4 answers
Sherlyn
Student
Delavan, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
537 views
Is it easy being a nurse.? Is it exhausting? Does it take up a lot of time?
Money isn't important, which is why if I become a nurse I want to know if I will have enough time for my personal life.
Login to comment
4 answers
Amy Steinbeck
Registered Nurse
20
Answers
Davenport, Florida
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Embarking on a career in nursing is a journey filled with trials and triumphs. I began my journey at a Diploma school, swiftly moving on to earn my BSN, all while gaining practical experience as a working nurse. This approach enabled me to merge my academic pursuits with my professional development.
The nursing profession offers a diverse range of work schedules. In the early stages of my career, my week was divided into three intense 12-13 hour shifts at a hospital, leaving me with four restful days off. The extended working hours were balanced by the luxury of having more days to myself. As the hospital operates round the clock, I had to adapt to working night shifts, which, once I became accustomed to, I found to be quite enjoyable. Later, when I transitioned to an occupational nurse role at the world's leading entertainment company, my schedule changed to a more conventional five-day week, with each shift lasting eight hours. The extra working days took some getting used to, but the perk of having more leisure time each day was a pleasant trade-off. Both schedules have their unique advantages.
The intensity of each day as a nurse can fluctuate significantly, influenced by the demands of the day and the level of activity in your area. During my stint at an orthopedic surgical unit, there were days when I was constantly on my toes, catering to the needs of post-op patients, preparing patients for physical therapy, administering IVs, handling medication, charting, and more.
Reflecting on my nearly three-decade-long nursing career, I am filled with a sense of fulfillment and contentment. I am delighted with the career path I chose and wouldn't change a thing if I had to do it all over again!
The nursing profession offers a diverse range of work schedules. In the early stages of my career, my week was divided into three intense 12-13 hour shifts at a hospital, leaving me with four restful days off. The extended working hours were balanced by the luxury of having more days to myself. As the hospital operates round the clock, I had to adapt to working night shifts, which, once I became accustomed to, I found to be quite enjoyable. Later, when I transitioned to an occupational nurse role at the world's leading entertainment company, my schedule changed to a more conventional five-day week, with each shift lasting eight hours. The extra working days took some getting used to, but the perk of having more leisure time each day was a pleasant trade-off. Both schedules have their unique advantages.
The intensity of each day as a nurse can fluctuate significantly, influenced by the demands of the day and the level of activity in your area. During my stint at an orthopedic surgical unit, there were days when I was constantly on my toes, catering to the needs of post-op patients, preparing patients for physical therapy, administering IVs, handling medication, charting, and more.
Reflecting on my nearly three-decade-long nursing career, I am filled with a sense of fulfillment and contentment. I am delighted with the career path I chose and wouldn't change a thing if I had to do it all over again!
Marlena Bushway
Registered Nurse Manager
34
Answers
Roswell, New Mexico
Updated
Marlena’s Answer
Being a nurse is hard work, typically long hours, and comes with alot of responsibility. Yes, it's exhausting, physically and mentally. But when it's your calling, it's all worth it! Work/life balance really depends on who you work for and how you want to work! Typical nursing shifts are 12 hours, equalling 13-14hrs a day with report, completing documentation, or other circumstances. Usually is 3 days per week with 12 hour shifts. But there are some that do 8 hour shifts, 10 hour shifts where you work 4-5 days per week but a little more time during a work day. Some do 16 hour shifts, typically two per week. You can make good, great, or excellent money depending on degrees, certifications, expertise, and years of experience. Average national yearly income for registered nurses with an associates degree is $75,000 and up depending on state, organization, etc. Bachelors prepared registered nurse averages $77,000-$100,000+ depending again on state, organization, etc. Typical weekly salary for a local nurse is $1,100+ and travel nursing $3,300+
But travel nursing requires skill and experience behind it. Yet, there can be some uncertainty with travel nursing because some organizations can immediately cut ties with a travel assignment nurse if a local nurse can fill the spot, saves the organization money. At the end of the day, you can have a great work/life balance as a nurse depending on you, decent income, but it can be exhausting but so very rewarding!
ADN
BSN
Nurse work/life balance
Nurse burnout
Rewards of being a nurse
But travel nursing requires skill and experience behind it. Yet, there can be some uncertainty with travel nursing because some organizations can immediately cut ties with a travel assignment nurse if a local nurse can fill the spot, saves the organization money. At the end of the day, you can have a great work/life balance as a nurse depending on you, decent income, but it can be exhausting but so very rewarding!
Marlena recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3856
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Greetings Sherlyn, this is James reaching out from Australia!
I have a query for you. How manageable is the life of a nurse? Is it tiring? Does it consume a significant portion of your day? I'm not driven by financial gain, hence, if I choose nursing as a career, I want to ensure that I will still have ample time for my personal interests.
I'M NOT MOTIVATED BY MONEY - THAT'S GREAT! SERVING THOSE IN NEED IS WHAT MATTERS!
Nursing is a demanding and challenging career that calls for commitment, empathy, and an unwavering focus on patient care. Though it can be highly gratifying, it is by no means an easy profession. Nurses are pivotal in the healthcare system, offering direct patient care, advocating for their patients, and working in tandem with other healthcare professionals to secure the best possible outcomes.
**Nursing demands a substantial amount of physical and emotional stamina**, making it a taxing profession. Nurses frequently work extended hours, including night shifts, weekends, and holidays. They are perpetually on their feet, catering to the needs of numerous patients, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing emotional support. The job can be physically strenuous and mentally exhausting.
Beyond the physical demands, nursing also requires a significant time commitment. Nurses often work irregular schedules and might be required to work extra hours or be on-call. They need to stay abreast of the latest medical developments and constantly enhance their skills through continuous education and training. This implies that nurses may have restricted time for their personal lives, particularly during hectic periods or when they are pursuing further education or specialisation.
**However, it's crucial to remember that nurses do have personal lives**, and many manage to strike a balance between their professional duties and personal requirements. While the job can be demanding at times, nurses
Internet Search Results:
10 results
www.quora.com
Do nurses earn a substantial income that makes people want to pursue nursing?
Nurses earn a respectable salary post-graduation and depending on their level of education and career trajectory, they have the potential to earn a six-figure income annually.
www.reddit.com
Is it worth pursuing nursing if you're only interested in the financial aspect? Do you need to be passionate about it? Is passion for nursing necessary?
www.reddit.com
Should I choose nursing for financial stability, leisure time, and an overall improved life?
Yes, nursing offers numerous specialisations and it seems to be one of the easiest professions to secure a job in after college. But if I'm being honest...
simplenursing.com
Should I Pursue Nursing? Factors to Consider
While the prospect of earning extra money through shift work may seem appealing to a new nurse, it's important to understand that shift work can take a toll on your health.
nightingale.edu
“I Dislike Being A Nurse”: 10 Solutions for the Overworked Nurse of 2021
Nursing can be a tiring job. It's particularly challenging when you have to deal with issues beyond your primary duty of helping people.
www.rasmussen.edu
What I Wish I Knew BEFORE Becoming a Registered Nurse
“Bear in mind that you will face some extremely challenging days, both in nursing school and as a nurse,” Pruitt says. “But it's all worth it! Nursing is a rewarding profession.”
www.incrediblehealth.com
As a new nurse, is it acceptable to switch from one specialty to another (from one job to another)?
As a new nurse, consistency does matter. Employers want to see that you are reliable and possess a solid skill set. However, after your first year, you can explore different areas...
nursejournal.org
10 Advantages of Pursuing A Career In Nursing
Nursing can be a demanding but rewarding field. These top 10 benefits illustrate how a career in nursing can offer more than many other professions.
www.aspen.edu
20 Things Prospective Nurses Need to Know
Explore 20 insights that most nurses wish they had known before starting out, so you can determine if it's the right path for you.
wholelifenurse.com
I Dislike Being A Nurse - and 7 Things You Can Do About It!
YES! Nursing is no longer my primary source of income! I started my blog 7 years ago and it's evolved into my passion project and mission: to help others.
I understand that some days can be incredibly tough. Dealing with incontinence, death, and more!
Perhaps you will even pursue a Doctorate in Nursing!
MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
I have a query for you. How manageable is the life of a nurse? Is it tiring? Does it consume a significant portion of your day? I'm not driven by financial gain, hence, if I choose nursing as a career, I want to ensure that I will still have ample time for my personal interests.
I'M NOT MOTIVATED BY MONEY - THAT'S GREAT! SERVING THOSE IN NEED IS WHAT MATTERS!
Nursing is a demanding and challenging career that calls for commitment, empathy, and an unwavering focus on patient care. Though it can be highly gratifying, it is by no means an easy profession. Nurses are pivotal in the healthcare system, offering direct patient care, advocating for their patients, and working in tandem with other healthcare professionals to secure the best possible outcomes.
**Nursing demands a substantial amount of physical and emotional stamina**, making it a taxing profession. Nurses frequently work extended hours, including night shifts, weekends, and holidays. They are perpetually on their feet, catering to the needs of numerous patients, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing emotional support. The job can be physically strenuous and mentally exhausting.
Beyond the physical demands, nursing also requires a significant time commitment. Nurses often work irregular schedules and might be required to work extra hours or be on-call. They need to stay abreast of the latest medical developments and constantly enhance their skills through continuous education and training. This implies that nurses may have restricted time for their personal lives, particularly during hectic periods or when they are pursuing further education or specialisation.
**However, it's crucial to remember that nurses do have personal lives**, and many manage to strike a balance between their professional duties and personal requirements. While the job can be demanding at times, nurses
Internet Search Results:
10 results
www.quora.com
Do nurses earn a substantial income that makes people want to pursue nursing?
Nurses earn a respectable salary post-graduation and depending on their level of education and career trajectory, they have the potential to earn a six-figure income annually.
www.reddit.com
Is it worth pursuing nursing if you're only interested in the financial aspect? Do you need to be passionate about it? Is passion for nursing necessary?
www.reddit.com
Should I choose nursing for financial stability, leisure time, and an overall improved life?
Yes, nursing offers numerous specialisations and it seems to be one of the easiest professions to secure a job in after college. But if I'm being honest...
simplenursing.com
Should I Pursue Nursing? Factors to Consider
While the prospect of earning extra money through shift work may seem appealing to a new nurse, it's important to understand that shift work can take a toll on your health.
nightingale.edu
“I Dislike Being A Nurse”: 10 Solutions for the Overworked Nurse of 2021
Nursing can be a tiring job. It's particularly challenging when you have to deal with issues beyond your primary duty of helping people.
www.rasmussen.edu
What I Wish I Knew BEFORE Becoming a Registered Nurse
“Bear in mind that you will face some extremely challenging days, both in nursing school and as a nurse,” Pruitt says. “But it's all worth it! Nursing is a rewarding profession.”
www.incrediblehealth.com
As a new nurse, is it acceptable to switch from one specialty to another (from one job to another)?
As a new nurse, consistency does matter. Employers want to see that you are reliable and possess a solid skill set. However, after your first year, you can explore different areas...
nursejournal.org
10 Advantages of Pursuing A Career In Nursing
Nursing can be a demanding but rewarding field. These top 10 benefits illustrate how a career in nursing can offer more than many other professions.
www.aspen.edu
20 Things Prospective Nurses Need to Know
Explore 20 insights that most nurses wish they had known before starting out, so you can determine if it's the right path for you.
wholelifenurse.com
I Dislike Being A Nurse - and 7 Things You Can Do About It!
YES! Nursing is no longer my primary source of income! I started my blog 7 years ago and it's evolved into my passion project and mission: to help others.
I understand that some days can be incredibly tough. Dealing with incontinence, death, and more!
Perhaps you will even pursue a Doctorate in Nursing!
MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
Char R.
Registered Nurse
67
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Sherlyn,
Here are the answers to your questions:
Is it easy being a nurse?
There are easy parts and there are challenging parts. If you have a heart to help others, it will be easy for you to get up everyday and deal with all of the challenges that nursing can bring. It will be easy for you to be there for your patients. It will be easy to go the extra mile for your patients. Nursing is challenging because the job itself can be tiring and even overwhelming on some days. You'll be pulled in different directions, your patients will depend on you, you'll be responsible for what happens to your patients, you'll have to try your best to avoid making mistakes, and you'll be kept busy. The job has a lot of responsibilities.
Is it exhausting?
It depends on where you work. Usually hospitals are the most physically exhausting. You'll be on your feet most of the workday. Nursing can be emotionally exhausting too. You'll deal with a lot of emotions of your own, and those of your patients and their families. You'll come across patients/families who are sad, scared, mad, frustrated, and demanding. This can sometimes be more exhausting than being on your feet all day.
Does it take up a lot of time?
If you work in a hospital, you'll usually work only 3 days a week (12 hour shifts). You might have to work every other weekend and on some holidays, but you'll have 4 days off every week so it's worth it. When I worked in a hospital, I had plenty of time to have a personal life. Nursing can be challenging but there are ways to balance it all. The first few years might be tough, but once you get used to it, it becomes easier to balance.
Here are the answers to your questions:
Is it easy being a nurse?
There are easy parts and there are challenging parts. If you have a heart to help others, it will be easy for you to get up everyday and deal with all of the challenges that nursing can bring. It will be easy for you to be there for your patients. It will be easy to go the extra mile for your patients. Nursing is challenging because the job itself can be tiring and even overwhelming on some days. You'll be pulled in different directions, your patients will depend on you, you'll be responsible for what happens to your patients, you'll have to try your best to avoid making mistakes, and you'll be kept busy. The job has a lot of responsibilities.
Is it exhausting?
It depends on where you work. Usually hospitals are the most physically exhausting. You'll be on your feet most of the workday. Nursing can be emotionally exhausting too. You'll deal with a lot of emotions of your own, and those of your patients and their families. You'll come across patients/families who are sad, scared, mad, frustrated, and demanding. This can sometimes be more exhausting than being on your feet all day.
Does it take up a lot of time?
If you work in a hospital, you'll usually work only 3 days a week (12 hour shifts). You might have to work every other weekend and on some holidays, but you'll have 4 days off every week so it's worth it. When I worked in a hospital, I had plenty of time to have a personal life. Nursing can be challenging but there are ways to balance it all. The first few years might be tough, but once you get used to it, it becomes easier to balance.