nursing reality check
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Posted By:
ej on 2008-03-05
In Reply to: you'll be fine - sm
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I want to be realistic with you. About 12 years ago I was in a nursing program before I went to school for MT. I did the first semester and 1/2 and obviously the prereqs. I regret not finishing now but make no mistake how rigorous these 2-year RN programs are. I was married with 2 young children. It was VERY stressful. You are bascially at the school mostly 4-5 days per week - 2 days of clinicals at the hospital. If you aren't in class or clinicals you are in chec offs or practicing at labs. Not unusual to be at school practicing on weekends. Then, there are care plans to do for your clinical patients after your shift in addition to regular tests and skills checks offs in labs. I just want people to understand and be prepared. YOu need a very strong support system. There are those who work. I have heard full-time even. I have no idea how. I can only think these are younger students living at home. Not Moms with jobs, kids, and homes to take care of. I am not a single Parent and considered reentering the nursing program. I had to retake a few prerequistes. After retaking a few I ultimately realized this was just beyond me. I have 2 kids, a mortage, no spouse to help out and I cannot afford to quit working. In the end I have decided to pursue a business degree simply because I can take classes online without the added stress and hardship to my family. Having a calm family life is important to me because my youngest son has autism. We have quite enough to deal with. However, I am not discouraging nursing. Simply be prepared to work harder than you ever have. Also there is abullying problem in the nursing schools and nursing profession in general. Please be aware you need a thick skin. Docs can be tough but other nurses can to. Just want people to walk in with eyes open so they do not drop part-way through as I did. I guess I didn't have a passion for nursing or all of this would not have mattered - but there lots of people going into the nursing profession because of the high $$ right now and because MT is unstable. Good reasons, but nursing takes a lot more than just wanting $$. I learned that the hard way and decided to ultimately follow a different course. good luck. |
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nursing reality check - ej
