I'm a senior in high school and will either be attending university of michigan next fall or university at buffalo. I decided on nursing last year and haven't waivered from my decision until now. The thing is, I am taking a class in highschool that is a lot like nursing school. It's a 2 hour class, where for the first semester we learn how to give IV's, take vital signs, do various lifts, etc. We also learn about each body system and how to care for basic diseases and things like that. Now, second semester we go to one of 3 hospitals nearby and shadow different health care professionals. I have shadowed a nurse and a doctor, and now I'm really debating my decision of whether or not I want to be a nurse. After shadowing the doctor, I was positive I didn't want to be a doctor. They work so much and yes I'm sure it is rewarding, but they don't interact too much with the patients. Mentally, I'm also just not sure I could go to school for that long and have that type of job. Next, I shadowed the nurse and I didn't like her job at all. She has to do the most meaningless things and the doctors constantly are rude to her. I understand nursing comes with benefits, and yes there are many times that you have to do meaningless things because that's what nursing is...but I'm not sure I really liked the job. Secondly, I went to the University of Michigan's campus day for the nursing school. It is SO STRUCTURED!! I thought when I got to college I would have freedom to explore areas that I wanted, but in nursing school you have a specific curriculum and it's just like high school. I hated it!!! I really really really wanted to take electives in languages and cultural studies, because that's what I REALLY enjoy....but there's no room for it in the nursing curriculum. I wonder if I really want to do nursing...did you all have doubts like this before you started? I also really want to travel, and I thought that I could do this with nursing...but maybe I should go for a major in languages or cultures or something. I'm SO confused!!!
Anyway...this was an EXTREMELY long post...so if anyone actually replies...you are amazing.
Nursing is a job you really need to want to do. There are lots of different kinds of nursing but the way to get there is about the same. Cleaning private areas and nasty doctors. Not all of is that bad. But, there is a nursing shortage for a reason. I have been a nurse 17 years. But, I was put there for a reason. (Mom said it would always be a job I could fall back on) lolol But, I would not be a doctor for anything with their hours. You can make good money with travelling benefits. I would say to go with your gut feeling. It has always worked with me!
The nurse that you shadowed... what specialty? You should not base your decision to be a nurse on this one situation. However, ALL nursing programs are very structured. You mentioned traveling. Well, this nursing site caters to mostly travel nurses. So, after becoming a nurse with a year or so of experience you could go into travel nursing.
This decision is YOUR'S and you are wise to research such.
ive always wanted to be a nurse. i love it. i love everything about it.
i understand your dilemma. a friend of mine started her nursing degree last year, and i had a big talk with her about what to expect. she decided she wasnt the right kinda person to be a nurse has since changed courses.
also, alot of nursing students drop out after the first year or after their first nursing experience. alot of people seem to expect nursing to be this wonderful career full of happy days and no actual contact with patients. this view is very naive and they soon realize that.
there alot of meaningless tasks involved in nursing, but honestly, what job doesnt have tasks like that???
you need to look at the bigger picture and analyze ur initial drive to be a nurse. was it to help people?? was it to work in the healthcare industry?? was it money?? travel?? find out what you want from a career, then look at the careers that offer that.
personally, i am a nurse because i love helping people. i love interacting with people and i love seeing someone get better. i am amazed at the way the body works and how things like drugs and surgery can affect the body. nursing is to me, the best job in the world. i love making friends with other nurses, i love doing shift work. i was born a nurse.
i hope you find ur path, and in the end, just listen to your heart.
Thanks everyone for all of your helpful advice. I'm shadowing a different nurse now that LOVES her job and it's giving me a different perspective. However, I guess I'm still having my doubts. I realized that after I went to the university of michigan campus day I REALLY REALLY didn't want to be a nurse because of the way their nursing program is set up. It's 4 years of nursing undergrad and there's no room for electives. It's just like high school, as I stated before. But I went to buffalo this weekend and actually was more enthusiastic about being a nurse because of their program (it's 2 years of pre-nursing and then 2 years of nursing) and you have so many more opportunities to study abroad, get an internship, etc. However, Michigan is kind of where I wanted to go so I was wondering about getting a bachelors degree in something else and then doing the BS to RN program. Am I crazy for wanting to do that? I mean I figure most people go in to that at a much older age because they want a career change, but I would be going in to it almost straight out of getting a bachelors. is that even possible, or a good idea??? That seems like my only option if i decide to do nursing and want to stay at university of michigan...otherwise its off to buffalo.
It is possible to get your bachelor's in something other than nursing, and then go back for your nursing degree, but it will take more time & money. If you do decide to do that, I would go for something science-related, like biology or chemistry. When I went to school, at the University of Wisconsin, I had 2 years of prerequisites, where I had to take all my sciences, psychology, english, math, etc, but also got to take alot of electives, like history, literature, women's studies, & religious studies. THen I had 2 years of strictly nursing classes & clinicals. I really enjoyed it, & feel like I got a more "well-rounded" education because of it. You really should look at a bunch of different schools to find the type of program that's right for you. You might even want to consider getting your Associate's Degree, then you can work as an RN while you go back to get your Bachelor's- lots of nurses do it that way. If you have your heart set on Michigan, however, you may have to take longer if you want to take more electives. Let us know what you decide!
Courtney, have you looked into any second-degree nursing programs? For example, Michigan State University just started one in 2005 that is an accelerated, one-year BSN program for those who already have a bachelor's degree. The first bachelor's degree can be in anything. I'm in that program now and have a geology degree. Other peoples' backgrounds vary - my friends in the program have degrees in psychology, nutrition, food systems management, and I'm not even sure what else. The biggest downside to such a program would probably be that it's intense, because they cram everything into 12 months (although some programs do it in 18 months). The particular program I'm in also has the disadvantage of being very new, which means it's still pretty disorganized (at least it's not overly structured, like you mentioned!). All the same, I love it and I love the challenge of learning to care for individuals and families. I'm glad I had the chance to do what I wanted to do the first time around in college, too - I hope you get to try all the things you want before you settle in for the long haul!
P.S. It's definitely possible to go into a second degree straight out of college, although most people work for a year or more first.
I will tell I hated Nursing School but enjoy Nursing as a Psych RN. Nursing School is a rite of passage still these days and less a nurturing education. Make it through and you'll have a profession where you can work in numerous specialties or chose one like me. You can go on to advance practice or education or resarch. You can work all over the world and travel. You might consider doing a double major or two seperate degrees like I did
BS Nursing, BA Psychology. It was such a relief being in Psychology classes compared to Nursing. Keep shadowing people in different professions and see what you like but keep in mind it's still not like you doing it. I like Psych but wouldn't like any other area but respect those Nurses that do ER, ICU, OR and so forth. You have to find your niche and Nursing has sooo many niches but one License, great demand.Don'tlike the available niches create your own or keep an eye on all the new ones coming out. There definitely is a need for Nursing Teachers that really teach, nurture and support students in their growth and Nursing Programs that do this. We need some movers and shakers in Nursing and Healthcare or the NSG shortage is will increase dramatically by 2020. All NSG uses Psych or Psychology not just Psych.
Courtney - I'm kinda late to the post and I haven't read the rest of the responses... but my question to you is... in what other profession can you have only a 2 year associate's degree and make upwards of $60,000 your first year out of nursing school???
ENARN2006 wrote:Courtney - I'm kinda late to the post and I haven't read the rest of the responses... but my question to you is... in what other profession can you have only a 2 year associate's degree and make upwards of $60,000 your first year out of nursing school???
Just my $0.02 :luck:
True..but on the other hand....shortage or not...I think we need fewer nurses who are JUST in it for the money. If you're having doubts...I'd go for something else first. There are alot of problems in nursing with shortages, dirty work, and dealing with doctors- if you don't like your job...it'll make it unbearable. I know too many nurses who wish they'd chosen something else. If you're having doubts now...go for something else. Maybe somethign you could use with nursing? Psychology...social work...nutritionist....
I thought I would let you know why I am a nurse. I became a nurse after divorcing my drug addicted ex-husband. I had always thought about nursing as a career as I enjoy helping people and the money didn't seem too bad an idea either. I soon found out in my first ten years of nursing that the money is rarely worth the blood sweat and tears we put into the job. I worked in three areas of nursing, med-surg, L&D, and currently psych. I loved working all them but I really like doing psych.
The other day the police brought in a young 20 something kid who was beat-up (by the police) and barely conscious - I asked them why they didn't take him to an ER and they stated that he was obviously psychotic so they brought him too us. Well long story short - I took his vitals and called my Supervisor and told him I was sending the Patient to the ER. While I was waiting I washed his face cleaned his cuts and scrapes and got him ready all while monitoring his vitals. He was taken to the ER and later in the Day I found out he was being admitted for a Phneumo-Thorax - (sorry about the spelling med surg was a long time ago). I later founf the patients glasses at the nurses station and since the ER was on my way home I stopped by to drop them off and see how he was doing. He was awake and alert but still very psychotic. I asked him if he remembered me and he looked at me and smiled -"Your the angle who washed my face" That's why I am a nurse.
hppygr8ful wrote:I thought I would let you know why I am a nurse. I became a nurse after divorcing my drug addicted ex-husband. I had always thought about nursing as a career as I enjoy helping people and the money didn't seem too bad an idea either. I soon found out in my first ten years of nursing that the money is rarely worth the blood sweat and tears we put into the job. I worked in three areas of nursing, med-surg, L&D, and currently psych. I loved working all them but I really like doing psych.
The other day the police brought in a young 20 something kid who was beat-up (by the police) and barely conscious - I asked them why they didn't take him to an ER and they stated that he was obviously psychotic so they brought him too us. Well long story short - I took his vitals and called my Supervisor and told him I was sending the Patient to the ER. While I was waiting I washed his face cleaned his cuts and scrapes and got him ready all while monitoring his vitals. He was taken to the ER and later in the Day I found out he was being admitted for a Phneumo-Thorax - (sorry about the spelling med surg was a long time ago). I later founf the patients glasses at the nurses station and since the ER was on my way home I stopped by to drop them off and see how he was doing. He was awake and alert but still very psychotic. I asked him if he remembered me and he looked at me and smiled -"Your the angle who washed my face" That's why I am a nurse.
I thought I would let you know why I am a nurse. I became a nurse after divorcing my drug addicted ex-husband. I had always thought about nursing as a career as I enjoy helping people and the money didn't seem too bad an idea either. I soon found out in my first ten years of nursing that the money is rarely worth the blood sweat and tears we put into the job. I worked in three areas of nursing, med-surg, L&D, and currently psych. I loved working all them but I really like doing psych.
The other day the police brought in a young 20 something kid who was beat-up (by the police) and barely conscious - I asked them why they didn't take him to an ER and they stated that he was obviously psychotic so they brought him too us. Well long story short - I took his vitals and called my Supervisor and told him I was sending the Patient to the ER. While I was waiting I washed his face cleaned his cuts and scrapes and got him ready all while monitoring his vitals. He was taken to the ER and later in the Day I found out he was being admitted for a Phneumo-Thorax - (sorry about the spelling med surg was a long time ago). I later founf the patients glasses at the nurses station and since the ER was on my way home I stopped by to drop them off and see how he was doing. He was awake and alert but still very psychotic. I asked him if he remembered me and he looked at me and smiled -"Your the angle who washed my face" That's why I am a nurse.
hppy
Yeah, such a wonderful story. The flipside to this story is I work in a prison where this kid will most likely end up. So my co-workers and I will have to deal with this "psycho" who will be continuosly banging on his cell door, spitting at us, throwing feces and urine, and trying to kill himself every other day. But the police probably just beat him up cause he's a real nice kid. By the way are you a 45 degree or 90 "angle". lol.
unhappy. (not cause i hate my job, but cause of the disrespect my job gets) by these people who see the world through rose-colored glasses.
tristeso wrote:I thought I would let you know why I am a nurse. I became a nurse after divorcing my drug addicted ex-husband. I had always thought about nursing as a career as I enjoy helping people and the money didn't seem too bad an idea either. I soon found out in my first ten years of nursing that the money is rarely worth the blood sweat and tears we put into the job. I worked in three areas of nursing, med-surg, L&D, and currently psych. I loved working all them but I really like doing psych.
The other day the police brought in a young 20 something kid who was beat-up (by the police) and barely conscious - I asked them why they didn't take him to an ER and they stated that he was obviously psychotic so they brought him too us. Well long story short - I took his vitals and called my Supervisor and told him I was sending the Patient to the ER. While I was waiting I washed his face cleaned his cuts and scrapes and got him ready all while monitoring his vitals. He was taken to the ER and later in the Day I found out he was being admitted for a Phneumo-Thorax - (sorry about the spelling med surg was a long time ago). I later founf the patients glasses at the nurses station and since the ER was on my way home I stopped by to drop them off and see how he was doing. He was awake and alert but still very psychotic. I asked him if he remembered me and he looked at me and smiled -"Your the angle who washed my face" That's why I am a nurse.
hppy
Yeah, such a wonderful story. The flipside to this story is I work in a prison where this kid will most likely end up. So my co-workers and I will have to deal with this "psycho" who will be continuosly banging on his cell door, spitting at us, throwing feces and urine, and trying to kill himself every other day. But the police probably just beat him up cause he's a real nice kid. By the way are you a 45 degree or 90 "angle". lol.
unhappy. (not cause i hate my job, but cause of the disrespect my job gets) by these people who see the world through rose-colored glasses.
So I can't spell and this silly forum doesn't have a spell check but that another issue all together 'lol'.
I certainly see your point and I don't look at the world through "rose colored glasses" For the most part I lean pretty far to the right in my thinking and politics, but I'm not a cynic either. I went into this profession because I care about people and in my experience most of the mentally ill are not dangerous. Nor do they belong in jail.There is no reason to believe that a schizophrenic will end up in prison any more than a developmentally disabled person would. Lord knows I've been spit on, had semen, blood and feces on me as well, But anyone who comes in contact with the mentally ill needs to be properly trained on how to "Take Down" the individual in question and that includes the police. The kid in question was beaten to a bloody pulp and the police officer's didn't have a mark on them. The mentally ill are God's children too.
I know some fine compassionate people in law enforcement and anyone can have a bad day, but when a person is unconscious the police should take him to an ER. NOt dump him on a psych facility where they know there are no acute medical services available.
People who witnessed the incident said the kid was walking on the sidewalk talkinig and gesturing to himself when the police approached him. He just kept walking as a person out of contact with reality will do. The police jumped him and once he was subdued they kept hitting him then dragged him across the pavement to the police car. He was unconscious and could have had a neck injury. Tests at the hospital revealed no illegal drugs in his system and he was minding his own business when he was acosted. I know this because his family is well known in the community and the story has gone public.
Anyway even criminals have human rights. If you don't like what you do and I can see how difficult it must be, then find another area of nursing to work in.
Courtney,
Late post, sorry. Probably already made up your mind, but here's 2 cents worth. Although I didn't go to U of M for nursing school, I have a few friends that did and loved it. Also my first job as an RN was a Mott Children's Hosp, part of U of M. It was a GREAT job. Very nurturing environment for a new grad at that time and can't say enough about Ann Arbor and how much fun it is!!!
For anybody thinking about nursing but unsure if that's what they want to do for the rest of their life, I would recommend getting an associate's or diploma in nursing rather than paying an arm and leg for a BSN. You'll most likely end up making the same income anyway, and if you choose to study something else later on, you'll be able to do so.
I've always felt that to be a nurse you have to have a calling. I know that some of you know what I mean. Everything led to my being a nurse. When I was a patient, I had one of the best nurses I've ever known. She just came in to help that day, but was so dedicated, and I was so impressed. I wanted to be just like her. I was offered scholarships, and before I knew it, I went from being a LPN, to a RN. I have worked all specialties, and have worked as a travel nurse for 6 years. We all have ups and downs, and suffer abuse from doctors, but we have to be there for the patients. It's the satisfaction of knowing you helped or saved a life. The best thing about nursing, is that there is more than one job/hospital/deptartment to work in. The world is your oyster.
One of the best things about nursing is that it only takes a couple of years in school, then you have incredible job flexibility, and if you decide you want to do something else, well, thats fine! It's not like you invested 8 years of your life into schooling. Plus you can always fall back on it.
I would suggest you go to a community college. Do your electives while getting your pre req's I live in michigan too and we have some very good community colleges for nursing. I will be taking spanish as well as nursing classes because I think nurses that speak more than one language get paid more. It is a wise decision for you think about being bilingual.
MMCC Home Page
Here is the link to my college and it has one of the best programs in the state, so much so that they had to build a wing spacifically for the program that will be open in March of 08. There are so many different areas to work in nursing. Go to school for a while and get your pre req's Take some of the nursing classes and then decide if it is right for you. Dont let some rude doctor and a nurse that is having a bad day burst your bubble girl.
Courtney,
I think it is really great that you are thinking about this because the decisions you make will no doubt shape your future but don't be afraid of making a mistake or changing your mind.
I started out in nursing for the wrong reasons...it was easily accessible, affordable, I could get a job and it was what my father wanted me to do. But, like you I also had wanted a "normal" college experience. I got an associates degree in nursing at a community college and then started a BSN at a four year university. But, decided I wanted to do "more" than nursing, switched universities and got a BA in philosopy and a BA in political science. (All the electives you could ever want!) Not to mention lots of fun at the local bars--the fact that I was able to work as a nurse on the weekends meant that I could buy lots of rounds for my friends...
And then I went to law school.
And now, I am $100,000 in debt for my very well rounded education. And guess what, I am going back to nursing! But this time, it is for the right reasons...because I like taking care of others in that hands on way of a nurse...
I guess what I am trying to say, that, what is the worst that could happen for you? You go into nursing, you don't like it, you change majors which costs time or you finish your degree, you work as a nurse and go back to school. Don't feel locked into anything, you can always change direction and you can even go back if you want to...And, it looks like you may have even found a way to satisfy all your needs by finding a program that is right for you! I have no doubt you will be successful in whatever you ultimately decide to do! Good luck!
When I started nursing school, I really wanted to be a nuclear engineer. But I had a husband, a 2-yr old and a newborn. So I thought, how can I do school for 4 years? Was flipping thru the catalog for the community college where I lived and saw nursing. Hmmm, I thought, all I have to do is pass out pills and I can go back to school later for the engineering. (This was truly a 2yr ADN program- everything from English to A+P and all while taking the nursing classes) I cried sometimes because I felt trapped being so close to graduating and hating nursing school so much. Guess what? I ended up really liking the nursing once I graduated. I've done it for over 15 years now, and don't see myself leaving it for anything else any time soon. The school is just foundation work. You really don't experience nursing until you start doing it and see the difference it makes in the lives of your patients.
Well I know how you feel. I'm starting nursing school next week. I have done more than a year of prereqs and well I doubt sometimes if this is right for me also. If you believe in prayer I would say pray but if you don't I would say find out if you can handle the job. Also if you got another dream you can do that also. Like in my case I am working a design for an electric car. I also design and create websites and I have worked in research and development for aerospace electronics (avionics). Anyways you'll be surprised on where things take you as you have some faith in where you are going :) God bless.
OK, maybe I'm way off base here but when I read your post I hear...blah blah blah I LOVE LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL STUDIES blah blah blah. If you were my child, fresh out of school, this is what my advice would be. Don't go into a profession because of the money, you will spend more time at work then with your family so you need to do what you love. If you are undecided at this point in time, take some general classes, learn more about the kind of careers you can have in Language and cultural studies. Then make your decision. You may find a career that you can combine both of what you love...i.e. Peace corps or something of that sort. You are 18 yrs old (presumably) and have your whole life ahead of you. This is a big decision, make sure you follow your heart and do what you love to do.
I really don't know when all this was posted and I'm sorry I'm late. Nursing school takes up a lot of time....
I am currently in Nursing School for my LPN and I have said the same thing more times than I can count. Is this really what I want to do? Am I cut out for it? Am I WORTHY enough for this job? I've had anxiety attacks and am currently failing. But the thing is... I feel in my gut that this is where I'm supposed to be. Its HARD! And my teachers tell me alot that its a learning and a growing process. I'm sorry, but the word "process", doesn't even come close to describing what a nurse goes through every day.
I refuse to give up because I KNOW that this is what I need and want to do. If you don't feel in your heart that this isn't something you want... do whatever you're going to be happy doing. You're young, you can always change your mind later. Good luck!
Sometimes I have these thoughts that "what if one day I have an emer. and everyone is looking at me for the answer and I dont know it", this pt life is in my hands, his/her family is depending on me, this is someones mother-father-brother-sister-child...... I dont know, I get scared too........ but everytime you get discourage find that vacation spot in your mind and think about why you ever started nursing school. Think about that pt in clincals that touched your heart. Its there believe in yourself. Nursing school can make anyone feel like there going to kill someone, ppl will be there to help you. Thats the best thing about being a nurse unlike any other profession, you always have someone beside you and your never left alone. :rose:
Follow you heart. What you love to do is what you should do. If you follow your heart, the money will take care of itself -especially IF you follow a budget! ;)
Seriously, in all 38+ years of being an RN, I've probably "worked" less than 2 years; in spite of always having a 0.8 to full time schedule.
I feel quite a bit different than most people posting on this thread here: I would advise younger people that if they are unsure if they want to be nurses or not; maybe they shouldn't tie up those coveted spots in nursing programs and take generalized college courses instead and earn BA's in other areas. Once they have matured a bit they can always go back for a BA-to-RN program after they have had a chance to do other things in life and find out what they DO want to do.
I think we would end up with more people staying in nursing and more becoming mature nurses this way. There is a nursing shortage; don't take a spot in a nursing program unless you are sure you want to be a nurse.
I know most of the other responses have been trying to steer you into a different perspective of nursing, but honestly not everyone is cut out to a nurse. If you don't LOVE it you will hate it. People talk all the time about how nurses always have jobs and about how much money nurses make, but in reality for the kind of work nurses do and the hours they are expected to work (what other college degree can you get where as a new grad you will probably get stuck working nights and weekends?), its not fairly compensated. If you don't want to be a nurse then I suggest you finding a path doing what you want to do. Most new nurses quit nursing in just a few years, because its glamorized on tv and is never what people expect. The work is hard, you are always expected to know new things, and more often than not you work shorthanded because of the national nursing shortage. Don't try to talk yourself into something if you don't think you want to do it.
I love being a nurse, I couldn't ever imagine being anything different, and if you want to be a nurse then please go to nursing school, but if you don't, then don't make yourself misrable.
