nursing vs MT

Another MT to Nursing question... [2008-10-20]
Hi, I have been an MT for 16 years and have always wanted to get into nursing and now that my children are a little older, I am looking at it more seriously. Here is what I The 2-year RN program is filled until 2010 and even now, already over half full for the 2010 track. There is also an LPN 1-year program that I can test for starting in November, that begins next August. I am 40 years old and don I am thinking of doing the LPN next August, be out in a year and then doing the LPN-RN bridge program, which is offered either as a 1-year or 2-year program that you can do while also working. My thought is that I can get a job at the hospital where I have been MTing for 16 years as LPN (they do hire them), work there while completing my RN degree. Does this sound like a plan that would work and what advice or suggestions can anyone offer? I have spoke with the Dean of Nursing in the RN program and she said that a lot of people do that as the bridge program is easier to get into. Also, the hospital that I work for offers scholarships and also educational loans, so the financial part of it is not a real issue. Thanks for any help!

Am actually considering nursing school after nearly 9 years as an MT - sm [2008-10-17]
As far as I can tell, the ONLY advantage to being an MT over a nurse is the working from home part. After attending MTEC nearly 9 years ago and really loving my career choice for the first 5 years, I now find myself making less than I did when first starting out, being required to produce more lines each year(and always faster, faster, faster!), and listening to about 90% ESLs who barely speak the language day in and day out. I am also very discouraged when I see reports I send to QA forunintelligible utterances go through 3 other MTs besides myself and them having to leave the same blank.Sometimes there are multiple blanks that cannot be filled in by anyone! I want to produce quality documentation, but I cannot do that when the dictator gives as much care to dictating as he does to picking up doggie doo. I am also on the fence about MT versus RN and would love to hear what others think before I jump this ship. Best wishes to you all!

I guess I'm the odd person out here. I left the nursing [2008-10-15]
field (LPN) to do MT work. I loved nursing school and everything about it, but when I got to the real world of nursing, nobody cared if you did your job well, everybody just wanted it done in a hurry. Going back to nursing would be a last resort for me.

I think you are going to have to contact the CA Board of Nursing [2008-06-28]
We can come up with what we think, but they are the ones that will make the ultimate decision.

Check with the Ca state board of nursing. Doesn't look good, though. nm [2008-06-27]
dd

getting into nursing [2008-06-26]
I was wondering, how hard is it to become a nurse in California with a felony record? my felonies are from 12 years ago and have lived as an upstanding citizen since. any info would be great as i do not wish to pay for the training just to find out i can't work. thanks.

going to nursing school [2008-06-18]
I too have been a Transcriptionist for many years, 17 years actually. When my current boss asked me how I got into transcription I laughed and told her stupidity. LOL I am older also but probably will be working another 20 years for sure from now but probably longer than that. At least with nursing, if you get burned out on hospital settings in general, being an RN is in demand in a lot of different areas.

Him/nursing [2008-06-03]
Barb I think HIM can be the. From what I understand those trying to get into coding cannot land entry-level positions. Everyone wants experience but none will give it. I do not know if this is difference for RHIT (2-year) or RHIA (bachelors which is essentially management). I have tried repeatedly to get this question answered. Can someone with an RHIT or RHIA degree find entry level positions. I know those with just coding crediantials hit a brick wall mostly. I do not like to waste time and money for schooling to not be able to use the degree particulary as a single parent I can ill afford a misstep. have considered RN but while I like the caring for people and patient care I do not like all the stress that comes with the job. There is a lot of peer abuse/bullying in nursing too. Nursing school is verybad forthis asit is for new graduates. All jobs have stress but I hear it

Nursing [2008-05-29]
I finished nursing school last year so I had that to do on the side. It was stressful I will admit but glad it is over!! JS

I've had enough as well - I'm 58 and in nursing school. [2008-05-26]
Hi there, believe it or not I just finished my 1st year of R.N. school, but it is going to be a 4-1/2 year course. I Transcription supervisor trying really hard to screw up my school by demanding attendance of daytimedepartment meetings. Courses arevery hard, so I can I It seems there is something new every week to mess with your production, cheating on lines, on and on. I say go for it. What can it hurt, except give you more knowledge.

nursing reality check [2008-03-05]
I want to be realistic with you. About 12 years ago I was in a nursing program before I went to school for MT. I did the first semester and 1/2 and obviously the prereqs. I regret not finishing now but make no mistake how rigorous these 2-year RN programs are. I was married with 2 young children. It was VERY stressful. You are bascially at the school mostly 4-5 days per week - 2 days of clinicals at the hospital. If you aren't in class or clinicals you are in chec offs or practicing at labs. Not unusual to be at school practicing on weekends. Then, there are care plans to do for your clinical patients after your shift in addition to regular tests and skills checks offs in labs. I just want people to understand and be prepared. YOu need a very strong support system. There are those who work. I have heard full-time even. I have no idea how. I can only think these are younger students living at home. Not Moms with jobs, kids, and homes to take care of. I am not a single Parent and considered reentering the nursing program. I had to retake a few prerequistes. After retaking a few I ultimately realized this was just beyond me. I have 2 kids, a mortage, no spouse to help out and I cannot afford to quit working. In the end I have decided to pursue a business degree simply because I can take classes online without the added stress and hardship to my family. Having a calm family life is important to me because my youngest son has autism. We have quite enough to deal with. However, I am not discouraging nursing. Simply be prepared to work harder than you ever have. Also there is abullying problem in the nursing schools and nursing profession in general. Please be aware you need a thick skin. Docs can be tough but other nurses can to. Just want people to walk in with eyes open so they do not drop part-way through as I did. I guess I didn't have a passion for nursing or all of this would not have mattered - but there lots of people going into the nursing profession because of the high $$ right now and because MT is unstable. Good reasons, but nursing takes a lot more than just wanting $$. I learned that the hard way and decided to ultimately follow a different course. good luck.

MT, thinking of starting nursing [2008-02-03]
I have been an MT for over 7 years, but thinking of nursing school,associate I will, however, have to continue working as I canwhile I Is this a realistic goal? I have a hubby and 2 small boys to take care of and still work and go to school. Any thoughts?

Nursing is very versatile [2008-01-28]
Around here you can get into nursing programs at community colleges that integrate the LPN portion right into the RN portion. There is only one program, but if you want to stop at the LPN level (which is a 1-year diploma), you just stop at the appropriate time. If you want to continue onto RN, you just keep taking classes until you have your second year finished (for the associate's degree in nursing). Of course, you can go get a bachelor's degree in nursing. However, you are still only able to take the RN boards and will be at the same level as an RN as far as legality goes. Some employers place a premium on the bachelor's degree. Some of them require that BSN degree for charge nurse positions (in hospitals, not long-term care) or management. The BSN is designed to prepare one for postgraduate learning. If one wants to be a floor nurse starting IVs, participating in a code, assessing Homans sign, placing NG tubes, charting, etc., go with a 2-year CC. Be forewarned, though, that there is more paperwork (or computer work) than you would ever think possible in work as a nurse. Another thing--I haven't met anyone that likes nursing clinicals, so keep that in mind, too. You will spend a good portion of your nursing school in these clinicals. Nursing clinicals are nothing like actually working. They are valuable for some aspects of nursing care, but you will learn most everything on the job, just like with MT. Good luck!

At my nursing school (sm) [2008-01-21]
we had a class called Metrology. I've not heard of it elsewhere, but it was absolutely required at my school if you wanted to get through the first semester of nursing courses. It was a 0.5 semester-hour weed-out class. The whole premise of it was calculating drip rates, converting medications from apothecary and household measurements to metric, etc. Most other schools integrate this into its nursing courses rather than have a separate course. If you can figure drip rates (it is a little bit of algebra, but it is pretty straightforward), you will do fine.

Nursing homes have office jobs [2008-01-04]
That will keep you hands off but will allow you to have contact with the elderly. You wouldn't have as much as the nurses and CNAs especially. Some nursing homes also use environmental aides who make the resident's beds, pass the ice and water, and are basically the rovers but not hands-on caregivers. THere are also laundry people and dietary personnel. No matter what department you work in, you learn every resident and what they are like. I certainly wouldn't laugh at someone wanting to work in nursing homes who don't want to get their hands dirty. I respect anyone who goes into that area of healthcare. I worked in nursing homes myself and had a good time with it. (That could also be because I met a coworker nurse who later became my husband.) This is what you do--first you go to the Medicare.gov website and see the results of state surveys of local nursing homes. If there are too many deficiencies, stay away. Then you go to some nursing homes and immediately smell the home. If it is heavily perfumed or smells strongly of urine, walk out. Then you look briefly for the annual state survey. By law, it has to be prominently displayed. If you can't see it and no one will tell you where it is, you walk out. I've done that with every nursing home job I've had, and it works well for me. Then you go from there and get yourself a job. Good luck!

old hag looking into nursing - kat [2007-12-30]
I just turned 40. I had been in the nursing program 13 years ago. Didn't finish due to family problems and subsequent divorce. Oh how I wish I had. About a year ago after raising a couple of kids through infancy and preschool and elementary I on a dwindling MT salary I started back taking prerequits. I was told I had to retake a few classes (A and P 5 year shelf life) and they had added few others (Pharmacology, Lifespan Development, and a Chemistry with a lab). So Passed the Nursing Enteract Test (NET) last spring. Got onthe waitlist and 2 more prequistes to take. (second half of anatomy and pharm). I hope I will be in the program next fall. I have no idea how I will be able to swing finances for the next 2 years while in the program. I am hoping to continue MTing part-time, get a few loans/financial aid, and family help. I am not 40 and wonder if I am absolutely crazy. But as the sole supporter of 2 boys (now 15 and 9) I really need to make a change. Mt just doesn't do it anymore. We barely make the bills anymore.

I have been considering nursing also. [2007-11-15]
Graduated from high school then a 10 month medical transcription program with no other college. Do you have any college? Is the Kaplan Nursing School you mentioned the online school? Why did you buy entrance exam books? Will Kaplan take you from start to finish for an R.N. with no other college courses? Sorry about all the questions. So curious. I really feel like I could have a leg up on other students as well with my 18 years of anatomy, physiology and terminology. Just trying to work up the courage and find a way to get it down while still working.

Nursing [2007-11-15]
IP I II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Nutrition, Human Growth and Development, English, Speech, Music appreciation, and some other classes for the Bachelor degree. I got the book from Barnes Noble. I'm scheduled to take the PSB test December 12, 2007, which is the exam when applying to the program.

Online nursing [2007-10-03]
I did my LPN and RN both online. St. Louis, MO. and SD both have online degrees.

nursing vs MT [2007-09-30]
I would say that fiancial reasons are a good one to consider a career change. I hate when people get high and mighty and say people should not consider RN for the salary. Look when you make cents per line for years and make less and less each year a decent RN salary looks pretty darn good. However, I do understand you have to have an appitude and ability to handle patient care. But with the MT job market such as it is is it no wonder people are looking for other fields. Itfields, particularly ones that cannot be outsourced overseas - such as RN or any other hands on type of career. I think that salary is a motivating factor - an enticer, but people should research and go into the field of nursing with eyes openand know that you will be doing more than just collecting a paycheck. If you think you can handle what is entailed in nursing, nursing school, etc go for it. I am taking my prerequistes right now. As a single Mom the salary is a big factor but I also am quite aware of what I am facing and have a true desire to help people and not just in it for the money. I also am in it for the job security. With over 10 years as an MT I have had too many jobs go overseas or watched the line rate get less and less with each passing year. There is no security in this field. I too enjoy transcribing. I like my job - but the field doesn't like MTs back and the hospitals all outsource and most services are just interested in their bottom line. It's just time to get out.

Nursing classes online. [2007-09-19]
I honestly didn't know you could go from an LPN (earned at local college) to an RN (earned online). As far as I know, you have mandatory clinicals. You may want to check into another local community college if you have one. Does your local college not do testing? Here, admission is based on several things, including a pre-admission test.

nursing [2007-09-08]
First off, check your local colleges. You will find all the info you need there. More than likely, you will have an entrance exam to take. Also, some colleges require certain classes before you can apply to get into a nursing program.

nursing [2007-09-07]
I am a medical Transcriptionist and I would like to be an RN however I dont know where to start HELP! in AZ

Nursing has come a long way. I was just not going in the...sm [2007-09-01]
right direction. My first job as a graduate nurse paid $2 an hour in 1964, $79.50 a week. When I left nursing in 1986, I was making about $8-9 an hour, much different than today. I could make more as an MT or most anything else. Now it has reversed. I am just too old to start over again, and that is OK. The 2 professions are very closely linked in a way. I have always had the thirst for medical knowledge, and, to be happy in any profession, you need to have that thirst.

old hag looking into nursing [2007-08-21]
I think this is a good response. Check into all medical fields. I am pre-nursing, but reconsidering. The waitlists are terrible! Also I am concerned with the shift work and stress in teh field. I am entering my 40s and not at all sure nursing will be right for me. However, I do know I need to get out of being an MT as there simply isn't much viable employment opportunties. I was looking into surgical tech and also another not mentioned was PTA (Physical therapist assistant). I know an acquaintance through church who did a 2-year program about 9 years ago. She loves what she does. The pay isn't as high as nursing but they make about 18-21 per hour to start as far as I can see in my area. Some areas more. I think the averages were around 45,000 a year. But they don't work night shift. You have to work when patients are awake. Further you can work outpatient rehab, which may have some later evening hours but generally not past 7 pm or so. You also get to spend more time with patients than in nursing. I guess It just depends on the type of work you are looking for

I KNOW!!!! [2008-11-10]
If you want to just get into nursing then take the 2-year Ass. Degree. When you go for a Bac. Degree you have to take extra classes like arts and/or music etc. to get credits. A BD is great to have and you should never stop learning. A nurse with a BD most of the time gets high pay and a little more responsibility then a nurse with an AD. This is what I am doing and I have asked tons of nurses and did a lot of reseach, all I am waiting for is all my babies to be in school.... I am taking an AD program and learn almost everything I need to know about nursing from the nursing end (not the business end which is in detail with the BD course) then I plan on getting a job and if I like it and would like to advance, transfer my AD to a BD by finishing up two years of college. You have to take in account that 2-year degrees, are faster, cheaper, in some ways really hard, and you might not like being a nurse anyway and if that was the case can redirect your schooling and what not.

Another MT to Nursing question... [2008-10-20]
Hi, I have been an MT for 16 years and have always wanted to get into nursing and now that my children are a little older, I am looking at it more seriously. Here is what I The 2-year RN program is filled until 2010 and even now, already over half full for the 2010 track. There is also an LPN 1-year program that I can test for starting in November, that begins next August. I am 40 years old and don I am thinking of doing the LPN next August, be out in a year and then doing the LPN-RN bridge program, which is offered either as a 1-year or 2-year program that you can do while also working. My thought is that I can get a job at the hospital where I have been MTing for 16 years as LPN (they do hire them), work there while completing my RN degree. Does this sound like a plan that would work and what advice or suggestions can anyone offer? I have spoke with the Dean of Nursing in the RN program and she said that a lot of people do that as the bridge program is easier to get into. Also, the hospital that I work for offers scholarships and also educational loans, so the financial part of it is not a real issue. Thanks for any help!

I guess I'm the odd person out here. I left the nursing [2008-10-15]
field (LPN) to do MT work. I loved nursing school and everything about it, but when I got to the real world of nursing, nobody cared if you did your job well, everybody just wanted it done in a hurry. Going back to nursing would be a last resort for me.

Torn between 2 professions [2008-10-08]
Right out of high school I went into nursing school but never finished b/c of personal reasons. I then went into medical transcription and have been doing it for the past 5 years. I have always regretted not finishing up my nursing degree and am thinking about going back but am very torn. On the one hand as an MT I work from home which is nice because I have a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old. But, with the way things are going in the MT field, it is hard to find a good company, and if you do it seems everyone is running out of work. As a nurse, I am worried about not having as much flexibility with hours, as I would miss the time away from my 2 children but know that I could provide for them better finanically. I have been accepted into a nursing program and in 2 years would be an RN. Any suggestions, tips, just overall feedback. I could really use anyone's advice as I am really really torn!

RN vote, now !!!! [2008-10-08]
Youof this field NOW. My sister is an RN and works in a nursing pool. She only works 3 days a week, 12-hour shifts with some flexibility in the days she wants to work, like off on all Sundays....and makes over triple+ what I make and I have been doing transcription for over 20 years ! I wish I could deal with ill people and blood; I would have been an RN. Good luck.

TEAS test [2008-08-15]
Does anyone know anything about the TEAS test? I am in WV and applying for the nursing program, and was told that I will have to take the TEAS test. I was going to order the study guide but want to make sure I choose the right one...any help would be appreciated! Thanks

A&P [2008-07-15]
Everyone gets something different on the NCLEX. You can probably count on questions of delegation of duties being on there. Some people gets lots of pharmacology and some get none. You will have to take A&P in nursing school, and it is quite the class! You will have to understand how the body works at the level of an RN for purposes of school and eventually working, not just the NCLEX. However, I doubt there are any questions solely about A&P. However, you may encounter questions about how pain medication works, for example, and that requires an understanding of not only what the medication does but the A&P of different pain mechanisms. Do NOT let that website scare you from nursing!

going to nursing school [2008-06-18]
I too have been a Transcriptionist for many years, 17 years actually. When my current boss asked me how I got into transcription I laughed and told her stupidity. LOL I am older also but probably will be working another 20 years for sure from now but probably longer than that. At least with nursing, if you get burned out on hospital settings in general, being an RN is in demand in a lot of different areas.

A few things (sm) [2008-06-13]
First I It was either that or Health Management and I'm not interested in taking business classes. Second, how about setting up your word autocorrects as mini-expanders?

Him/nursing [2008-06-03]
Barb I think HIM can be the. From what I understand those trying to get into coding cannot land entry-level positions. Everyone wants experience but none will give it. I do not know if this is difference for RHIT (2-year) or RHIA (bachelors which is essentially management). I have tried repeatedly to get this question answered. Can someone with an RHIT or RHIA degree find entry level positions. I know those with just coding crediantials hit a brick wall mostly. I do not like to waste time and money for schooling to not be able to use the degree particulary as a single parent I can ill afford a misstep. have considered RN but while I like the caring for people and patient care I do not like all the stress that comes with the job. There is a lot of peer abuse/bullying in nursing too. Nursing school is verybad forthis asit is for new graduates. All jobs have stress but I hear it

Nursing [2008-05-29]
I finished nursing school last year so I had that to do on the side. It was stressful I will admit but glad it is over!! JS

If you are thinking about LPN . . . [2008-05-27]
Maybe you should think about an associates degree in RN? It is only 1 semester more of schooling than LPN (LPN course 18 months RN course 24 months), and you have a lot more opportunity for RN (as well as a lot more job openings). As an RN you can work hospital, clinic, and nursing home. As an LPN, you are lucky to get anything outside of clinic, thus less work opportunity. I have done a lot of research on these courses, so let me know if you have any questions. Also . . . it may be different per state, but as of right now, the only difference between an associates versus bachelors in nursing is $1/hr pay. Good luck. It is never too late to change your profession.

The last straw... [2008-05-17]
I have begun to realize I'm sick to DEATH of medical transcription, as it's the only profession I know where you're punished for being fast and accurate, held back, obstructed, etc. Now my company has announced we have to go to company computers and NO WORD Expanders will be allowed on their pristine, sanctified virgin computers. I've always been wistful about nursing. I'm 58 but would like to keep working at least another 10 years. Wondering if there would be any hope for me to get into an LVN (LPN) program at this late date. Pros: I care about people, especially elderly and disabled, been doing MT for over 20 years, and would like to work among human beings, not locked up in a room all the time like Rumpelstiltskin trying to spin straw (BS) into gold. Cons: Horrible with math (maybe 6th grade comprehension at this point) could I possibly pass entrance exams? Anybody ever made this transition at such a late date and with such drawbacks?

Yes [2008-05-11]
Excelsior College in New York is the largest nursing program in the US. It is a distance education program and limits its admission to LPNs, paramedics, and other very specific persons who have had substantial supervised clinical experience and instruction. You can get your RN this way; they also have a RN-BSN program and some MSN programs. Go to http://www.excelsior.edu for more info. Some states (California and Maryland) do not accept Excelsior grads; a few other states have some other requirements for RN grads to meet besides just the degree. Most boards of nursing accept it just fine as is. HTH!

One more [2008-05-11]
There is a nursing program from Indiana State University that is a distance LPN-BSN that is recognized in many states. It has supervised clinicals that you set up in your own community, I believe. You can take your NCLEX-RN after you graduate, of course. As far as specific states that have their own nursing programs that are distance programs, I don't know for sure about that.

I think I know what the answer will be but... [2008-05-10]
I This sounds too good to be true. Does anyone know anything about this, and if so, please share!

RN....... [2008-05-10]
You might be able to get some preliminary classes out of the way, but you would definitely have to do your student nursing in an actual hospital and I don't know how they would set that up or oversee your work. My niece is an RN but she is taking classwork for pediatric physician assistant. She is doing coursework online through Vanderbilt University but she has to drive up (several hours one way) once a week to do actual work up there and seminars. It's that actual clinic work that you definitely couldn't do online, so not sure how they would set that up. Check it out.....you never know!!!

Love health field but [2008-04-20]
Can anyone give me feedback on Health Information Technology? I am a MT but never been able to get hired so I will change to something in health field. May be what is listed above. Any idea Need to know what will stick as far as employment. Nursing is out of the question can not stand nasty junk. Something I can do on the computer. Thanks for your help!! Barb

HEALTH CARE CAREER [2008-04-15]
If a profession directly concerned with human service magnetizes you, it will be perfect for you to switch on your career in Health Care. Here you not only cultivate your knowledge on medical services but you can also share the same platform with the doctors other medicalexperts. The utility of Health Care in modern world is so urgent that your exertion for Health Care training will never go in vain. To know about Health Care you should run your glance on this article. Healthcare jobs are become the craze for many people. But they had an experience with a doctor, dentist or nurse that went beyond the call of duty and was inspiring in their personal lives. It is not necessary that they should excel in the sciences in school and project themselves to find a career which will allow them to focus on that branch ofknowledge. People in the healthcare field have a common trait: they are passionate to work with and help people. If it suits you, you might be absolutely perfect for health care training and education that pursues your dream of working in a health care profession. One convenient way is to take online classes. By attending the Internet classes, you can receive a quality education at your pace. From a wide variety of healthcare careers, you can choose according to your choice. For example, if you are biassed for a Patient Care Technician. This is a diploma program offered through accredited colleges, and after the training you can perform tasks related to hematology, phlebotomy and urinalysis. Your skills are very necessary to work in a hospital, extended care facility, a nursing home, or to participate in a home health care team.Patients, affected with diseases or injuries can benefit from physical therapy. You may choose to begin a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. You can assist those sufferings to improve mobility, relieve pain, and restore function to patients under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. You can complete this program in two years and will result in an Associate's degree. If your choice goes for working with people and computers, you have to look into a degree in Health Information Technology. You need your computer skills to work in compiling and managing health information databases. People in this career can engage into the work in a wide variety of venues, including hospitals, insurance and managed careorganizations, and more.A related health care career can be fit if you are animal-lover. Youmay opt a career path as a Veterinary Technician. You will work under a Veterinarian's supervision to perform medical tests, treat and diagnose medical conditions in animals. You need an extensive training on anatomy and physiology of domestic animals, animal nutrition, animal nursing and large animal care, diagnostic imaging, and training in common labprocedures.There are a wide number of choices in health care for which training is available. Utilizing the ease and convenience of online courses from accredited colleges and universities has never been easier. With best regards Linda

Rn not MT [2008-03-11]
I would go with RN. That said I was pursing RN at 40 but decided to go into business related field. The reason is you do have to have a lot of strong famliy support. Pursuing RN as a more mature adult can be done but it is VERY difficult for a single parent like myself who not only has to work full-time to pay the mortage, but also there is no other adult to help pull the weight. Ultimately that is why I decided against RN even though Iknow the job opportunities and pay are better. You have to look at your own lifestyle situation. Saying go for RN across the board without considerations to other aspects of your life -- how will you live while you pursue full-time school? Do you have a spouse to help pay bills and watch children? Is nursing your passion or do you prefer more solitary work? Looking at just the job security and pay RN beats MT However, I went into MT because it gave me the ability to work from home. As a young single Mother this was vitally important. I had paid sitters for daycare when I worked outside the home and I didn So for me the lower pay etc was a tradeoff for perks of working athome. Now my kids are getting older I would like to get out of MT. Working on production pay can be great or it can be difficult. There is no security of making the same paycheck, which I am looking for as I get older. So truly assess your own particular lifestyle, personality and what would suit you best. I have seen some really negative changes in MT. I loved it 10 years ago when I started out. The money wasn't bad and you readily could find in-house or at-home work with great benefits. It's much more difficult these days.

nursing reality check [2008-03-05]
I want to be realistic with you. About 12 years ago I was in a nursing program before I went to school for MT. I did the first semester and 1/2 and obviously the prereqs. I regret not finishing now but make no mistake how rigorous these 2-year RN programs are. I was married with 2 young children. It was VERY stressful. You are bascially at the school mostly 4-5 days per week - 2 days of clinicals at the hospital. If you aren't in class or clinicals you are in chec offs or practicing at labs. Not unusual to be at school practicing on weekends. Then, there are care plans to do for your clinical patients after your shift in addition to regular tests and skills checks offs in labs. I just want people to understand and be prepared. YOu need a very strong support system. There are those who work. I have heard full-time even. I have no idea how. I can only think these are younger students living at home. Not Moms with jobs, kids, and homes to take care of. I am not a single Parent and considered reentering the nursing program. I had to retake a few prerequistes. After retaking a few I ultimately realized this was just beyond me. I have 2 kids, a mortage, no spouse to help out and I cannot afford to quit working. In the end I have decided to pursue a business degree simply because I can take classes online without the added stress and hardship to my family. Having a calm family life is important to me because my youngest son has autism. We have quite enough to deal with. However, I am not discouraging nursing. Simply be prepared to work harder than you ever have. Also there is abullying problem in the nursing schools and nursing profession in general. Please be aware you need a thick skin. Docs can be tough but other nurses can to. Just want people to walk in with eyes open so they do not drop part-way through as I did. I guess I didn't have a passion for nursing or all of this would not have mattered - but there lots of people going into the nursing profession because of the high $$ right now and because MT is unstable. Good reasons, but nursing takes a lot more than just wanting $$. I learned that the hard way and decided to ultimately follow a different course. good luck.

You are so right. [2008-02-20]
I know this is kind of late to be entering this conversation. But I just had to chime in - as another nurse. Sure, nursing offers opportunities (particularly if RN as opposed to LPN). Either way, it is a field that can suck the life right out of you. I nuch prefer MT even though I earn less. Good luck to all in their chosen professions.

MT, thinking of starting nursing [2008-02-03]
I have been an MT for over 7 years, but thinking of nursing school,associate I will, however, have to continue working as I canwhile I Is this a realistic goal? I have a hubby and 2 small boys to take care of and still work and go to school. Any thoughts?

Nursing is very versatile [2008-01-28]
Around here you can get into nursing programs at community colleges that integrate the LPN portion right into the RN portion. There is only one program, but if you want to stop at the LPN level (which is a 1-year diploma), you just stop at the appropriate time. If you want to continue onto RN, you just keep taking classes until you have your second year finished (for the associate's degree in nursing). Of course, you can go get a bachelor's degree in nursing. However, you are still only able to take the RN boards and will be at the same level as an RN as far as legality goes. Some employers place a premium on the bachelor's degree. Some of them require that BSN degree for charge nurse positions (in hospitals, not long-term care) or management. The BSN is designed to prepare one for postgraduate learning. If one wants to be a floor nurse starting IVs, participating in a code, assessing Homans sign, placing NG tubes, charting, etc., go with a 2-year CC. Be forewarned, though, that there is more paperwork (or computer work) than you would ever think possible in work as a nurse. Another thing--I haven't met anyone that likes nursing clinicals, so keep that in mind, too. You will spend a good portion of your nursing school in these clinicals. Nursing clinicals are nothing like actually working. They are valuable for some aspects of nursing care, but you will learn most everything on the job, just like with MT. Good luck!

Schooling for RN [2008-01-24]
I have been an MT for 10+ years and am sick of it! I have always been interested in nursing, particularly R.N. Can someone fill me in on all the requirements? You have to get a 2yr degree first, correct? Thanks for any info, I am clueless