[*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.