[always2late]

Originally Posted by *Anya*

Everything Always2late stated about nursing being difficult, working holidays and nights as a new RN is true. I have wrestled with assaultive patients and was once punched in the eye, breaking my glasses by a mentally challenged young woman. However, if you can get through that very hard first year or two; the world of nursing opens up and gives you many more choices.

What is also true is that I have had many excellent opportunities as a career RN.

I have supported my children, on my own, as a nurse. I have worked in hospitals, first on med-surg on the PM shift, then in home health. I have been a charge nurse, nurse manager and now, in this last stage of my career, I work for an insurance company. I no longer work crazy shifts, have to work holidays, weekends or get assaulted.

To me, there are not a lot of careers than can give you first, second and third act careers; all within the same license and degree.

I feel very blessed that I stuck it out when it was at its most difficult because now I can look back on the last 31 years of my nursing career with satisfaction, pride and joy! I am so glad that I became a nurse.

Girllikeu2, go for it if that if that is what you want to do! I have never regretted being a nurse. Ever. No matter the capacity in which you work, you are helping patients in their lowest moment, time when reaching out a hand can mean everything to a person losing hope in life. What a gift to be able to give another.

After I considered what I wrote I realized that I painted a pretty bleak picture. What Anya said is true. Nursing CAN be very rewarding (I wouldn't have been a nurse this long if it wasn't). I just wanted to give you something to think about. I have worked with many nurses who were right out of school...they went into nursing because of the job security but didn't give much thought to what the actual job would be like. A few of them actually quit the same day they were hired. Nursing, as a whole, is a stable, secure career with many opportunities.....but it isn't easy. I guess I'm playing devil's advocate....and telling you what could be considered the "down side" of nursing. Because you are thinking of changing your career, which would entail going back to school...I just want you to have a full picture before you make a decision.