Hello! I'm considering going back to school to pursue an associates in nursing to be an RN (or at least start off as an LPN/LVN). I am interested in nursing to 1) help people and 2) to have a stable career. But I have done some searching online, and have found quite a few current nurses who hate their careers. Many of these ladies (and men) site cattiness and backstabbing at work, verbally abusive doctors and patients, and no support. As a male, I realize that I would be going into a female-dominant field, so I would expect some friction there. But this abusive behavior seems to be spread across the board! Such a negative work environment would make this career unbearable. What are your expereinces with this? I know it is a high stress field, but that does not excuse the supposed lack of professional respect. Here is the site I found these opinions at for reference:
www.aboutmyjob.com
What are your honest opinions about today's nursing field as a job?
2006-10-10 18:35:49 · 5 answers · asked by atomicfrog81 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I don't know who you're talking to, but I'm a nurse, and I LOVE my job!!! I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I have two peices of advice for you... 1) When you go back to school, look for a program where you can get your RN in 2 years, it's easier just to go straight through rather than trying to go back. Many 2 year (associate degree) programs offer a LPN after 1 year, and RN after 2 years, in my opinion the difference in pay and job opportunities with the RN degree is WELL worth it. And, 2) when you are getting ready to get out there and get a job... look for a hospital with a Magnet designation, an award given for nursing excellence. These hospitals in particular hold their nurses in high regard, offer competitive pay, great benefits, and most importantly, are well staffed with managable patient assignments. Also, don't worry about being a guy in nursing, we LOVE our male nurses, and I think you'll find working with all of us girls a lot of fun!!! If you have any other or more specific questions, feel free to e-mail me at qtrn2005@yahoo.com
Q T R N... get it? Good luck!!!
2006-10-16 13:43:47 · answer #1 · answered by qtrn2005 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its not as female dominant as it used to be for see quite a few men as nurses. Its a great career for someone that like you wants to help people and as a nurse every day gives you opportunities to brighten someones day and ease suffering-a more than noble task for anyone. It is also avery lucrative career-saw a ad in todays paper at 30 some dollars a hour and there are also hefty sign on bonuses at around 600-1000.dollars. It is a career that has a high rate of job security for always in demand.-there is a shortage . As far as the negatives-as long as you do not indulge but present yourself with dignity,respect and treat others fairly it will have a positive effect on how people see you and relate to you. By all means go for it and I do not think you'll regret it for it'll be a career where you'll love what you o and earn a nice income and be set. for once you attain eother LPN Or RN there are so many directions you can go and when the day comes that hospital is a bit too much for your age there are Home Health,Teaching and so many avenues Like I said GO FOR IT and Good Luck
2006-10-10 18:55:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked as a nurse recruiter for years and by some strange coincidence all of my childhood friends are now nurses as well. My friends are all happy with their jobs and get along with their co-workers. A lot of the nurses I used to place on temporary jobs complained a lot, the way you just described. I think because they were temps they may have had some issues with the permanent staff because the temps make more, are not used to the routine, and are just easier to pick on. But I know plenty of nurses that are happy. Actually, they usually hate on the nursing assistants- just kidding. But in any work environment I think you will find the same level of cattiness and gossip. It is definitely possible to find a great group of people and if you love what you do it really won't matter!
2006-10-10 20:14:16 · answer #3 · answered by untroddenroad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say go for it. You're looking at perhaps the career that is the highest in demand nationwide and will continue to be for many, many years to come. The money's very good, the hours can be tough...
What particular type of nursing do you want to do? I understand the problems you've mentioned - I've seen it in nursing homes and medical/surgical floors of hospitals, but for some reason, I don't see that kind of behavior much at all in emergency rooms. If you think you could handle the crises seen in ER's, maybe you should consider this. I will warn you that ER nursing is TOTALLY different from other nursing fields. You don't have the long-term attachment to your patients - you simply don't have time. A good ER nurse is hard to find.
Good luck!
2006-10-10 18:41:55 · answer #4 · answered by firemedicgm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Right now there is a severe shortage of nurses, so you will find a lot of nurses overworked. However, this does mean that you can pretty much find work anywhere you go. The best thing to do is choose the right place before you decide to work for them. Do some research and ask about the hospital or clinic before you say yes to them. My fiancee is a nurse and LOVES it. She's had her ups and downs, but overall she couldn't think of a better job for herself.
2006-10-10 18:42:39 · answer #5 · answered by Rich 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋