Nursing as a career?

[Bobby S]

Right now, I'm entering my senior year of high school. Ever since fourth grade, eight years ago, I've "known" that I wanted to be a band teacher when I grow up. It's been my dream all along, and everything I've done has been music oriented. (Class selection, etc.)

Well, I was visiting my mom in the hospital today. The idea of being a nurse as a career came up. I learned that they make about twice as much money as band teachers, get to be selective with their hours, have much more job security, and don't require the massive amounts of med school that doctors would need. All of this has me thinking that I might just want to bail out of my music dreams before they even get started.

Basically, anything that you could tell me about being a nurse would be appreciated. How much education would I need? How much technical/medical know-how do different nurses need? How much money do the different levels of nurses make? What are your experiences? What do you see the pros and cons as being?
I've made B's in GT Biology, GT Chemistry, and Physics. As of right now, no science classes are on my schedule for next year. I could probably do better, but I've been practicing music three hours a day...

I'm a guy, if you think that makes a difference.

I'm going to look into being a shadow at a hospital for a week or two over the summer, but do you have any advice on anything else I can do?

[?cat]

You have to really like it to do it. If u will just be an RN for monetary reasons, u will be added to the statistics of nurses who gives grief to their co-workers. Being a nurse should come from your heart, if its not really what u want, nursing for u will become work. If u are passionate about music, go for it. But if u really wanted to be a nurse, consider that option.

[Tari17]

Being a nurse is a good job. I have deeply researched the profession. It would take a 4 year bachelors degree to become a Registered Nurse or you could get an associates degree to be a Licensed Vocational Nurse which would take 2 years, in my opinion if you can, get the bachelors degree, RN's get paid more. You have RN's LVN's and an advanced practice nurse called a Nurse Practitioner NP these are the big dogs, they are nurses(RN's) with masters degrees with advanced practice they are over all of the other nurses, but their jobs are a bit harder and challenging but more stimulating, they prescribe medicine, diagnose patients, order lab tests, etc. and evaluate them, pretty much everything a doctor does just they dont have to have Medical degrees. RN's are making an average of about 59,000, LVN's make a little less around about 30-40,000+ and NP's well they can make up to 100,000+ but average around 80,000. Pros of these jobs: Helping people, satisfying career, challenging and stimulating, good pay. Cons: My biggest quirk; exposure to diseases, but always take Universal Precautions; challenging but can be to a point where it is overwhelming, stressful, and physically draining!! But I can tell you with practice and hard work, safety, etc. Nursing is a good field and well worth the education that you have to get. Some more Cons: great job availability, flexibility and travel nursing-have you heard of it!?! Go anywhere you want for 3-6 months on a contract, your housing and vehicle will be paid for, plus you still get your salary all while exploring the country and meeting new people, plus job experience, now can you beat that-especially if you are young and have no kids or obligations. Well, I hope that I have helped. Good luck and God Bless. Put God first and everything else will follow.

[aisydaisylady]

Hi. Ive been a nurse for 10 yrs now. And I love it!
If you are right for it, and have the calling. Then go for it.
It isnt easy. That is for sure. But there is nothing better than getting up every day and going to a just that you not only love, but allows you to better the world at the same time. It is a Victory High everyday for me.

My reccomendation: Find a Mentor early on. Someone that is going to keep you on track. It can be lonely in Nursing School. Hook up with a local or National nursing association. It was the best thing I ever did. Youll meet a lot of like minded individuals.
Second, sometimes a 4 yr track may be overwhelming. Starting out in an associate program might be for you. Youll be dont in about 2 yrs and get a great job that will give you tuition reimbursements.
There is such a shortage that companies and hospitals will give you money for school to entice you to work for them.

BTW, There is a great need for male RNs!