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mariah
Student
Herndon, Virginia
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Nurse practitioner vs Engineering ?
i am not sure which engineering but i have to choose a major and i am stuck between getting a nursing degree then getting my nurse practitioner degree or going for engineering. i want stability and good pay. for nurse practitioner i plan on working in a clinic to have weekends and holidays off and also have less hours
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5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3929
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Subject: Engineering or Nurse Practitioner: Selecting a Major for Career Stability and Attractive Compensation
Dear Mariah,
When it comes to selecting between a career in engineering and one as a nurse practitioner, there are several elements to take into account. These include job security, potential earnings, working hours, and personal passions. Both professions present unique prospects and challenges, making it crucial to balance the benefits and drawbacks of each before reaching a conclusion.
Engineering Profession:
Job Security: Engineering is renowned for its significant job security, attributed to the ongoing need for proficient engineers in a variety of sectors. These include technology, construction, aerospace, automotive, among others.
Earning Potential: Engineers often command competitive salaries, which increase as they gain expertise and specialize in distinct engineering fields. The potential for high earnings in engineering is promising, with chances for progression into managerial positions.
Working Hours: The working hours in engineering can fluctuate based on the industry and specific role. Some engineering jobs may necessitate extended hours or overtime to meet project timelines or resolve technical complications.
Nurse Practitioner Profession:
Job Security: The healthcare sector is consistently expanding, resulting in a high demand for competent healthcare professionals like nurse practitioners. Job security in nursing is typically robust due to the continual requirement for healthcare services.
Earning Potential: Nurse practitioners have the potential to earn competitive salaries, particularly with advanced degrees and specialized certifications. Salary scales can differ based on elements such as geographical location, experience, and practice environment.
Working Hours: Nurse practitioners may have varying work schedules. Some may work conventional hours in clinics or hospitals, while others may have more flexible schedules depending on their practice environment. Working as a nurse practitioner in a clinic may provide more predictable hours and weekends off compared to other nursing roles.
Factors to Consider:
Personal Interests: When choosing between engineering and nursing, consider your passions and strengths. Engineering demands strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, whereas nursing requires empathy, excellent communication skills, and a dedication to patient care.
Long-Term Goals: Reflect on your long-term career aspirations and how each profession aligns with them. Engineering provides a variety of specializations and opportunities for innovation, while nursing offers direct patient care and the opportunity to make a significant impact on people's lives.
Educational Requirements: Consider the educational journey required for each career. To become a nurse practitioner, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). In contrast, engineering programs usually require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
In summary, both engineering and nursing provide stable career paths with attractive earning potential. Your choice should be influenced by your interests, career objectives, lifestyle preferences concerning work hours, and readiness to undertake the necessary education for either profession.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers extensive data on employment trends, salary details, job forecasts, and educational prerequisites for various professions.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): The ASEE provides valuable insights into engineering education programs, industry trends, and professional development resources for engineers.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): The AANP is a trusted source for information on advanced practice nursing roles like nurse practitioners, including education requirements, certification procedures, and job forecasts.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Dear Mariah,
When it comes to selecting between a career in engineering and one as a nurse practitioner, there are several elements to take into account. These include job security, potential earnings, working hours, and personal passions. Both professions present unique prospects and challenges, making it crucial to balance the benefits and drawbacks of each before reaching a conclusion.
Engineering Profession:
Job Security: Engineering is renowned for its significant job security, attributed to the ongoing need for proficient engineers in a variety of sectors. These include technology, construction, aerospace, automotive, among others.
Earning Potential: Engineers often command competitive salaries, which increase as they gain expertise and specialize in distinct engineering fields. The potential for high earnings in engineering is promising, with chances for progression into managerial positions.
Working Hours: The working hours in engineering can fluctuate based on the industry and specific role. Some engineering jobs may necessitate extended hours or overtime to meet project timelines or resolve technical complications.
Nurse Practitioner Profession:
Job Security: The healthcare sector is consistently expanding, resulting in a high demand for competent healthcare professionals like nurse practitioners. Job security in nursing is typically robust due to the continual requirement for healthcare services.
Earning Potential: Nurse practitioners have the potential to earn competitive salaries, particularly with advanced degrees and specialized certifications. Salary scales can differ based on elements such as geographical location, experience, and practice environment.
Working Hours: Nurse practitioners may have varying work schedules. Some may work conventional hours in clinics or hospitals, while others may have more flexible schedules depending on their practice environment. Working as a nurse practitioner in a clinic may provide more predictable hours and weekends off compared to other nursing roles.
Factors to Consider:
Personal Interests: When choosing between engineering and nursing, consider your passions and strengths. Engineering demands strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, whereas nursing requires empathy, excellent communication skills, and a dedication to patient care.
Long-Term Goals: Reflect on your long-term career aspirations and how each profession aligns with them. Engineering provides a variety of specializations and opportunities for innovation, while nursing offers direct patient care and the opportunity to make a significant impact on people's lives.
Educational Requirements: Consider the educational journey required for each career. To become a nurse practitioner, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). In contrast, engineering programs usually require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
In summary, both engineering and nursing provide stable career paths with attractive earning potential. Your choice should be influenced by your interests, career objectives, lifestyle preferences concerning work hours, and readiness to undertake the necessary education for either profession.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers extensive data on employment trends, salary details, job forecasts, and educational prerequisites for various professions.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): The ASEE provides valuable insights into engineering education programs, industry trends, and professional development resources for engineers.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): The AANP is a trusted source for information on advanced practice nursing roles like nurse practitioners, including education requirements, certification procedures, and job forecasts.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Martin Schoen
APRN
142
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
You can't directly compare the two. But there are careers that use both. Engineering is technical, mathematical and precision oriented. It's most object oriented, not necessarily people. Nurse Practitioner is focusing on patient care and the clinical aspects of medicine/nursing. Right now you will always have a steady job as a Practitioner. Engineering, depending on focus has had its downturns in the past. Only YOU can make the decision, or combine both. In either field, depending on college courses completed, you may be able to return to a program to learn the other. Only time and desire will be your restraint. I don't know if you could study Engineering at same time as nursing, but it would be tough. If you only go Engineering you will have to gain all nursing fundamentals and then clinical for Nurse Practitioner.
thanks for the help!
mariah
Martin Schoen
APRN
142
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
You can't directly compare the two. But there are careers that use both. Engineering is technical, mathematical and precision oriented. It's most object oriented, not necessarily people. Nurse Practitioner is focusing on patient care and the clinical aspects of medicine/nursing. Right now you will always have a steady job as a Practitioner. Engineering, depending on focus has had its downturns in the past. Only YOU can make the decision, or combine both. In either field, depending on college courses completed, you may be able to return to a program to learn the other. Only time and desire will be your restraint. I don't know if you could study Engineering at same time as nursing, but it would be tough. If you only go Engineering you will have to gain all nursing fundamentals and then clinical for Nurse Practitioner
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1186
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mariah !
Choosing between two career choices can be challenging sometimes, but I think if you take into consideration the actual work between the two and not the work schedule or place you would work in, you can come to a conclusion of the career that you'd like for your lifetime work. It has to be the one that you are passionate about. You know which one that is.
You cannot be assured of your work schedule or work days before you even get your degree or the job. That will happen once you go on different job interviews and the employer tells you how often and when you are needed. Some doctor offices have a weekend rotating schedule where they need each staff to take one Saturday a month. You will not know any schedule until during an interview several years from now. Be open to everything about the career you choose.
You first need to become familiar with how those two careers work. Explore if they are always full time, part time, through an agency, and if you want temporary assignments or permanent employment. Approaching a career based on possible schedule can be disillusioning, so my first advice is to explore both careers and even interview some professionals and watch videos to see what you could expect. Then when you are in college for either career, you are going to be informed about what is expected of you. One day you may want to work in a hospital because you may find that they pay more than clinics. You may want to do many facets of nurse practioning and it is as big of an on the job commitment as a medical doctor. It's not exactly nursing.
The same goes for engineering. Once you apply for jobs, that's when you'll know what your schedule is. You will have to love engineering as it is also a career that takes much dedication and flexibility as far as how many days and hours will be expected of you. The only way you can be 100% sure to have weekends off is to have your own business or work a remote job that you choose your own days and hours for. Try to rethink both of these careers if you want to work short hours and have certain days off as it cannot be guaranteed.
I have left an article for you at a link below about tips on deciding a career. I especially think it's informative that the article touches upon reflecting on your motivations for the career you choose. Like the article says, "most careers won't feature everything you'd like, so it's important to understand your priorities".
I hope that this is helpful and that you can begin your choice with a career that you can put your whole heart into. Best wishes on your journey !
CHOOSING A CAREER https://www.coursera.org/articles/how-to-choose-a-career
Choosing between two career choices can be challenging sometimes, but I think if you take into consideration the actual work between the two and not the work schedule or place you would work in, you can come to a conclusion of the career that you'd like for your lifetime work. It has to be the one that you are passionate about. You know which one that is.
You cannot be assured of your work schedule or work days before you even get your degree or the job. That will happen once you go on different job interviews and the employer tells you how often and when you are needed. Some doctor offices have a weekend rotating schedule where they need each staff to take one Saturday a month. You will not know any schedule until during an interview several years from now. Be open to everything about the career you choose.
You first need to become familiar with how those two careers work. Explore if they are always full time, part time, through an agency, and if you want temporary assignments or permanent employment. Approaching a career based on possible schedule can be disillusioning, so my first advice is to explore both careers and even interview some professionals and watch videos to see what you could expect. Then when you are in college for either career, you are going to be informed about what is expected of you. One day you may want to work in a hospital because you may find that they pay more than clinics. You may want to do many facets of nurse practioning and it is as big of an on the job commitment as a medical doctor. It's not exactly nursing.
The same goes for engineering. Once you apply for jobs, that's when you'll know what your schedule is. You will have to love engineering as it is also a career that takes much dedication and flexibility as far as how many days and hours will be expected of you. The only way you can be 100% sure to have weekends off is to have your own business or work a remote job that you choose your own days and hours for. Try to rethink both of these careers if you want to work short hours and have certain days off as it cannot be guaranteed.
I have left an article for you at a link below about tips on deciding a career. I especially think it's informative that the article touches upon reflecting on your motivations for the career you choose. Like the article says, "most careers won't feature everything you'd like, so it's important to understand your priorities".
I hope that this is helpful and that you can begin your choice with a career that you can put your whole heart into. Best wishes on your journey !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Michelle for the advice.
mariah
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
570
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Mariah, remember that deciding whether to embark on a career as a nurse practitioner or delve into the realm of engineering is a momentous choice. It calls for thoughtful reflection on diverse aspects such as your personal passions, career ambitions, lifestyle desires, and financial expectations. Each field presents its own unique set of opportunities and challenges, so it's crucial to evaluate your priorities and dreams before making a final decision.
Let's begin by exploring the nursing profession. Becoming a nurse practitioner can be an incredibly fulfilling journey for those with a passion for healthcare and a desire to positively influence people's lives. As a nurse practitioner, you would be at the heart of primary care, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, and championing wellness. Working in a clinic, as you've considered, could offer more regular hours and time off during weekends and holidays, which could result in a superior work-life balance compared to other healthcare environments like hospitals with shifting schedules.
The nursing profession also provides a degree of job security due to the growing need for healthcare services, particularly with an aging population and healthcare reforms broadening care access. Furthermore, nursing often comes with competitive pay, especially for advanced roles like nurse practitioners. While exact earnings can fluctify based on factors such as location, experience, and specialty, nurse practitioners generally receive a commendable income, particularly when considering the comparatively shorter educational journey compared to other healthcare roles like doctors.
However, Mariah, it's important to acknowledge that a nursing career, including becoming a nurse practitioner, demands commitment, empathy, and excellent people skills. It involves navigating intricate medical scenarios, working closely with diverse teams, and often coping with emotionally taxing situations. Advancing to become a nurse practitioner requires intensive academic studies, practical training, and continuous professional growth to uphold licensure and certifications.
In contrast, engineering presents a broad spectrum of career paths and opportunities for those with a knack for analysis, problem-solving, and innovation. Engineers play a pivotal role in conceiving and creating various technologies, infrastructure, and systems that define our contemporary world. Depending on your interests and talents, you could venture into fields like mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, or computer science, to name a few.
Engineering careers frequently offer impressive stability and attractive salaries, particularly in sectors like aerospace, petroleum, and software engineering. Engineers are sought after across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, construction, and renewable energy, among others. The technical expertise and problem-solving skills acquired through engineering education and experience are highly prized in the job market, opening doors for career progression and financial prosperity.
However, Mariah, it's vital to understand that pursuing engineering demands a robust aptitude for mathematics and science, coupled with a readiness to continually learn and adapt to emerging technologies. Engineering programs typically entail demanding coursework, lab work, and often internships or co-op placements to acquire practical skills and industry insights. Depending on the specific engineering discipline you choose, your career trajectory and work environment could vary considerably, ranging from office settings to fieldwork or project sites.
In the end, Mariah, be aware that the choice between becoming a nurse practitioner or pursuing engineering hinges on your personal strengths, passions, career objectives, and lifestyle desires. Reflect on aspects such as your enthusiasm for healthcare, proficiency in scientific or technical disciplines, preferred work-life balance, and long-term financial goals. You might also find it beneficial to engage in conversations with professionals in both fields, conduct informational interviews, and explore educational programs and career paths to make a well-informed decision that resonates with your aspirations.
Let's begin by exploring the nursing profession. Becoming a nurse practitioner can be an incredibly fulfilling journey for those with a passion for healthcare and a desire to positively influence people's lives. As a nurse practitioner, you would be at the heart of primary care, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, and championing wellness. Working in a clinic, as you've considered, could offer more regular hours and time off during weekends and holidays, which could result in a superior work-life balance compared to other healthcare environments like hospitals with shifting schedules.
The nursing profession also provides a degree of job security due to the growing need for healthcare services, particularly with an aging population and healthcare reforms broadening care access. Furthermore, nursing often comes with competitive pay, especially for advanced roles like nurse practitioners. While exact earnings can fluctify based on factors such as location, experience, and specialty, nurse practitioners generally receive a commendable income, particularly when considering the comparatively shorter educational journey compared to other healthcare roles like doctors.
However, Mariah, it's important to acknowledge that a nursing career, including becoming a nurse practitioner, demands commitment, empathy, and excellent people skills. It involves navigating intricate medical scenarios, working closely with diverse teams, and often coping with emotionally taxing situations. Advancing to become a nurse practitioner requires intensive academic studies, practical training, and continuous professional growth to uphold licensure and certifications.
In contrast, engineering presents a broad spectrum of career paths and opportunities for those with a knack for analysis, problem-solving, and innovation. Engineers play a pivotal role in conceiving and creating various technologies, infrastructure, and systems that define our contemporary world. Depending on your interests and talents, you could venture into fields like mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, or computer science, to name a few.
Engineering careers frequently offer impressive stability and attractive salaries, particularly in sectors like aerospace, petroleum, and software engineering. Engineers are sought after across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, construction, and renewable energy, among others. The technical expertise and problem-solving skills acquired through engineering education and experience are highly prized in the job market, opening doors for career progression and financial prosperity.
However, Mariah, it's vital to understand that pursuing engineering demands a robust aptitude for mathematics and science, coupled with a readiness to continually learn and adapt to emerging technologies. Engineering programs typically entail demanding coursework, lab work, and often internships or co-op placements to acquire practical skills and industry insights. Depending on the specific engineering discipline you choose, your career trajectory and work environment could vary considerably, ranging from office settings to fieldwork or project sites.
In the end, Mariah, be aware that the choice between becoming a nurse practitioner or pursuing engineering hinges on your personal strengths, passions, career objectives, and lifestyle desires. Reflect on aspects such as your enthusiasm for healthcare, proficiency in scientific or technical disciplines, preferred work-life balance, and long-term financial goals. You might also find it beneficial to engage in conversations with professionals in both fields, conduct informational interviews, and explore educational programs and career paths to make a well-informed decision that resonates with your aspirations.
thank you!!
mariah