Future nursing student.. or not?

DenimBlue in U.S.A., District of Columbia said: What dream world are you living in? I know about 2 dozen BSN grads who have been looking for work for the last year..only TWO were able to gain some type of employment.

Don't fool yourself buddy, nursing is bad ALL AROUND. I have 4 more friends who graduated with their Masters and they cannot be hired for anything more than RN floor nurses. LPNs are not any LESS in demand than RNs...there simply is NO DEMAND FOR NURSES.

Google "No nursing shortage" or "No nursing jobs"...and while you're at it google "I hate nursing" to read up on stories from seasoned nurses and you will see why this is such a pathetic field to waste your life on.

ha thats funny. maybe if nurses wanted to be nurses and not sit on their butts for more pay ud find a job!!!!! too many bosses and not enough hard caring workers.thats why there is a shortage in real nurses we work short EVERY DAY 12 hours a day because of people like you. however we sleep very good at night because we actually help people .instead of dickin around all day and watching other people work

Terri in Stratford, Connecticut said: Sorry PCastro, The computer cut me off.
To question 2, Alot of nurses with diplomas or associate degrees go on to get their BSN's while working. I know many that do the online courses so it doesn't interfere with their work hours. It's demanding but doable. Most employers will encourage you to continue your education and offer tuition reimbursement, so when you're ready, go for it.
To question 3, The time it takes to get a BSN after an associates is too variable, it depends on whether it's an online or distance learning

Hey Terri,

I don't know how long go I asked those questions but just wanted to let you know i finished nursing school and started working at the beginning of this year at ICU. My situation is a little different and to come and think of it, an amazing experience, had scholarship from a hospital that paid for everything in school and in return I have to work there for 3 years. ICU is tough but man I love my job... I agree w you that starting in med surg is the best way to go, but I guess there's exceptions too. Working on my BSN this fall from a Cal State Uni Online program so I'll give an update on how that goes. I've been on the floor for about 5 mos and I love it. I hope this gives a better insight on some of the newcomers into the field of nursing. You'll hear a lot bad experiences but it's really what you make it. Some people will bash me and say that I'm too new to comment but most of my co workers who's been in the field for 15yrs still enjoy their job. Future RN students or students feel free to email me w any qs while nursing school is still fresh in my mind.

Also, ICU nurse would any of you recommend a good book to read? I've been reading CCRN books as reference, any advice would be great! Thank you!

Pcastro in Los Angeles, California said:

Hi im looking into nursing but dont know where to start??? I plan to start taking my pre-req classes next semester at my local community college...do u have any advice for me?? how was it that the hospital paid for your schooling?? im also in the los angeles area any advice would be appreciated !!

Hello,

This is my first time writing on a blog but I'm running low on resources and thought I would ask other people for advice who have possibly went through situations. I am looking into going back to college and want to go for RN nursing, I took some of the pre-reqs but I still have some more to go but I work full time and I have to work full time right now my husband and I are seperated for now a month and I need to make sure I can take care of myself. I talked to the college and they said that working full time is not a good idea because when you get into the RN program you will need to be focused and work part-time but I cannot cover my bills on part time income, and right now they consider both mine and my husbands income for financial aid and I dont qualify for the government need based pretty much its all out of pocket for me and nursing school is 2 years full time student for an associates, if anyone has any suggestions where i could go back to school and figure out income in the process i would appreciate it. I was even thinking about doing multiple student loans or whatever i could to provide me with 2 years of my income and 2 years of schools, books, gas, tuition, and fees costs? I just dont know if I have the credit for it because of all the debt I am going through and with a possible divorce? Please anyone help with advice... Thank you..

James in Oceanside, California said: I am a recent Rn (two years) and I also went back to school later in life as a career change. I was a Chemistry / Physics teacher , grades 9-12, and regret my decision to become a male nurse on a daily basis.

Y the regret? I am torn between teaching and nursing.

Crystal, did you need to get additional schooling after your RN to work in the NICU??

Hi everyone!!

I'm interested in becoming a Neonatal Nurse in Level 1 or Level 2. Does anyone know of any nursing schools they can recommend in Atlanta,GA that I can attend? I want to get my core classes at GA Perimeter then transfer to a Nursing School. I was curious to know how the schooling is, I hear from so many people that the classes are very tedious and it takes a lot of hard work and studying. I'm trying to make sure this is the right career me, I want to be the nurse that takes the baby after birth and does the weighing,check-ups, shots, etc. I am also interested in the nurse that cares for the mother and baby after delivery, so I want to make sure I'm on the right track by saying Level 1 or Level 2 Neonatal Nurse. Any advice is helpful thanks!!!!