Which profession? Nursing, or social work?

Question

I hear the burnout rate for nurses is tremendous...I can't imagine getting burned out, but surely the nurses that DID burn out couldn't have thought that either, right?
And social work presents endless opprotunities, but I'm concerned about the pay. I'm not looking to get rich, but I do want to be well enough off where I can afford a home, maybe a child or two, and I don't want to rely on a man for that.
I eventually want to head a non-profit (or something along those lines), or volunteer for doctors without borders...I'm just not sure on which route to take.
Can someone help me decide?

(Let me clarify that of course I would need a man to have children, I'm just thinking worst case scenerio, if things didn't work out)

Answer 1

having family members in both professions i can say Nursing is better.
imo
Nurses are in demand and can demand higher benefits and wages.... there is also a company you can work for that will ship you around the county to areas that need you. see the country on their dime while you decide where to live... housing is paid for and i hear you earn 50-80k per year.
Nursing is demanding work and is emotionally stressfull... but at least you can say you are trying to do good for people who need your services.

Social work seems less rewarding... you are fequently called into situations where the people don't want you.. or want to take advantage of the system and your job is to determine what minimal level of support they need as opposed to what they think they want. Stress level is higher than nursing for different reasons... not being appreciated.
and they pay is a lot lower 30-40k with less room for advancement.

With the demographic trends in our country.. a large portion of our population is living to an older age and requiring greater levels of health care.... So for the long run i say Nursing has greater up-side.

my 2 cents

Answer 2

I think you have a very biased response here and one that is not totally based on facts and figures. First the difference between nursing and social work salaries is not as large as those here would want you to believe. Average salary for BSW is 30K and BSN 35K with no experience. The range in salaries is roughly equivalent in the first few years out. Now it is true that a BSW will usually top out salary wise faster than a BSN or RN. It is also true that many BSW go on for an MSW; but with a BSW you can complete that MSW in a year and then you will surpass most RN salaries and you have MANY more options. The clearest test of the fact that nurses actually make less than social workers is in the fact that many hospitals shift work load usually associated with social work to nurses because they don't want to pay for social workers.

If you goal is to be involved in developing a non-profit, social work is definitely the way to go. It is in the development of programs that social work really surpasses all the other human service professions. It also leaves open more options, including doctors without boarders.

Now if you really like nursing in terms of the medical side of things then I would go in this direction.

From what I read in your question..I would say you will be happier in social work, and it is a very fufiling profession.

DA

Answer 3

Nursing is a profession because it is a calling that requires specialized knowledge and intensive academic training. The Profession of nursing is however made up of general and specialized jobs. When people use the term Nursing Jobs they simply mean jobs available within the nursing profession. and in the profession are a huge variety of jobs.

Answer 4

By listening (or reading) what you have in mind I think social work would probably be a better fit. Nurses, although good money work long hours and it can be physically demanding (my friend is a nurse). A social worker can make good money (over time). You're right you won't get rich but you will be able to afford a house. I think it would better lead into your plans fo heading a non-profit organization too.

Good luck

Answer 5

I'm graduating from nursing school this December, so of course I'm going to say nursing! Most nurses that get burned out pick up extra shifts and over do it at hospitals. I think that with nursing, if you ever get tired of the hospital, you can work in doctor offices, be a school nurse, work in clinics, insurance companies, law offices, pharm reps (really good pay), or you could get your masters and teach nursing classes or be a nurse practitioner. My mother in law is a RN and she does research. Not to mention, there are alot of nursing desk jobs if you get tired of bedside nursing. The possiblities are endless!!!

Answer 6

Nursing is the way to go. Both have their "burnout" factors, so you might as well get paid a lot more for being a nurse. And not all nursing jobs are terribly stressful. Working in an ER, or ICU, or something is much more stressful than being a nurse in a pediatrician's office or something.

Answer 7

Nurse, because after that it will be easy to go for Social worker...
But you won't need it. A nurse will give you a better income always... And is a lot need on volunteer on that area.
I know Social Workers that end up getting a second degree because S worker don't pay as much...
Nurse the best choice always.

Answer 8

Nursing pays better and requires less education. Social work often requires Masters degrees, and doesn't pay worth squat. You gotta really love the job to do it.

A registered nurse takes 2 years of education, and they are in very high demand right now, so their pay has been going up. Yes, it's very demanding and the hours can suck.

Answer 9

Check out the pharmacy profession. There are many advantages. They are:

1) Takes less time to finish

2) You can start a family and maintain it and see your kids everyday

3) Most jobs are 9-5

4) Starting salary is 75-150K depending on location

5) One of the most trusted profession in the US

6) Very flexible working schedule

7) You still get to be involved in a patient;s life

Good Luck with your decision! Feel free to contact me if you are interested in pharmacy!

If you are interested in pharmacy school, please visit http://www.getintopharmacyschool.com

Answer 10

Nursing pays better than social worker.

Im an RN, been one for 11yrs, its not my primary income though. I don't even work much, just to keep my license current. That's it. I prefer my home business.

Good luck to you!!!