[t-man]

Can someone Please help me with this question: I am considering the nursing field.

Please remember that I am asking as an outsider looking in:

ADVANTAGES
1) I think this field will continue to grow so job demand should be good.
2) Flexible schedule (I think)
3) Opportunities for travel (I think)

DISADVANTAGES
1) Working on your feet? (might not be true)
2) A lot of Stress? (I don't know but I think this might be true).


Also... I am a Male... so I wonder how this would affect me as well?


Please chime in with your responses... Thanks very much!

[bushg]

From your name I am assuming you are a man if so, men in the nursing field are highly sought after. At least that is what one of the largest schools in my area is telling my son, that is a senoir in high school. Also I have noticed that more and more male nurses are in the offices that my family has been visiting in the past months. Another thing to consider is do you have the desire to help people. I think this would be your first criteria in deciding on this career.

[t-man]

Thanks Bush...

Anyone Else?

~T

[Tuscany]

Wait for J-9 to log on. She is our nursing expert and she can easily fill out this list :)

Best of luck to you!

[J_9]

Thank you Tuscany I sure will try.

T-man, I am a second level nursing student and will be graduating in May.

Advantages are all 3 to be exact. The field will definitely continue to grow, the schedules (at most hospitals) are flexible, and if you want to be a travel nurse, well then, you sure have an opportunity to travel.

Disadvantages are again pretty much being on your feet, as well as stress. But you must take into consideration malpractice. Yes, nurses have to have malpractice insurance like doctors, and we also get sued just like doctors. There is also a pretty high burn out rate.

You are a male... GOOD FOR YOU!! We need male nurses big time! My school accepts all men that apply since the need is so great.

Now, a question for you. Do you plan on being an RN, LPN, or CNA. There are huge differences.

[t-man]

Thanks J_9

I was looking at the RN. I have a BSc. Degree in business... so I would need about 3 yrs to complete the program including the pre-requisit classes (in my state of fla).

There's no doubt that the opportunities in Nursing are great... but just like anything else in life... there's a price to pay.

I am just trying to figure out... if Nursing is for me.

[J_9]

I am also taking the RN and it has taken me 4 years (basically because I went part-time during most of my pre-requisites), the program once you are in is only a 2 year program.

Now, is it for you? That is a question only you can truly answer. Understand that the majority of RNs work in the hospital setting, not in doctor's offices. You will be giving up nights/weekends/holidays, that is just part of the price to pay.

Nursing is pretty much a calling, not just another job. If you don't feel the calling then you may need to look elsewhere.

Now, another side to nursing, once you receive your BSN, and I always suggest starting with your ASN and working toward more degrees step-by-step, then you can go into management, legal, research, etc. So, it's not ALWAYS just working in a hospital and with patients.

[shygrneyzs]

Why do you want to go into nursing? What is it that sounds fulfilling to you? Do you like working weekends, holidays, shift rotations, having to continue nursing education for licensing? Lots to think about. Good luck with your decision.