Best Careers 2009: Registered Nurse

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I had some thoughts about being a Registered Nurse but at the same time I want to be a Lawyer, but i think my dreams are going to be an R.N. Looks like alot of work

jalyssa s of CT 4:41PM January 25, 2012

KR, I would only take Lori's advice with a grain of salt. A real nurse does indeed advocate for their patients and would be more in jeopardy for losing their license for NOT advocating. Critical thinking is absolutely required and appreciated by other members of the healthcare team when you present yourself as a professional. Lori does not represent nursing here as a professional, so I doubt that she is able to do so in the workplace. Sounds more like the lamentation of someone who has been in trouble, but not willing to accept any personal responsibility.

Christine Erickson of OR 9:02PM November 25, 2011

Thanks for the advice Lori

KR of AR 12:39PM July 25, 2011

keep in mind that although you want to be a patient advocate, you don't want to lose your job. It is a dog eat dog environment, with such fear about getting in the cross hairs and being called on the carpet and maybe losing your license. Keep your mouth shut, do the work. I caution you NOT to be too much of a patient advocate in spite of your desire to be one. It could and probably will cost you your job and maybe even your license. Keep your nose out of trouble. Keep your mouth shut. do the job. and keep the critical thinking for the textbook. Don't believe the TV shows.....no one really wants your input. Just do the basic job and stay off the radar of administration, the DON and doctors. been there done that.

lori of CA 11:50PM December 27, 2010

I am a student at illahee middle school and am looking for a good job becuse i should start thinking about my career and what job is good for me. I also need a job that fits me so when i grow up i can feed my 7 people family i want,can anyone help?

Elona Savonin of WA 2:31PM December 15, 2010

wow sikat ka na.............

kessel of PA 5:19AM August 30, 2010

I work at a very large hospital that is building a 12 story cardiac care unit. The CEO made a nine figure income, meanwhile us nurses at the bedside working short staffed nights weekends holidays with no pay increase. Meanwhile our supervisors take 2 weeks off during Christmas, 4th of July, leaving us to fend for ourselves. Even though I have been there 20+ years still cannot get a whole shift off even when I put in a year in advance. They got rid of 2 nurses who were dedicated employees with masters degrees to high one bozo with maybe 6 years total to replace them both. Cheaper yes, Quality no.Beware all RN's who actually care about their patients, the corporation does not care about you!

Gina of OH 12:40AM July 05, 2010

I am an RN on a med-surg "ward" and it is the most stressful thing ever! I'm going back to school for a new career as soon as I can. These websites want to make nursing sound all warm and fuzzy and happy like you are helping people and saving lives. Try having more responsibility than a doctor, dealing with drug-seekers, people in constant pain, having to do literally 5 things that are vitally important all at the same time. The reason nursing has such a high burnout rate is because the expectation is unrealisitic and 12-hours shifts are actually 14-hour shifts and if you make a slight mistake, someone could die, you could get fired, AND lose the nursing liscence that you worked so hard for. Becoming a nurse was hands down the worst decision I've ever made in my life!

Ben of SC 10:20PM June 26, 2010

I will be moving to Houston, Tx after I pass the nclex lvn exam. My date to take the exam is June 27, 2010. It was nice to hear that an lvn can make a good living in Tx. I notice in 2005 you started with $18 an hour. Is the pay rate higher now? Also, I live in Ca and the Excelsior program is not accepted.

Faith of CA 8:05PM June 19, 2010

I WAS LICENSED IN 2005 AS LVN. I WORK IN HOUSTON AND STARTED MAKING 18/HR WHEN I GRADUATED.
AFTER FIVE YEARS I EARN 25 AN HOUR WORKING IN HOME HEALTH.
IF YOU WORK IN THE FIELD AS A VISITING NURSE YOU MAKE 35/VISIT. TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION YOU DEDUCT YOUR MILEAGE AND EXPENSES AT THE END OF THE YEAR..
ANYHOW IT HAS BEEN DEMANDING STRESSFUL AND ALOT OF HEADACHE BUT I LOVE MY PATIENTS AND THE PAY HAS SUPPORTED A FAMILY OF 3, MORTGAGE, CAR PYMT AND ALL MY BILLS.
IM NOW DOING EXCELSIOR ONLINE FOR MY RN AND ANTICIPATE MAKING 75-100K A YEAR EASY!
NURSING SCHOOL WAS THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE, TIMES ARE TOUGH AND THANK GOD I AM IN A FIELD WHERE I AM ALWAYS NEEDED.

CRYSTAL of TX 10:02AM June 06, 2010