When Work = School

I am trying to make a decision. I took all my prerequists for nursing and applied to the program and got in for fall. I decided I didn't want the spot (basically chickened out, didn't think I could do it) and gave it away and decided to explore social work. So I took two introductory social work classes, wasn't sure if I wanted to pursue that either.

So a couple of weeks ago, I received a letter from the college offering me a seat in the nursing program for the spring. There is a waiting list of like 500 people and I should have had to reapply to get in. But here I have a seat and orientation is coming up. I took this as a sign that someone is trying to tell me something so wondering if I should give it a try.

My questions to any of you nursing and social work students, can you offer me any insight into each field to help me make a good decision.

Do you enjoy the field you have chosen? Would you encourage others to go into your field of choice? How stressful are they? (I have two children 6 1/2 and 4, plus two teens (nieces who live with me), not to mention my husband who can drive me crazy at times.

I know nursing pays better and there are many more jobs out there than social work, but I am not exactly doing these for alot of money. I also have to mention that I am turning 42 in two weeks and would like to get through school and get back to working.

Thanks for any input you could offer.

Debi

Hi there,

I was a social work student but decided to change my major. I had thought for years that social work was what I wanted to do. This year I had a social work instructor who painted a very real picture of what the career is actually like. Lots of very long hours, lots of dealing with very unhappy and possibly very ungrateful people, lots of red tape. It can be very frustrating work, and the burn out is fast depending on what you choose to specialize in. On the other hand, it can also be extremely rewarding to feel that you're making a difference. I personally believe that social work is a calling; you just feel as though that's what you're meant to do and you have a passion for it.

My advice is to go with your gut. Best of luck and let us know what you decide!

Kellie

Hello there. This is my first posting to this board. I was a member of parentsplace years ago, things looked different around here then. I have since moved to a different state and started back to school. I'll be 30 this year and have a dear hubby and two dear children. Ok, now on to your questions....

I have two semesters left of nursing school. It has been one of the most rewarding things I've done outside of my home. I love it with a passion. However, I'd never advise anyone to join this path without telling them a few things. First, nursing school is tough. It takes a level of commitment that some can't give. I study every day for hours on end. I have long clinicals, a huge amount of paperwork, and endless lectures. I spend my few hours at home on the phone or computer discussing things with my fellow students. I've cried over patient's poor prognosis and a couple of times over their deaths. I cuss the teachers and then hug them at the end of the semesters and thank them for molding me (by tyranny sometimes) into the nurse I'm becoming. I agonize over papers (APA format-a whole new animal) and over test grades. I've gotten extremely close to other students and it hurts to watch some of them get washed out of the program or watch them withdraw from class because they just aren't able to do it for some reason.

Now, here are some of the good things. I get to be a part of people's lives when they are at their most vulnerable. I hold their hand while they cry and I help them make informed decisions about their plan of care. I coach them while they are bringing a baby into the world and I rinse their mouth with cold water in the last hours of their life. I comfort children who've been hurt by the people who are supposed to love and cherish them. I help them keep their dignity and pride. I know every day that I make a difference to someone, somehow. It might not be *my* patient, it might be the patient next door. It might be the nurses that I work with. It might be the cafeteria staff. Who knows? I'll always have job security. I'll always have good benefits and good pay. The hours can suck and my back might go out but it can't all be perfect. I love it.

Any other questions, feel free to ask. I'll do my best to answer. Good luck with your decision.

Amy

Kellie,

Thanks for your input. Social work is very interesting to me, but I am not sure I want to get into for some of the reasons you mentioned. Nursing offers alot as well and more opportunity. I am currently registered to begin clinicals in January so I will have to wait and see if I chicken out or not.

By they way, what to you change your major to? Just curious if you remained in the helping field.

Debi

Amy,

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

I think I am worried about the time that it will take to get through the program. My niece has one more semester of the program I am beginning. She said she will try to help me when needed.

I am still unsure, but I have attended the orientation and have been scheduled. Also have gotten the forms filled out from the doctor, completed the first TB series. I still need to do fingerprinting, get some scrubs and shoes. So I am plugging along and plan to begin January 18th. Now who knows what will happen between now and then, but if it's meant to be, it will be.

Thanks again.

Debi