Questions

[Jshaf]

I am a 26 yr old father of two and am considering a career as a nurse, but have a few questions before I take the next steps. I apologize if some of these questions are a bit dumb, but I am really new to all aspects of nursing. First let me explain why I have developed an interest in the nursing field, and feel free to correct me if I am way off. My wife is active duty Navy and we will be moving every four years or so. Consequently I need a degree that I will be able to find a job anywhere I go. The job seems far more exciting to me than sitting at a desk for hour’s everyday, as is the routine with many other professions. I would much rather have a career that I can help people daily and not have to worry so much about making money for others. The pay seems to be fairly good almost everywhere that you go. Now for my questions, I am wondering if nursing would be a good jumping off point if I wanted to become a physician? I know that most doctors go to pre-med, chemistry, or biology. I however am going through a program where veterans affairs sends me to school for free up to a BA the only draw back being I have to choose a degree that work is going to be fairly easy to come by, hence nursing. Continued education in very important to me whether it is to become a doctor or to further my nursing skills, this brings me to my second question. I am guessing that I should get my RN, but after that what can I achieve educationally as far as nursing goes, in short what is the next step after RN? This question is probably stupid, but do you guys get a lot of junk from others being male nurses. Not that it matters to me I just want to know what to expect. My next question is do you guys ever get the feeling that doctors think they are better than you or are the doctors usually pretty cool? If you do get junk from others who is it that is typically dishing it out? Last question and I will leave you all alone. I am getting ready to apply to National University here in San Diego all the other schools have waiting lists and I don’t have time to wait. I have two years college already (general ed courses mostly) my GPA is a 3.75. Do I stand a pretty good chance of getting accepted or no? If yes is National University an acceptable school to go to for those of you if any that are familiar with the San Diego area. I would like to thank all of you now for any help/advice you give me.

[cincypedsrn]

Jshaf,

thats a lot of questions, so forgive me if I don' hit 'em all. As an RN, as well as a veteran, I can speak from both sides here. First, Nursing is a work of the heart, start there. Yes the pay is great, yes you can find a "job" anywhere, anytime, but it is not a job.....no its not an adventure either....well sometimes it is!!! Any way, You mentioned a jumping off point, that's not Nursing, this is a career in every sense of the word! You can choose to be a Dr. and treat a condition or you can choose to become a Nurse and treat a person...this is an art form and a science. If the VA is willing to pay for your school....Make them PAY!!! Because you will Pay out the nose trying to get them to pay down the road....trust me! Regarding continuing educaton...your options are limitless. RN, BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist (6 figures$$$), all the way to PHD, it's your choice.

As far as the "junk" that you spoke of...I wouldn't waste my time giving ear to opinions that people hold regarding men in nursing. You know what opinions are like right???? The ones you read here in this forum merely hinder the progress of a working society. I am a Registered Nurse because it is my passion, and I am good at it, it's a shame that that bothers people.

Your GPA sounds great, just keep it up, and know that Nursing school is a different school of thought, there is nothing general about it. Hope this helps!