There is a very broad spectrum of positions filled by men and women in the profession of nursing. The hours of some of these positions are extemely flexible, and may even be self scheduled, others work a reasonably rigid schedule, conforming to the needs of the facility they work with. Registered nurses work in hospitals primarily, but also work in public health, research, home health, education, school nursing, insurance, legal nurse consultants, medical offices and many other areas. In the hospitals and health care facilities nurses work in many areas, including medical surgical, operating room, labor and delivery, newborn nursery and newborn intensive care, ICU, ER, psychiatric units, cardiac cath units, and almost any other area of the health care venues.
Beyond the entry level degrees for nursing, there are advanced practice nurses who work as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthtists, midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.
There are RNs working with degrees ranging from an associate degree, to some with multiple advanced degrees and doctorates, including some RNs who also have degrees in law or hospital adminsitration.
There are times in every RNs job that it can be tedious and a stressful position. There are some who do not like the profession and quit usually using the expression that they are "burned-out". Though I feel that they were probably not right for the profession and all the responsibilities.
It is a very responsible position, and should not be looked for as something that will normally be fun. There will be many fun times, but after all, it is work, like any other occupation. For most of us who have been in the profession for many years (I personally have been in the profession for over 30 years) I think the enjoyment of the profession comes from the fulfillment of both helping people, but also by improving yourself and being the best you can at the profession.
Over the years, I have worked on nursing units, including psychiatric, I have worked in operating rooms, emergency and trauma rooms. I have taught in junior colleges, universities, and also taught physicians, and dentists, as well as nurse practitioners and physician assistants. I been in private practice as a nurse prctitioner, and have performed research, and have been asked to present at national and international conferences as well as provide lectures for some of the pharmaceutical companies.
Now I set my own schedule, work less than 25 hours a week, and essentially do the parts of the profession that most interest me.
Yes my profession has been personally and professionally rewarding. As a result it has ended up being financially rewarding. Most of the time it has also been fun. I have met and worked with wonderful people. And have been able to do whatever I set out to accomplish because nursing opened up many opportunities for me.
Good luck with your future!
Answered By: US_DR_JD - 4/27/2008 |