER RN. My current job is simply too boring. The business end does nothing for me, and I feel I am tied to a desk all day. I love helping others, and get great gratification out of this. However, I do have my concerns which I will list below.
*To those who are thinking they see this all the time and this thread is pointless, it's my understanding that the field is constantly changing and I am seeking advice from those who are aware, not those with an ungrounded opinion*
Is the field becoming overpopulated? Will I have issue finding something? Is 26 too old to begin a new career in this? Due to lack of retiring RN's, yeah, it is. But if you stand out you can still land work and in the long run the demand will rise.
Is it worth the hard work and dedication to studying? I will be broke, and very busy, from now until I land an RN job. Yes. The program itself isn't even that hard... it's just hard to stand out as the best.
Are there any benefits to being a male in this profession? Will I catch a lot of crap from females?
Nah, females typically love you. You can lift people, lol. Plus, they work with women ALL THE TIME. a change is nice.
How is the stress factor? I heard the reason there are tons of out of shape nurses is because they wear themselves out at work and have no energy when their shift is over. Yeah, it's stressful. How do you handle stress in other areas of your life?
How is the pay? I've heard decent, however I've also heard starting off it can be rather disappointing. At nursing care homes? Bad, really. Out here in CA in the upper 20's range. But in a hospital pay is very good, especially high acuity/city hospitals.
I understand becoming a CRNA is like going through med school for nurses, and this excites me as I know I am an intelligent person. I am anxiously looking forward to the challenge. With that said, is this a realistic goal? Are you motivated? Then yes.
Thanks in advance to everyone providing feedback! Much appreciated.
.thumb.jpg.8471d0001bcd262d428e0775cb934248.jpg){kind=small}
loriangel14, RN
6,933 Posts
You are going to be a nurse. If you think you are going to have a CNA to act as your handmaiden you may be surprised.Nurses provide patient care. As another poster pointed out, a lot of ICUs have no CNAs and you will responsible for all aspects of care. ER nurses also have to deal with bodily fluids.
There is nothing "menial" or insignificant" about taking care of your patients needs. If your patient is covered in liquid stool you will not getting someone else to do the clean up, being in the ICU or the ER won't change that.