Jordan Said:

Nursing career?

We Answered:

There's always going to be people who are burnt out in their current job or their profession. These are often people who are not very assertive in seeking out new opportunities for a change in job or standing up for changes in their current job, or they do not effectively manage their stress.

As for pay, I am very satisfied with the compensation I receive. Sure, everyone wishes they made more than they do, but all in all I think nurses are (generally) paid well.

You don't have to work full-time. There is so much flexibility in the kind of job you can choose and schedules you have. When I stared out, I worked 80% of full time, which was 8 eight-hour shifts per two weeks, and I worked rotating day/night shifts and every other weekend. Now I work 75% of full-time, 5 twelve hour shifts every two weeks and every third weekend. I spend a lot of time with my family and have time for school since I am seeking a higher degree.

As for performing those basic patient cares, most hospitals have support staff such as CNAs or personal care attendants that do those kinds of activities of daily living, but don't ever think you will never have to do these things. But as a nurse in a hospital, the majority of your duties will not be comprised of these kinds of activities - you are expected to delegate these tasks. You need more time to focus on passing medications, performing assessments, documentation, communicating with doctors, doing patient education, etc.

Don't listen to other people's sob stories. Make your own opinions based on your experiences once you are working. And like I said above, don't let yourself get burnt out. Recognize when you are unhappy and actively seek out a change. Or you can always seek a higher degree and get out of direct patient care and work in administration, education, research, etc.

Good luck!

Julie Said:

??nursing career??

We Answered:

I'm in nursing school and it seems like a great career to me. I think I'll always have a job if I manage to hold on to my license. I think it's rewarding because you do get to help people when they are in their most vulnerable states. You also get to deal with their blood, mucus, feces, urine and vomit.

As far as money goes, that depends on what good money is to you. Nursing doesn't pay bad, IMO, but it's not the highest paying profession either. From what I hear, you really have to work for the $$$ you make. If you want to make more and work less, at least physically, be a pharmacist instead.