Questions about nursing careers?

Question

Hello,

I'm a 25 year-old male and have a BS in Communications with an emphasis in broadcasting. I haven't worked professionally as a journalist because the pay blows and there are no benefits. I received this degree in December of 2005. I've considered going back to school since I can't find any real work. I m toying with the idea of nursing as a career. A local community college has an LPN associates degree that would apply to a Bachelor of nursing degree. I could get the job (upon getting a license) and many hospitals (supposedly) pay tuition reimbursment for the bachelor's completion. Would do you all think given my situation? Is anybody here an LPN or RN? What do you like or dislike about the job? Personally, I want to help people and fel needed. I also like the idea of career stability. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

Bellina - Amen to the master control jobs comment!!

Wow, so far all excellent and insightful comments. Thanks everybody, and keep them coming!

Answer 1

I also majored in Communications and I am back in school for Nursing (RN)
I hope we made good choices LOL, but seriously you will never have to worry about finding work again, AND you will feel great helping people. All nurses I've asked, loved their jobs.
(good bye dumbas* Master control operator jobs)

Answer 2

first of all. a LPN is not the same as a RN. Unless the rules in your state are different as far as I know, a LPN does not get an associate's degree. A LPN is a vocational career that gets a diploma (maybe 8 to 10 months training) and then sits for the state board to receive their licensure. A RN on the other hand CAN get a associate's degree (2 years not including prerequisites) and take the test and work as an RN. A BSN (bachelor's degree in nursing) will open the door for you to work in administrative positions. Hope that helps.


I however you want to get into the work force right away and make serious money, get an associate's (RN) and take the test. Most hospitals will give you tuition reimbursement for BSN

Answer 3

You're on the right track to a rock solid career in nursing where the sky's the limit as far as career opportunitiews and possibilities as long as you do what others suggest and continue your nursing education after getting licensed as an LPN.

Since it's almost impossible to get into most associate or bachelors nursing programs at regular campus based universities these days without a long wait for a seat I encourage those lucky enough to have an LPN program neaby to go that route for starters and then take advantage of employer's tuition assistance plans to go on for their RN or BSN degree online while working through an accredited online school of nursing.

In many cases you can graduate with an RN degree while those waiting for a seat in a campus based program are either still waiting or barely getting started - and you'll also have the advantage of being able to earn a living while getting your degree too.

Here's an article describing the process and links to those accredited online LPN - RN or BSN programs too:
http://myonlinenursingdegree.com/lpn-to-rn-programs.html

Answer 4

As a guy you would have many hospitals after you. I would advise you go after your RN instead of and LPN, LVN, or even an MA. With an RN you can get around 60k to start. Many hospitals give any where between $2000 to $10,000 sign on bonus. Then there is also the chance to go into travel nursing when you get your RN. Travel nursing companies offer many different things, from free housing, paid utilities, all the way up to free trips upon completion of a contract. I know of one that does give a food allowance as well. Good luck!!

Answer 5

I'm an RN - please join us, we need more good male nurses. There are some older female nurses who are threatened by the influx of young males but rest assured most of us love having a male vibe on the floor and your helpful, manly attitude to pitch in and help with patients. Male RNs tend to gravitate toward the cardiac, OR, ER and ICU although I've seen some in peds, PICU, PACU and med-surg as well. Rarely OB although we do have one male LVN on our floor and he is wonderful. Most peds nurses and OB nurses of course tend to be female.

Yes, you can do an LPN-BSN program later after you've been an LPN for awhile but don't fall into the trap and stay an LPN. There is no advancement and limited opportunities there for you.

I love nursing. You will never be without a job and most likely will have your choice of jobs. If you are young and single you can travel all over and have them pay your room and board while you make big bucks. Do it!!!

Hospital nursing, it's true as a floor nurse you'll be working overtime, overworked, exposed to all manner of things, working holidays and weekends but remember the hospital is only one place nurses are needed, do your time in the hospital and learn, learn, learn and you can work anywhere, do anything.

Answer 6

I went back to school at age 44 to get an associate degree in nursing. I wish that I had become an RN at a much younger age and gone on to get a BSN.
The work is hard, and yes, males working in a female-dominated profession are often discriminated against, but I would never work at anything else.
Go for the BSN, whatever you do. An ADN won't really get you very far.
You could apply to the Indian Health Service branch of the Public Health Service to see if they will still pay your way through school and make you a commssioned officer in the PHS. They are in Rockville, Maryland.

Answer 7

if you have an idea That you would like the job duties go for it. Exposure to body fluids/blood is inevitable. Possible needle sticks with blood contaminated needles is also a hazard. Caring for people who are suffering is not for everyone.
If you like it though, there are still lots of bumps to get over. Terrible working hours,must work holidays, vacations are limited and cannot be taken around the holidays or in long clumps. Hostile work environment is common. All the you-know-what rolls downhill to the nurse. He/she tends to take it for th patients sake.Eventually your mental health suffers. There is good money and fair benefits(vacation and health care benes Are not that great in many cases) but you must pay for it with your soul. I'm not burned out, just experienced. My pts love the care I give them but employers are busy trying to take away whatevr tools you have that work to make the patients comfortable. Bean counters now rule the health care industry,top to bottom. If you study and aim for the top, it would be better, dont stop at LPN or RN ,go for a masters ARNP. Men are good for the profession as it drives up wages and working conditions as men are generally not programmed to "take it". You'll get better hours and more autonomy. Good luck but watch out.

Answer 8

I think you need to follow your heart and the rest will fall into place. With that said nursing is a very rewarding field and there is definitely a nursing shortage. In fact according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations in our economy with over a 27% spike in employment projected over the next 5 years.

Here is some info on RN jobs:

Education and experience are key components to certain registered nurse jobs. If you are considering registered nurse jobs in administration, you may want to consider getting a Bachelor degree, as many organizations now require it. Sometimes if you are considering registered nurse jobs in more complex areas like surgery or neo-natal intensive care, organizations will want you to gain significant clinical experience. Also, other registered nurse jobs may even require you to have a masters’ degree, like being a nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, or certified nurse anesthetist.

Registered nurse jobs require a lot of patience and dedication, as a registered nurse will be promoting good health, prevent disease, and helping patients through times of illness. Registered nurse jobs also require you to be detail oriented and have decent writing skills. For instance, registered nurse jobs in psychology will require a nurse to document (in detail) behavior, response to medication, and follow doctor directions carefully so that a patient receives the appropriate care.

Hope this info helps. BTW, I pulled some of this information from the following sites. There's some great content for further reading.

http://nursing.earnmydegree.com/index.htm
http://nursingdegreeonline.blogspot.com/ - cool blog