OT any RNs here?

lanmbodi · Jul 12, 2009

a good friend of mine just got his RN and loves it. it has made me think of getting into it. any RNs here to share there experiences etc. pay hrs and whatever else
thanks

gyno · Jul 12, 2009

I'd rather go PA....oh wait...I did. ; )
wiping butts is not my thing bro, neither is cleaning wounds, tubes, or anything else. If you're going to go to school for something medical, go for PA of Certified nurse anesthatist.

Chim Chim · Jul 12, 2009

gyno said:
I'd rather go PA....oh wait...I did. ; )
wiping butts is not my thing bro, neither is cleaning wounds, tubes, or anything else. If you're going to go to school for something medical, go for PA of Certified nurse anesthatist.

You have to become a RN with a bachelor's degree and have ICU experience before you can go to school to become a nurse anesthetist. Hence, the word NURSE anesthetist. It ill be a long trying road, but well worth it when your done.

papapumpsd · Jul 12, 2009

gyno said:
I'd rather go PA....oh wait...I did. ; )
wiping butts is not my thing bro, neither is cleaning wounds, tubes, or anything else. If you're going to go to school for something medical, go for PA of Certified nurse anesthatist.

If that's the case, get your MD and stop jerking around.

Sesshomaru · Jul 12, 2009

lanmbodi said:
a good friend of mine just got his RN and loves it. it has made me think of getting into it. any RNs here to share there experiences etc. pay hrs and whatever else
thanks

A friend of mine is a nurse, and this is what she told me when considering it:

I've been a nurse for 10 years now. I went to nursing school directly out of high school, because I knew that it was exactly what I wanted. Although there are plenty of frustrations in nursing, there is no other career I could imagine myself in. I've worked in ER, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac cath lab and now I am a rounding nurse for a cardiology practice. I basically function as a PA for one of the physicians. I'm returning to school on Jan 14th to keep working towards my MSN so that I can practice as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. I've definitely found my niche in cardiac/critical care.

I definitely agree that the most positive aspect of the nursing profession is the versatility and the wide variety of fields to choose from. Depending on your strengths and preferences you can work with any age group, in any setting be it hospital/outpatient/home-based. Or if you find that patient care is not your thing there are all sorts of other opportunities like management, education, or research.It is actually very dependent on what your long term goals are as far as what type of position you are interested in pursuing. The BSN will open up more doors as far as management down the line or can be used as a stepping stone towards reaching a larger goal as in pursuing a graduate degree to work as a nurse practitioner, nurse educator or midwife.

As far as job opportunities, you aren't hindered by having just the associates degree if you are interested in working in a hospital on a unit or home health etc. The 2 year degree does have general ed prereqs that go along with it, but I suspect you have probably met quite a few of them already if you have obtained a bachelors degree already. The prerequs include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and social science courses such as psychology and sociology.

The $$$ is VERY dependent on the region that you live, as well as if you are working in a city versus rural area and also whether you are working for say a hospital or for a temp staffing agency. I do not make $50/hr and I make nice money considering I only have my BSN at the moment. That being said, I have done some agency work in the past in the city and have made that kind or money. CRNAs do pretty much make the most in my region. My area of study (ACNP) make less, but would be the second highest paid nursing positions in my area because of the high demand since we serve a big population and the docs need the help.

What appeals to you about nursing? What worries you about choosing it as a career? You could check in to sitting in and observing a nursing course to get a feel for what a class is like. Also, check out www.allnurses.com which has a lot of helpful advice.

GoneForever · Jul 12, 2009

My wife was denyed to 2 nursing schools here in Southern cali and she has a 4.0gpa. Apparently if your not mexican you cant be an RN here in SoCal. She went back to MN and got in to every school she applied to. Great profession. Your set for life.

machola · Jul 12, 2009

fourthgen said:
Apparently if your not mexican you cant be an RN here in SoCal.

i'm sure thats it...

SacToSD · Jul 12, 2009

papapumpsd said:
If that's the case, get your MD and stop jerking around.

yeah, I wanted to be a nurse anesthetist. I went for my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) at a California State University, then decided that if I was going to be "jerking around" and trying to get my CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist title) after working in the ICU and going to grad school, that I might as well go for the MD. So, I dropped out of nursing school after 2 years, and am now transferring to a UC (University of California) for a degree in Chemistry and will then take the MCAT and apply to MD and DO schools. Talk about a lot of school. I've been at this for years and don't see any recognizable end in sight. But, it will all be worth it, I think. I can tell anyone on here what it's like to be a nurse, how the classes will be taught, admissions info, etc if they'd like. I can also tell anyone on here about MD/DO admissions, info, etc too. I think that I kept this anonymous enough to not get fingered by LE or anyone else... a pinch for the juice is something you will definitely want to think about, since it will more than likely disbar you from getting your license. That's why I do TRT/HRT... and I DO HAVE a legitimate testosterone deficiency and anemia. There you have it.

Armageddon · Jul 12, 2009

A CNA is what i was working towards there for awhile. I ended up having to stop school there for awhile because of funds.
Get ur RN, then 2 years of ICU and if I remember right 10-18 months for the rest of school. But the cool part about that is it depends on you. There are places like RUSH university in chicago that have excellerated courses for those that are very motivated and do well under pressure.

mr.e01 · Jul 12, 2009

Im a RN...just graduated..and have a job lined up for the ICU...all I will say is it is tough schooling and alot of work, but you become a professional, and males are always wanted..I also have experience in the med. field as a nursing assistant for a couple of years. I would always reccomend icu or er to go into. And it is extremely tough to get into the CRNA program, and those jobs are very limited without any experience. Even as a new grad I have had trouble finding RN jobs...the economy is very rough out there.

UglyDucklingSyndrome · Jul 12, 2009

Pre-nursing here. Looking to apply for the program this spring, and according to my counselor my GPA and points that I have accumalated should get me in. My ultimate goal was to eventually become a CRNA. I am still looking at that path but have recently become friends with a resident physician here and he wants me to talk to his program director and go to med school. So after I meet with these people I may have a different path ahead of me.

My friend works per diem and started at $45 an hour out of school. I have another friend who received a very nice signing bonus and wage right out of school. He was guarenteed $70000 a year with only a 36 hr a week requirement. These are the only 2 people I know that are actually RNs. Money can be great and I'm sure you've heard it more than once that it's not for everybody. Good luck with your decision!

myosin · Jul 12, 2009

?

gyno said:
I'd rather go PA....oh wait...I did. ; )
wiping butts is not my thing bro, neither is cleaning wounds, tubes, or anything else. If you're going to go to school for something medical, go for PA of Certified nurse anesthatist.

Gyno- I've gained a lot of respect for you from your past postings, so I'm not sure how to decipher your post... it almost comes across a bit condescending (wiping butts, etc.). I hope that is not the case.

For the rest- read carefully- IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR GOALS! Just like working out- you train/diet according to your desired goal.

1) MD- a lot of $$$... but less and less the way insurance is reimbursing nowadays= more headache/stress to see more patients to have that $$$

There is also a HIGH degree of pre-mature deaths, divorce, drug abuse and suicide among MD's compared to other careers.

You have very limited time with your patients.

2) PA- Better hours, pretty decent pay, and some good autonomy... but still under the thumb of an MD- some might be great to work with, others may be very controlling.

A bit "pigeon-holed" though- once they go through their training, that's about it for them... unless they want to go through clinicals all over again.

Also, they are not used everywhere. Some hospitals use them a lot, others, not at all or very very sparingly.

They too don't have a lot of time spent with the patient.

3) CNA- good money, good autonomy. Malpractice insurance is very high- some hospitals pay for it, some pay part, or none.

They too are not employed everywhere. My hospital (rated one of the best in US News and World Report time and again) does not use them at all.

Hours are pretty decent- it depends on how much "call" you have to take which will vary amongst hospitals.

4) BSN/RN- decent pay. Autonomy varies according to field. When you first start, you almost always have to work nights until a day position opens.

Respect varies according to field also. "Floor" nurses generally receive less respect than ICU nurses.

You have a lot time with your patient and their family and can become a significant part of their life. You also have a lot of time for your family.

RN's are the most job-secured in any economy (some have been laid off, yes, but the fact still remains).

If you don't like your field, you can pretty easily switch to another after a short period of training on the job, which you get paid for. So, you are rarely pigeon-holed.

The most trusted health profession? Registered Nurses. Over MD', pharmacists, etc., we are the one's patients give the most trust to- that's HUGE.

Each job has their strengths and weaknesses.

I have a BS in Kinesiology. I worked in an Exercise Physiology lab with Professional athletes, people training for the Olympic trials, and "everyday" people. I was accepted into the PhD program for BioEngineering. I then decided to get a health license so I could be more marketable in the athletic field. I went into nursing so I could have a license to administer medications, etc.

Once I entered my clinicals I knew I didn't want to go back.

I have worked in the ICU for the past 8 years. I get to see everything- every kind of medical and surgical patient there is, open heart-surgery, trauma's, every kind of infectious disease, etc. With all due respect to the other medical professions, my knowledge, AS A WHOLE, exceeds the others. Others may have more concentrated knowledge of course, but when the crap hits the fan and you need to see the "whole/big picture" you want me there.

For twelve hours I focus all my energy, time and mind on my patient and their family. I can become their friend, their counselor. I cannot tell you how many patients and families have asked for me to be their nurse again.

When I clock out of work- I'm done. I can go to my family and not worry about being called.

SecondAct · Jul 12, 2009

myosin said:
Gyno- I've gained a lot of respect for you from your past postings, so I'm not sure how to decipher your post... it almost comes across a bit condescending (wiping butts, etc.). I hope that is not the case.

For the rest- read carefully- IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR GOALS! Just like working out- you train/diet according to your desired goal.

1) MD- a lot of $$$... but less and less the way insurance is reimbursing nowadays= more headache/stress to see more patients to have that $$$

There is also a HIGH degree of pre-mature deaths, divorce, drug abuse and suicide among MD's compared to other careers.

You have very limited time with your patients.

2) PA- Better hours, pretty decent pay, and some good autonomy... but still under the thumb of an MD- some might be great to work with, others may be very controlling.

A bit "pigeon-holed" though- once they go through their training, that's about it for them... unless they want to go through clinicals all over again.

Also, they are not used everywhere. Some hospitals use them a lot, others, not at all or very very sparingly.

They too don't have a lot of time spent with the patient.

3) CNA- good money, good autonomy. Malpractice insurance is very high- some hospitals pay for it, some pay part, or none.

They too are not employed everywhere. My hospital (rated one of the best in US News and World Report time and again) does not use them at all.

Hours are pretty decent- it depends on how much "call" you have to take which will vary amongst hospitals.

4) BSN/RN- decent pay. Autonomy varies according to field. When you first start, you almost always have to work nights until a day position opens.

Respect varies according to field also. "Floor" nurses generally receive less respect than ICU nurses.

You have a lot time with your patient and their family and can become a significant part of their life. You also have a lot of time for your family.

RN's are the most job-secured in any economy (some have been laid off, yes, but the fact still remains).

If you don't like your field, you can pretty easily switch to another after a short period of training on the job, which you get paid for. So, you are rarely pigeon-holed.

The most trusted health profession? Registered Nurses. Over MD', pharmacists, etc., we are the one's patients give the most trust to- that's HUGE.

Each job has their strengths and weaknesses.

I have a BS in Kinesiology. I worked in an Exercise Physiology lab with Professional athletes, people training for the Olympic trials, and "everyday" people. I was accepted into the PhD program for BioEngineering. I then decided to get a health license so I could be more marketable in the athletic field. I went into nursing so I could have a license to administer medications, etc.

Once I entered my clinicals I knew I didn't want to go back.

I have worked in the ICU for the past 8 years. I get to see everything- every kind of medical and surgical patient there is, open heart-surgery, trauma's, every kind of infectious disease, etc. With all due respect to the other medical professions, my knowledge, AS A WHOLE, exceeds the others. Others may have more concentrated knowledge of course, but when the crap hits the fan and you need to see the "whole/big picture" you want me there.

For twelve hours I focus all my energy, time and mind on my patient and their family. I can become their friend, their counselor. I cannot tell you how many patients and families have asked for me to be their nurse again.

When I clock out of work- I'm done. I can go to my family and not worry about being called.

Every time I'm in the hospital I feel for the RN's. They seem to always be on the shit end of the deal. Have to listen to patients complain of pain but have to wait on doctor , patients waiting to be discharged but have to wait on dr, they just seem to catch the bad end of the deal. A lot of the time I'd rather have them prescribing something than some New Delhi grad. resident but they can't. So many doctors are so arrogant, if I was an RN working in a hospital I would snap and choke one out eventually.

loganb_football · Jul 12, 2009

SecondAct said:
Every time I'm in the hospital I feel for the RN's. They seem to always be on the shit end of the deal. Have to listen to patients complain of pain but have to wait on doctor , patients waiting to be discharged but have to wait on dr, they just seem to catch the bad end of the deal. A lot of the time I'd rather have them prescribing something than some New Delhi grad. resident but they can't. So many doctors are so arrogant, if I was an RN working in a hospital I would snap and choke one out eventually.

Just think, and many RN's can relate to this. We have to know almost as much as the physicians to if we go to a specialty floor. Luckily I'm back in school for master's but the only arrogant physicians I met were nephrologists, and cardiothoracic surgeons. Neurosurgeons whom you would think would be one of the most arrogant, have been some of the nicest people I have met.

halflife · Jul 12, 2009

myosin said:
Gyno- I've gained a lot of respect for you from your past postings, so I'm not sure how to decipher your post... it almost comes across a bit condescending (wiping butts, etc.). I hope that is not the case.

For the rest- read carefully- IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR GOALS! Just like working out- you train/diet according to your desired goal.

1) MD- a lot of $$$... but less and less the way insurance is reimbursing nowadays= more headache/stress to see more patients to have that $$$

There is also a HIGH degree of pre-mature deaths, divorce, drug abuse and suicide among MD's compared to other careers.

You have very limited time with your patients.

2) PA- Better hours, pretty decent pay, and some good autonomy... but still under the thumb of an MD- some might be great to work with, others may be very controlling.

A bit "pigeon-holed" though- once they go through their training, that's about it for them... unless they want to go through clinicals all over again.

Also, they are not used everywhere. Some hospitals use them a lot, others, not at all or very very sparingly.

They too don't have a lot of time spent with the patient.

3) CNA- good money, good autonomy. Malpractice insurance is very high- some hospitals pay for it, some pay part, or none.

They too are not employed everywhere. My hospital (rated one of the best in US News and World Report time and again) does not use them at all.

Hours are pretty decent- it depends on how much "call" you have to take which will vary amongst hospitals.

4) BSN/RN- decent pay. Autonomy varies according to field. When you first start, you almost always have to work nights until a day position opens.

Respect varies according to field also. "Floor" nurses generally receive less respect than ICU nurses.

You have a lot time with your patient and their family and can become a significant part of their life. You also have a lot of time for your family.

RN's are the most job-secured in any economy (some have been laid off, yes, but the fact still remains).

If you don't like your field, you can pretty easily switch to another after a short period of training on the job, which you get paid for. So, you are rarely pigeon-holed.

The most trusted health profession? Registered Nurses. Over MD', pharmacists, etc., we are the one's patients give the most trust to- that's HUGE.

Each job has their strengths and weaknesses.

I have a BS in Kinesiology. I worked in an Exercise Physiology lab with Professional athletes, people training for the Olympic trials, and "everyday" people. I was accepted into the PhD program for BioEngineering. I then decided to get a health license so I could be more marketable in the athletic field. I went into nursing so I could have a license to administer medications, etc.

Once I entered my clinicals I knew I didn't want to go back.

I have worked in the ICU for the past 8 years. I get to see everything- every kind of medical and surgical patient there is, open heart-surgery, trauma's, every kind of infectious disease, etc. With all due respect to the other medical professions, my knowledge, AS A WHOLE, exceeds the others. Others may have more concentrated knowledge of course, but when the crap hits the fan and you need to see the "whole/big picture" you want me there.

For twelve hours I focus all my energy, time and mind on my patient and their family. I can become their friend, their counselor. I cannot tell you how many patients and families have asked for me to be their nurse again.

When I clock out of work- I'm done. I can go to my family and not worry about being called.

Good post Myosin,
I've posted my current education before in detail - not going to go into it again want it to stay on the low. But what you've said Myosin is pretty much what I've heard and witnessed first hand.

For those that think 'why not become a MD when your already spending almost as much time in school as them' is a little silly. I know FIRST hand that to be a MD your practice is your life. You have to LOVE what you do or you will have issues like Myosin pointed out. In addition, the rewards of being a MD are also indescribable - but are only worth it if you LOVE it so much that you want it to be your life.

If I wasn't able to be what I am going to be I would of been an RN. Some schools allow you to get it in three years (yes you are looked down upon by other 4 year RN's but who cares your getting the same benefits they are just with less fooling around in school).

"I get to see everything- every kind of medical and surgical patient there is, open heart-surgery, trauma's, every kind of infectious disease, etc. With all due respect to the other medical professions, my knowledge, AS A WHOLE, exceeds the others. Others may have more concentrated knowledge of course, but when the crap hits the fan and you need to see the "whole/big picture" you want me there."
I know many like you, it sad but a mentor MD told me most MD's catch up soon or later but did tell me there is a gap there in a MD's career (even after res.) that this happens and it frustrates the hell out of their inferiors.

gyno · Jul 13, 2009

Chim Chim said:
You have to become a RN with a bachelor's degree and have ICU experience before you can go to school to become a nurse anesthetist. Hence, the word NURSE anesthetist. It ill be a long trying road, but well worth it when your done.

You sir, are retarded. Thank you for stating the obvious. THere is a BIG differance between working as an RN and working as a CNA

SacToSD · Jul 13, 2009

gyno said:
anesthatist

gyno said:
differance

Having a little trouble with the "a" button?

UglyDucklingSyndrome · Jul 13, 2009

CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant
CRNA - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Im not trying to be a dick by posting this, and maybe it is labeled differently in different parts of the country, but I read some of the posts and was confused at times.

gyno · Jul 13, 2009

SacToSD said:
Having a little trouble with the "a" button?

Actually, I am. LOL. I've been on enough hydrocodon the last 48 hours to take down an elephant. Seriously...

Ugly duckling, I know you're not trying to be a dick. I'm used to working with nurses and doctors. When I say CNA, most people who work in the field know what I'm talking about. Also, given the conversation that had taken place I figured it was a no brainer