Every so often, I run into nurses who admit that they're in the wrong profession and if they had known...
Being a nurse comes with perks, but has its own challenges.
Before you become that professional, you have to go to school for it, right?
While you don't have to like the classes that comes with nursing, i.e pre-reqs that are typically not used in REAL LIFE, you definitely have to endure (Statistics was my least favorite). And then there are the classes that you indeed will need in real life (Pathophysiology wasn't my fave. I loved pharmacology though).
So you have to be studious if you want good grades. Or you can settle with C's and not get a passing GPA that'll admit you while furthering your education (some schools require you to have graduated with at least a 3.0 to pursue their Nurse Practitioner program, for example). I very much remember the calendar book I took with me everywhere to school. In that book, for each day, I wrote down chapters and the class to study for; when assignments were due and when tests had to be reviewed. I was very firm with study sessions which took place mainly in my room. I barely saw my roommates, and when it was time to hang out, I had to have (almost) completed my set study goal. Back then, being an avid reality TV show watcher (it was Jersey Shore then), I'd tell myself, "if you don't finish these chapters, you won't watch that show", and while it was very tempting *The Walking Dead*, I stuck to it.
Don't get me wrong, I had my share of fun. Oh yes! St. Louis nights, frequent trips to Chicago...I knew what worked for me.
Anyway. A lot of people have the belief that nurses make the most money. "Ahh you're a nurse, you're now making all the money." "You're now a big girl."
I'll say this to you now, If you're thinking of getting into nursing because it's hassle-free (NOT), or because you'll make quick money...don't. I can assure you, you may not like one bit of it. You can probably scope the profession by being a CNA/tech first to see what it's like.
I'll tell you some reasons why I love my job, and why you may not.
- Flexibility- being able to make your own schedule is such a great thing. I'm able to schedule myself to work 4 days in a row and be off for 7 days straight, but I typically don't do that (most nurses work 12-hour shifts/ 3 days a week). We also work every other weekend and rotating holidays. You may be able to switch work days with your coworkers. I'll attach my sample work schedule so you'd have an idea. If you're the type that loves to have your weekends and holidays to yourself, you may need to reconsider your career choice because you can't escape working those weekends/holidays.
- Stability- Financial stability. I am comfortable with what I earn, even though I can't always splurge as much as I want to (because I have to save, duh). I don't know why people constantly say nurses make one hell of an earning. Sure, when you've been a nurse for a very long time, making about $55/hr; or when you ain't got no bills to pay. I know pharmacists, project managers, etc that make more than nurses do, yet, people want to be a nurse "to make money". Sorry to burst your bubble, but there really isn't much in it. But I can assure you that you'll never be without a job (if you're competent) because there are always hospitals, nursing homes, doctor's office, travel agencies, home health agencies, etc looking to employ a nurse.
- Compassion/Teamwork. Being able to take care of an ill person is something that comes naturally to me. If you know me, you'd know that nursing is the only profession I've ever pursued. I love the feeling of resolving patient problem and needs while delivering high quality of care. Also I get to utilize multidisciplinary team strategies to produce great outcomes- from respiratory therapists, to physicians, to CNAs, to radiologists...all for the betterment & continuity of care. If you're not compassionate, or if you think you'll hate taking orders from people (MDs in this case) or working with nursing teams, I think you'll be miserable going in to work. Don't be that nurse that ends up on the news: maltreating a patient.
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| Sample work schedule |
While I know this may happen with other professions- people regretting their decision to become that professional, I can only speak for the career that I'm familiar with. I'm sure some of you can identify with this.
Go on and be great!
xxxo
C.U.
