I am thinking of becoming a nurse.  Is it a good choice, or do u get treated like crap?
200741
Nursing is an excellent career choice if you have the ability to block out negative energy.  I nursed for 4 years and had absolutley no problem at first, but once i started seeing so much pain and suffering day in and day out, i could no longer separate my job from my life and found myself sinking into a depression thinking about all the people that I had seen suffer and die.  Unfortunately I could not get the good to outway the negative anymore and was forced for my own sanity to quit doing what I loved.
21384
I'm not an RN, so I may not have the best advice, but I do work in health care (diagnotic radiography) and I think your interest in becoming an RN is excellent.  From RNs whom I have known, most have said it's been a rewarding career, but a lot of work, which can be taxing.  Personally, I think building a career in health care is really one of the best choices one can make.  Not only for reasons like $$$, but, health care isn't going away (i.e. job stability, constant progression) and it's a unique field that keeps you on your feet, directly helping people on a daily basis.  Oh, you could check out some universities in your area for what they have to say about RNs.  A lot of websites seem to have information about what it's like to be an RN, etc.
519395
you need to decide fror yourself if you want to become an rn. it takes more education but pays better
196168
Yes! My very first experience in clinicals was at a hospital that was ranked the WORST VA hospital in the country. I now know why. Nurses treated us like we were in their way when actually we took all the "busy" work from them. They just have a routine and I guess students tend to disrupt that. Just use each rotation as your research to help you decide where you want to work (or don't want to work) when you graduate. Know that it's not the nurses that give you the grade. Remember these experiences when you become a nurse (and you will) and have students working with you. I had a FANTASTIC rotation this semester (my 3rd) on a unit where I thought it would be terrible and boring. The nurses were amazing and so appreciative of what we did. As you gain knowledge and experience, you will find that nurses are happier to have you since your scope of practice is larger and it's less work for them. Keep your chin up and remember that no one can treat you badly unless you let them! Report any nurse that is less than accomodating to the hospital and your instructor. We had that happen at the above mentioned "yucky" hospital and our instructor had our back. She quickly informed the nurse that it was a teaching hospital and if she wasn't willing to do so, she should find a non-teaching hospital to work at. Love those instructors!
550984
If you are going to nursing school, it would make perfect since, to me anyway, to take the 8 week program and become a certified nurses aide.  I know two of the girls that I went to college with did this while waiting to be accepted into the actual program, and they now work at a hospital at Nashville making $35 an hour. Let me give you a piece of advice:  Do what your heart tells you, go for your dreams, they can't come true if you don't chase them! Also if you need some help deciding, say a pray before you go to sleep, guarantee in the morning you will have your answer.  Good Luck!!
265389
The best degree is nursing.  There is a shortage of nurses throughout the world.  You can work anywhere as a nurse, and get paid a good salary.
442220
OMG! I want to be a nurse too and in peds too! I know in Cali there are community colleges that offer classes for becoming an RN and it takes about 4 years. You first have to do your pre-requisits and then sign up after those are done, into the nursing program. Then from there you take such classes as anatomy, biology, sociology, etc. But I have to warn you, if you don't think you can do it now then you might not be able to later. There is a 40% drop out rate, so you have to be very determined. I personally love blood and guts but for the life of me vomit kills me to deal with LOL :) If you decide to do it make sure that you volunteer at a local hospital in the department you want to work in. Then you will make friends and be more likely to get in that department after you are done with schooling and are ready to work. I hope this helps!Oh and the pay is great too, up to $5000 a month! Cant beat that!
268292
Im an LPN and my passion has always been working with the older folks, I just love them, I also like mental health. It all depends on what you like to do, dont work somewhere only because of the pay, decide what you want to do and see what is open in that field. There are lots of jobs out there that you wouldnt even consider needing nurses, things like factories, schools, camps etc etc.
308000
I know how you feel. I'm an RN, and when I got breast then bone cancer, no one ever called me to see how I was doing. I was a very good nurse--have lots of awards, and lots of doctor and nurse friends--or so I thought.\nIt really hurt me.  These people are educated, and you just don't expect to be treated like you have a contagious disease.\nI went to support also, but with the chemo, surgery, and radiation, (not to mention the bone stem-cell transplant), I can barely stay awake for the day, let alone drive an hour to a support group.  It's a very lonely struggle.
504895
RN's (registered nurses) can do nearly anything they want to do other than an actual surgery. It is a very fullfilling job, yet the pay scale needs to be re-adjusted. RN's don't get paid like many other college educated professions out there. Here is  link to some of the things RN's can do http://www.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AoyXCjqx_At1B9FortNUJcHsy6IX?qid=20061109113501AAzDvyK \nSome of this doesn't seem too glamorous, but RN's can choose where they work which, in turn, somewhat dictates what they will have to see and/or do. I've been an RN for years and haven't done much of what's on that list because of where I've chosen to work.
127623
In september i will be attending William Paterson University in their nursing program for 5years....the programs are the best way to go to become a nurse...look around to see what colleges have these nursing programs\n\nGOOD LUCK!
205743
I'm a critical care registered nurse @ $38/hr.  This is a very promising career and great job stability. But, nursing is not for everyone. Lots of patience needed her especially when patient's families get involved. Big responsibilities and you'll see doctors are people also. If you can stand blood and other bodily fluids, this is the career of the future.\n\nYou have a choice: two year associate's degree in nursing or a bachelor's degree (4yr). There is no difference recognized unless after 10 years of experience, someone's looking to promote a nurse for a managerial position.  In short, just work in patient care as a nurse as oppose to going through all that headache and politics as a nurse manager.
520780
As an LPN(same as an LVN) and a physically disabled person,this career doesn't seem to be for you.First of all,the schooling itself is very difficult and in order to get your license you must pass an exam given by the state.As a nurse,you have many things on your plate at the same time and have peoples lives relying on you.When I worked at the local nursing home,I was in charge of the floor and had the responsibility of caring for 60 residents.It is a very difficult job both physically and mentally.\nYou can get assistance paying for education,you might want to look at     other possibilities as far as a career.
141352
In the first couple of years of school, when you're taking basic, non-nursing courses, yes.  However, as you move into advanced studies, clinicals and practicums, its going to be VERY hard for you to work full time.  If you need to work, you might consider a hospital-based nursing program where you can work (in a lower job) while pursuing your studies; or at least contract to work after completing your studies so that your educational costs are paid for.\n\nBest of luck!
125603
my mother was ill most of my life--and I felt like I was practically raised in a hospital.  It was the only vocation I ever wanted from the time that I was about 9y/o. I started out as an aide to see if that was really what I wanted to do--then went to LVN school and then after I went to work for awhile I went on to RN school and then got my BS.
566820
i started out in the registration department when i first entered the hospital field. It's an easy job and the shifts aren't bad-basic requirements are good customer service skills and basic computer knowledge-having some medical terminology background is good too but not required. job involves interviewing patients that are being treated in the hospital. either in the pre-surgery area where patients check in prior to surgery or in the emergency room.\n\na cna is a good job as well since you have to have your cna classes taken before entering the nursing program-all hospitals need cnas.\n\nsome hospitals have a program where you can shadow a registered nurse and get paid for it. the hospital i work in has it-the official title here is a nurse extern. the requirement for this position is that you already have to be enrolled into an RN program in college. they allow you to do everything a registered nurse does under the supervision of a licensed nurse. check with your local hospital to see if they have the program.\n\ntransport is another option but if you want to be a nurse-you won't pick up much learning experience nurse-wise in this position. it mostly involves transporting patients from their room to a test, transferring patients from one floor to another or assisting patients to their cars upon discharge.\n\ni worked in registration for about 4 years then transferred to the cna job-which i enjoyed b/c i'm in trauma icu and i learned ALOT. now as a nurse extern-i get to take care of my patients and cannot wait until i graduate and have my license!!\n\napplying is fairly simple-just go into the human resources department at the hospital of your choice and ask to see the list of job openings. most places will have the job along with the requirements,type of shift (day,nite..8 hours or 12 hour shifts), and the requirements listed. some hospitals will also have websites where you can look up the job listings-just google the name of a hospital in your area and the website should come up-once there find the link for employment opportunites or careers.\n good luck to you!!
130195
Don't give up, college is there to educate you and they will do whatever they can to help you succeed.  There will be tutoring, and they even offer it free.  All nursing schools are competitive, but even if you can't get in right away, you can take classes that will go towards your degree while you are waiting to get in.  Another idea is to go the LPN route which is a bit easier, and after you have your LPN, you can always go back for your RN.  Best of luck to you and whatever you do, do NOT give up!!!