RN or no?

Question

I'll be going to college next fall wanting to become a RN, anyone can help me figure out if this is really for me...does it take time away from your family? How many years of education does this require? Any type of input would be great....or if you have any other medical professions that might be less sacrificial but similar to RN..

Answer

Nursing is a career that you end up giving so much of your self to others. I'm physically & emotionally exhausted when I get home after a 12 hour shift. It's horribly difficult to hold the hand of a dying patient or tell the children that are in their 20s that their father needs to be taken off life support. You literally are responsible for other people's lives & can be sued at the drop of a hat. Of all those things I listed above, there are moments where you celebrate too. Discharging the patient who has been in the hospital for weeks & they get one step closer to home; wishing someone a merry Christmas when they're admitted over the holiday; having someone tell you thank you for the simplest task that meant the world to them.

I wouldn't trade what I do for the world. I love being a nurse but it's far from easy & the schooling is treacherous.  I can't imagine myself doing anything else. If you're unsure, try getting a job as a tech at a hospital. You won't know exactly what being a nurse is like but it's the closest you can get without school/a license.

Answer

I just graduated with my BSN in August and YES nursing school takes a lot of time away from family for 2 years. It's a big sacrifice but completely worth it.

Answer

It's completely worth it!

Answer

I'm currently a Medical ICU/Cardiac ICU nurse. I really enjoy it. Yes, it's a pain in the butt getting through school and getting where you're going to be, it isn't easy, but it's worth it. I can tell you stories all day long but nothing compares to living them. You work your three-four days a week and you're done. Some places self schedule and many have amazing benefits. I recommend going BSN if you can, there is nothing wrong with working up the ladder but you can get where you're going quicker with a BSN.

Answer

I've been an RN for almost 10 years. I absolutely love my job. I spent 4 years in school (2 years basics, 2 years actual nursing courses). There are 2 year programs that incorporate the basics with the nursing courses but I've heard from my colleagues that it's much more difficult to focus on so many things at once. I've worked in hospitals, doctor's offices and I'm currently doing telephone triage from home which I LOVE. Healthcare is a 24/7 business. I worked 3 days a week when I was in the hospital, 12 hour shifts from 7p-7a with some holidays. I honestly didn't like the 8-5 Monday thru Friday hours with the doctor's office because I felt I was missing more family time.  The best thing about nursing is that it's so diverse! During your nursing courses you'll go through different clinical settings (ER, pediatrics, psych, etc) and this really helps you to see what best fits what you want. Do your research on schools in your area and good luck!

Answer

My MIL was an LPN for 20 years and just recently graduated RN. She's always worked it around family, yes she misses the occasional family function, but that happens with just about any career you go into. If this is what you're interested in, then go for it! She absolutely loves it.

RN or no?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey