I'm considering getting a degree in nursing... what are some pros and cons of a career as a nurse?

Question

I am considering going back to school to get a degree in nursing. I already have a bachelors in Health Science and 4+ years experience working in a hospital setting (admin type posistions). I would appreciate some input on the pros and cons of nursing from anyone with experience in the field. Thanks!

Answer 1

It all depends on where you work.
I can honestly say that I like my job as a labour and delivery nurse, but it has it's ups and downs.
the doctors have a superiority complex at times and try to talk down to you or do not listen to what you have to say.
The patients can either be wonderful or give you a lot of grief.
It's long shifts (12 hours) where sometimes you don't even have time to use the bathroom let alone have something to eat.
The pay is not the greatest everywhere (in Canada it's $23 to start).
You can kiss your long weekends and Christmas holidays good bye beause a hospital is never closed! Especially when your a new grad, until you build up some senority, your the one who will always get the shifts that no one else wants!

It can be up and down, one minute you HATE your job, the next minute you love it.

But at the end of the day I'm helping bring new lives into the world. I am making a difference in somebody's life, helping them to get through labour. The other nurses I work with are supportive, fun and help you get through the tough times at work.

For me I wouldn't work anywhere else, I am on maternity leave right now and I miss it. But I will be only going back part time because this is a stressful job to have when your trying to raise a family. To me the shift work makes it impossible to find daycare for my little one, but at the same token lots of people manage. Also with shift work it's more flexible because you can work nights and weekends while your significant other is home, and your home with the little one during the week days.

Hope this helps a bit and good luck in whatever you choose!

Source(s):

labour & delivery nurse (email is [e-mail] if you have anymore questions)

Answer 2

From those I know who work in nursing, here are my points:

PROS:

1. Salary is pretty good ... many health care facilities have a hard
time keeping nursing staff, so they try to compensate by
hiking salaries and benefits;
2. There are plenty of psychological rewards, particularly in
knowing you have been a major help to your patients;
3. Your knowledge base is always increasing and there are
always new opportunities to improve or enhance your skills,
and some employers will pay to train you further; and
4. This is a profession, a self-governing, respected profession
that has good credibility with the public.

CONS:
1. Nurses sometimes can end up working in jobs where they are
bullied around by administrators and physicians;
2. There is a considerable level of stress and responsibility that
comes with this position, particularly in some areas of the
profession, e.g. oncology, psychiatric, geriatric;
3. There are many incidents of patient violence, especially in
geriatric, emergency and psychiatric nursing sections; and
4. There is considerable overtime and many times, you will be
called upon to work weekends and even statutory holidays
(though for most employers, they will likely pay you more to
work these days).

Answer 3

You can get a really warm fuzzy feeling for caring for people in need. The pay is fairly good. On the negative side, long hours and some major governmental requirements that at times can make the job nearly impossible. Accidents, (we all are human) can have some major legal repercussions.

Answer 4

I have a niece who just entered the field... the biggest pro you'll find is helping others who really need you. Sometimes it's more than medical attention... it's offering a kind word and encouragement. The biggest con you'll find might be your hours... be prepared to be on different shifts... after all, health care is a 24 hour business.

Answer 5

Pro: pretty good pay
Satisfying work
never have to decide what to wear to work
Con: Have to work weekends and Holidays
Sometimes overtime
Sometimes heartbreaking

Answer 6

Please try: http://www.nursingmasters.com They have lots of good information on various nursing degrees both Bachelors and Masters