Donna Said:

Is choosing a career in Nursing the right choice?

We Answered:

Notice that everyone here mentions money or job security as the main reason why you should go into nursing. Unfortunately, many people who go into nursing also think this. The reality is, unless you truly love nursing (and want to be a nurse), the money is often the only thing that keeps people in it. Catty unprofessional co-workers (mostly women), high caseloads, and lack of respect cause many nurses to burn out.

There is always a "nursing shortage" because many nurses get burnt out, injured, ill, or simply sick of the career and leave all together.

The fact is, while a small minority of nurses "luck out" with great jobs, many more are working short-staffed, overtime, not getting respect from patients, other healthcare workers, nor the general public, feeling overworked and overwhelmed, etc.

The fact is, the reality of nursing is not the same as the idealistic nursing utopia that they teach you in nursing school. Long gone are the days where you wait hand and foot on one sweet patient. People are sicker and/or more demanding than ever. You will often deal with smelly, abusive, rude, disrespectful, and demanding clients. You will hit the floor running, and running hard. If you are an RN in the ICU, expect to be in charge of everything from monitoring IV lines, to giving meds, to cleaning up BM (poop), vomit, and urine on your patient. And everything in between. Now multiple this times 6 patients for 12 hours.

Only YOU can answer if nursing is for you. You may want to get a job as a nursing assistant to get a feel for hands on care and the healthcare environment. Many people who are unsure about nursing decide to work as an aide or LPN first, and there's nothing wrong with that. You don't want to waste $40,000 and 4 years of schooling on a degree that you don't want, and can't get any other job with. You're still young, so you have lots of time. If you have any doubts, I think it's smart not to jump in head first.

Not trying to discourage you, but I think it's important that people know the reality of nursing. It is hard work, and it is not a glamorous job. You have to do it because you feel that it is your true calling, your true passion. It's no surprise that almost every new BSN/BScN/BN grad wants a desk job. ;) There are some serious issues in nursing that need addressing, and there is no clear solution in sight.

Job shadow a few nurses, work as an aide, and speak to a counsellor at your school about other healthcare careers just to find out what's out there if you are unsure.

Good luck!

Tyler Said:

question about choosing nursing career?

We Answered:

Sign up for a nursing assistant program: they are short, about 4-6 weeks; you can be certified (CNA) If you don't need financial assistance to pay for it, your parents finances are not relevant. You will make between $8-$12 an hour working in nursing homes or hospitals and can start classes toward nursing. If you work for a home care company, you can pick your hours better to work around class. Good Luck

Jim Said:

What are the things you have to love doing in order to choose nursing for a career?

We Answered:

Helping people of course, but also the ability to withstand things that might make people squeamish.