Why, Why Not Nursing?

Hello everyone,

I am considering going into Nursing, but I want to hear what you guys have to say before I actually start taking steps towards this. I would greatly appreciate it!

What are some things that you wish someone had told you before you went into nursing?

Is it true that you can make your own hours as a nurse?

Do a lot of nurses leave the profession after an average number of years, and why?

Thanks a lot guys!!

I guess I'm lazy, but I hate these type of questions regards to the nursing profession.

Seriously, I wish I had started in the healthcare profession when I was your age. However, I did not step on a college campus until my mid-30's.

Make your own hours? Well, I suppose nurses [civilian RN's, that is] do have more flexability than most professions. It all depends on the type of nursing specialty, full-time, part-time, PRN, or agency. So, too many variables to give you a straight answer... sorry.

The average age of RN's [cannot site a specific source] is mid-40's. Seems like many folks choose nursing as a second & thrid career... I did. I suppose nurses do face burnout. However, with the wide open possibilities of so many different nursing specialties I personally cannot understand how a nurse could burnout to the point of leaving the profession.

I hope others here will chime in with more helpful info for you. ;)

lll_82 wrote:Hello everyone,

I am considering going into Nursing, but I want to hear what you guys have to say before I actually start taking steps towards this. I would greatly appreciate it!

What are some things that you wish someone had told you before you went into nursing?

Is it true that you can make your own hours as a nurse?

Do a lot of nurses leave the profession after an average number of years, and why?

Thanks a lot guys!!

Hmmmm....let's see. Making your own hours? Hospice and Home Health Care are the two specialties that come to mind for that one.

As for nurses leaving the profession, some leave temporarily due to starting families, health, or other assorted reasons. The majority of nurses I work with have been in it for the long haul. though.

Last but not least.....I wish I was told to keep a sense of humour.

'Cat'