Honestly, sometimes yes. It can be very rewarding, but also very taxing. I think the worst part are the working conditions. Now since hospitals are run by corporations, the "human" side of nursing has, "poof!", vanished . Staffing shortages don't make things any easier. This job is not for the weak and you need to have the patience of Job. I am close to finishing out my career (it will be 41 years when I retire), I have met people I will never forget (both good and not so good). Some days have been rewarding and others I hope I can forget. If I had it to do all over again, I would think long and hard about going into nursing. It's not what it used to be.
Absolutely not. I’ve been an RN for 23 years and a director for 12. Nursing is one of the most stressful, tiring and emotional jobs, but it is also one of the most rewarding, beneficial and needed jobs. Impacting a patient’s life or their family is food for the soul. You have to want to be a nurse, not for the money or benefits, but for what you can do to impact lives. It is so truly a blessing to be a nurse. Best of luck!
No. I do not regret it. It allowed me to raise my daughter on my own as a single mother and I never had to worry about having a job. I've always had a job when I wanted/needed it. Also, in nursing you can do so many different things. I worked bedside, been a Nurse Recruiter, been a Director of Nurse Recruitment and I've had my own consulting business. You can make it into anything you want!
