Question for nurses (or CNAs, or possibly PAs)

athena83 · April 2010

Hello. I don't usually post here, but I had a question. I'm considering going back to school to be a nurse, or possibly a PA or NA depending on how things work out. I'd rather be a nurse though. Anyone with opinions, advice, questions, comments, insight...it would be most appreciated.

In case you care, I'm 26, married, have a 3-month-old, would like another child or two in a few years, and live in eastern North Carolina. I've been a teacher for 4 years now, and I love the kids but hate the system and can't do it for 26 more years. I've always been interested in medicine, but have been looking to change careers for a while now and think now is just as good a time as any.

Suggestions? Advice? Dos/don'ts, "things I wish someone had told me..." I appreciate any "reality check" you can give. Thanks!

ally2158 · April 2010

I'm a NICU nurse....I had a Bachelors in another field and then did a 1 year BSN program. I love it. The school part is tough, but I wanted it to be over fast so I was prepared. I am 38 weeks with my 1st and plan on working 2 days a week. The schedule is awesome. We won't have to pay for childcare at all. Hope that helps....or if there are any other questions you have that I can answer?

athena83 · April 2010

How long do people usually stay in?

Do you like your job?

What are the easiest/hardest parts about your job?

What would you tell someone just starting out?

What does/doesn't meet your prior expectations?

Surprises? Things you wish someone had told you?

I've considered L&D, NICU, lactation, postpartum, and some other fields. Not sure yet. Anything you could tell me about your experiences, day in/day out tasks, etc. would help so much. Thanks!

MOMINFEB · April 2010

How long do people usually stay in? Associates of nursing is 2 years, BSN is 4, MSN (to be a NP) is an additional 2 depending if you take a full load or not.

Do you like your job? LOVE it. I always wanted to do L&D but was offered a position as a pediatric nurse and I wouldn't change anything in the world about it.

What are the easiest/hardest parts about your job? Easiest is loving and playing with the kids. Hardest is seeing the kids sick, seeing kids with parents who don't care, and seeing abuse.

What would you tell someone just starting out? Don't come out of nursing school thinking you know everything. As a new grad, you will be VERY book smart, but it takes a while for it all to "come together" and begin making sense. Just always be open to hearing what "seasoned" nurses have to say!

What does/doesn't meet your prior expectations? You won't make as much money as you think!!!!

Surprises? Things you wish someone had told you? You will constantly be learning. Be open to change and be flexible. But it's great.

kcl22 · April 2010

I've been a nurse for a few years. I got a job last year at an insurance company doing clinical review which I LOVE. But I'm basing the answers to your questions on the years I spent in med/surg / the unit

How long do people usually stay in? Associates of nursing is 2 years, BSN is 4, MSN (to be a NP) is an additional 2 depending if you take a full load or not. - ditto

Do you like your job? When I was on the floor I didn't like it. Unfortunately I was on a crappy floor with bad management so that was a huge part of the problem. The nursing itself I liked.

What are the easiest/hardest parts about your job? Easiest... hmm that's tough haha. I liked the patients. I liked the schedule (I did 3 12's and an 8). Hardest was learning constantly. Learning a system to keep yourself organized. Dealing with feeling overwhelmed. Alot of nursing is baptism by fire, you have to experience it to learn it. Also, getting a job was TOUGH. Because I didnt want to start in a nursing home or a jail (literally) it took me 9 months after I graduated and got my license to find a job which was handed to me by someone I knew. It's REALLY tough to get right into a specialty field also. Expect to have to do a year or two of med surg before you get where you want. (could be different in different parts of the country but that was by experience)

What would you tell someone just starting out? Don't come out of nursing school thinking you know everything. As a new grad, you will be VERY book smart, but it takes a while for it all to "come together" and begin making sense. Just always be open to hearing what "seasoned" nurses have to say! - I agree with this 100%. Never assume. And you're the the low man on the totem pole. Expect to get a little sh!t.

What does/doesn't meet your prior expectations? As I said above, don't expect to get a job right away, don't expect to get the schedule you want, don't expect to get right into a specialty. Do expect to learn stress management =o)

Surprises? Things you wish someone had told you? Only what I said before.

I hope I don't sound SUPER negative, I didn't have the best floor as I said. You can absolutely find your niche and learn your skills and end up loving it. Half the battle is getting along with who you work with. Be nice to your aides! And honestly I would recommend being a nursing assistant for awhile to get your feet wet, get into patient care and see if you like the working environment.

bensbride225 · April 2010

I'm a L&D charge nurse and I absolutely love nursing and my job. It is without a doubt more challenging and at times stressful and trying than I can fully express, but it's also unbelievably rewarding and fun. I feel good about the work I do. I have a BS in biology from undergrad and went right into an accelerated BSN program; 4 yrs ago when I graduated I had no problem finding a job but I think it's a bit tougher now (my sister is graduating in May with a BS in nursing and it seems to be a pretty different job market for her-- as it is in any field right now).

As far as a "reality check" goes, there are always big egos to deal with (certain docs come to mind, haha), the whole "nurses eating their young" issue (it can be hard to find your place on a new unit amongst people who have been there for ages... it's hard to be a new nurse!), and of course you're dealing with the whole range of human experiences which includes some pretty tough situations sometimes... much of what we do in L&D is so happy and fun, but we also deal with true emergencies and sometimes very tragic situations. This would be true almost anywhere in nursing, obviously potentially much more so depending on where you end up (onco, ICU, burn unit, etc. etc.) But it's such good and important work.

I work in Northern NJ so my compensation is at the higher end of the scale compared to much of the country-- I make $37/hr which includes a night shift differential. (yes I work nights, 3/week) I also work per diem once or twice a month at a 2nd hospital where I make $47/hr. That's a great thing about nursing, too, the potential flexibility you have with your schedule... days, nights, weekends, full time, part time, per diem-- of course some holidays will be required but it comes with the territory.

Sorry this is long-- I say, go for it! It'll take work to get there but I don't think you'll be sorry. Best of luck!!

Carilyn · April 2010

Do you like your job?

I'm a NICU nurse also, and I love my job! There are good and bad days. Happy and sad stories, but I love the intesity and feeling like I make a difference every day I go to work.

What are the easiest/hardest parts about your job?

Babies are usually great patients . I love that I'm constantly learning and stretching myself.

I see a lot in my field. More than I should post on a baby board! The absolute hardest is watching good people go through tradgedy and babies who areborn addicted to narcotics and/or have horrible parents who don't give a rats ass about their child.

What would you tell someone just starting out?

I feel sad that apparently new nurses get eaten alive in some places. I got very lucky. My unit is amazing and I got to start out there as a new grad. Everyone is extremely supportive and greatly fosters a learning environment for all. Our doctors are even amazing and make it known that our opinion is important/matters to them and are always willing to tech us as well. New docs that come along get trained by the nurses .

I know this isn't the norm. With the job market how it is, don't be suprised to have to start in a nursing home or general med/surg floor. I also agree that you'll come out book smart, but lacking in clinical skills/knowledge. Ask questions. All the time. To the point of being annoying. No question is stupid. It lets other nurses know that you're not cocky and think you know it all. I still ask questions all the time and know I'm far from knowing all there is to know in my field (been a nurse for 3.5years)! I even often as questions I know the answers to just to make sure my thought process is on the right track.

What does/doesn't meet your prior expectations?

Quite honestly, everything has surpassed my expectations. Maybe I set the bar low? Like I said, I have a great unit and love everyone I work with. I'm glad it has met my expectations as it has been my dream since I was 3 to be a NICU nurse!

GL! Nursing is a great field. I don't think the pay is too bad starting out, either. After 3 years, I make $28s/hr and an extra $3 for nights, plus an extra $2.50/hr on Fri and Sat nights. Like another PP, I also work per diem at another hospital once a pay period (make the same, but an extra %16 on base pay in lieu of benefits. This way, my DH is able to be a SAHD.

amybeth323 · April 2010

Wow! I may be the only nurse that does not love being a nurse. I graduated 2 years ago from a 3 year BSN program after completing a bach. in psych. School is a lot of work, but not too bad. I would recommend getting an Associates degree (I get paid the same as they do).

I work at a Pediatric hospital on a med-surg floor. It is definitely a great experience and I see a wide variety of patients. I love the kids! That is the only part I like. Oh, and that I only have to work 3 nights a week. I started out on day shift, but I absolutely hated it! It is crazy during the day on a hospital floor! I am getting burnt out on nights though, I miss my husband and don't know how I'm going to manage once our baby comes. The biggest negatives for me are having to work every other weekend and 2 holidays a year. A lot of hospitals require this. I am so over it! My dream job would be in a pediatrician's office, but unfortunately those jobs are hard to come by! Good Luck!

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