Advice on Nursing Profession

[Cards10]

Can anyone advise me on the best way to learn about the nursing profession? I really just want to get a feel for what nurses do on a daily basis and if it's something I might enjoy. (My wife and I have a 14 mo old daughter and I and work full time -- are there avenues I could pursue in the evenings/nights or on weekends).

[Gona_bea_nurse]

try volunteering at a hospital.

[CarolynGamoso]

Seems like you have a busy schedule...

If you want an in depth look at nursing, what it is now and what it evolved from, read the book, "Professional Nursing: Concepts & Challenges" by Chitty & Black. ISBN: 978-1-4160-4473-4. It's one of the textbooks I used in school. It's an easy & informative read and you definitely don't have to read the whole thing, but it will answer the questions you have about the profession.

Also, look at the websites of several nursing schools in your area. You'll be able to find the curriculum, classes, and course descriptions. If you have trouble, private message me and I'll orient you to my alma mater's website.

As far as actually going into nursing, there are several different levels like Diploma RN, LPN, Associates RN, and Bachelors RN. That definitely expands your search options a bit, doesn't it?

Regards,
CarolynGamoso
wwwcgamosoRNcom

[Cards10]

Thanks! This is great information.

[champ6rn]

There are so many different kinds of nursing. Going to a nursing home may turn you off, but going to an Er or cath. lab may be just the ticket. Interview some nurses about what their daily routine is and what the rewards are.

[nurseshlay]

Don't knock the Nursing Homes. They can be depressing, yes, but they can be very rewarding. I've worked in one for 3 years and I wouldnt work anywhere else. That's the joy of nursing. There's so many options...no limits. If you dont like one place, try someplace totally different, but within the same profession.

[Rmmd84]

Can anyone advise me on the best way to learn about the nursing profession? I really just want to get a feel for what nurses do on a daily basis and if it's something I might enjoy. (My wife and I have a 14 mo old daughter and I and work full time -- are there avenues I could pursue in the evenings/nights or on weekends).

Hi,

Imo, you should get an online based degree for nursing, because working in medical field requires genuine certificates. I found a link where you can find many online nursing universities, which are offering degrees and certification:

www[.]worldwidelearn[.]com / health / nursing /

During the studies, try to join a hospital for finding tips and tricks from the professionals. I’m sure it will enhance your career.

[maire]

Visit the nursing department of one of your local schools. They might put you in touch with a male nurse who can give you the guy's viewpoint of nursing. Also you can go to local hospitals or nursing facilities and ask to shadow a nurse. This would be a good idea to really see what it is like on the job from a more realistic standpoint than what is portrayed on TV.

[adamsbaker]

Nursing is nice profession and you get the opportunity to serve the needy people. It needs lot of dedication and determination to become a nurse. Read the online material available and get to know about the various career opportunities available with nursing.

[MarciAng]

Cards10, it is great that you are looking into being a nurse. Over all nursing is a demanding profession but it can be quite rewarding. As suggested in other posts here, volunteer work is a good way to start to take a peek at the health care industry. Speaking with nurses in different areas of specialty is also a great idea.

Once you enter the profession of nursing, you will never be the same. You will gain a different appreciation/understanding of life and respect of death far beyond the average person. Hopefully you will become more compassionate, and avoid becoming blase about things.

There are a number of ways to become a nurse, each varying in cost, time and education. There are a tremendous amount of specialties in which you can focus as well. Thus you should be able to tailor your nursing career to meet your needs and goals.

Talk to a few nurses, do some volunteer and maybe even some part-time work to see if it really is a good career path for you, and then go for it!

Good Luck! If you want to know a little more about nursing profession and education feel free to go to nursingprofessioneducation.com

-Marci

[ctaylen]

Rmmd84,

While I will agree that there are any number of fine on-line programs that offer degrees and certifications in various nursing fields, this gentleman is not currently a nurse and there are no online programs that can make him one. One must first attend a traditional nursing program with clinical coursework in order to learn the "hands on" aspects of nursing, usually an ADN program at the minimum. After this, he may seek higher education through online programs. There are many that are very good and may be useful for someone whose time (and hands) are as full as his.

[adamsbaker]

With a nursing degree, you can shape your career as you go, taking the opportunities that fit you best. As you said you are busy with your full time job and don’t have time for regular course you can surely go for online course to earn degree in nursing.

[ladylaura]

One thing to best learn and appreciate nursing profession is serving voluntarily in a community. You can have the advice of seniority for they have lots of experience and have lots of ideas to share.

[kupcraft]

Volunteering is definitely the way to go, or perhaps go through a local college and see if they would offer an opportunity to shadow a nurse or recent nursing grad that is employed. There are so many different hours that you can work as a nurse and so many different areas to work in that you could definitely find something that would fit your lifestyle. Good Luck!

[native2013]

I've been a radiology tech for almost 6 years now and I've recently passed my CT registry exam. My med term, general anatomy and even cross sectional anatomy is pretty good. I feel that nursing could be the next step considering the dismal outlook for growth within my current field. That and I just want to learn more. I also have a bachelors degree obtained in 02' but in communication arts. I'm worried about the work load/studying/time management involved with nursing as I'm sure its far more strenuous than radiology school. The PA's and NP's at work said I'd already have an advantage due to my experience and I should just do it but like I said I really feel radiology school to be less demanding than a nursing program. Thoughts?