I’m considering a change in major. I’ve just decided that, while I love children, teaching just isn’t for me. So what’s next on my list of hopeful career choices? The possibilities are endless! There’s…. and… uh. Okay, not so endless. So far, I’m debating on nursing.
Nursing has always been an option in the back of my mind. My Grandma is a nurse as well as one of my aunts, and another aunt is going to school for nursing. So, why not? Plus, whenever Granny was in and out of the hospital, I thought nursing would be such a rewarding (though, at times, emotionally draining) career, and I could help others that were in the same situation as those in my family. Not only that, but nurses get paid pretty decently, and it seems that I will have no trouble in finding a job, and that is always a plus when choosing a career.
I continue to weigh the pros and cons of nursing, though. I may receive good pay, and the job will definitely be a rewarding experience, BUT will I be willing to work those long hours away from my own children (when we have them someday)? Of course, I would only work a few days in a row at long hours, and I would have several consecutive days off where I could spend quite a bit of time with my family.
Needless to say, J has been supporting me in whatever decision I make career-wise. As long as we both make enough money to live comfortably, of course. His support has been a big help, though. Along with his approving smile, my family has been nothing but supportive; they’ve always been pushing me in the direction or nursing without really saying it.
If I had it my way, though, I’d be a journalist living in NYC. However, J is a small-town boy, and he would never go for moving to the Big Apple. I don’t mind so much. :sigh: Maybe in my next life? 
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
How about this? You choose a field that maybe doesn’t make you rich, but makes you feel rewarded – like nursing. Then, you freelance on the side, because you’ll have a unique perspective in high demand: a health care industry insider who can write.
And as far as NYC? Phhhblllt. Journalists are proving that old stereotype wrong every day. You can be part of the new wave.
Many nurses work twelve hour shifts (most hospitals do this) and, while hospitals try to give you a block of shifts together, sometimes this just isn’t feasible. The hours are, in my opinion, more flexible than if you were to work, say, in banking (because hospitals are open 24/7/365) but remember–they are open 24/7/365. You will work every other Christmas, July 4th, etc. You are correct in saying that nurses make decent money (though a lot of nurses say that the pay isn’t proportionate to the job) and that you can go ANYWHERE and have a job. Wanna live in Hawaii? A nurse I know contracted with a traveling nurse agency and got her apartment (on the beach) paid for and travel expenses. As well as a job.
It’s a good job, just not for everyone. I would recommend shadowing at a hospital in a field that interests you–ER, othopedics, pediatrics…most hospitals are fairly open to this especially if you know someone who works there (I’ve had a lot of experience with new grads who have never had any clinical exposure and they are completely blind-sided.)
As for a health care industry insider who can write…well… all I can say is there are a few reasons why I’m an anonymous blogger and that may or may not be one of them
hii. i actually decided to pursue nursing two years ago. it was my second degree. ohh, my program was so tough but it really was worth it. it’s a really rewarding job. my mom’s a nurse, and she worked the night shift so she was always there to take us to school and pick us up from school and help us with our homework and all the other stuff.
i def think shadowing or volunteering is a good idea to see what you think of it.