Teacher or Nurse, Im confused???

Question

I know I should follow my heart on this one, but to be honest, I don't know where my heart really is. I have a 4 year old daughter who I want to give the world to, along with spend as much time with her as possible. Teaching would give me the time but im not sure it would allow me to provide for her as I want to. With nursing I could start of at somewhere around $53,000 a year. Im shy 4 classes and I can graduate and my majors keep going back and forth... Any advise? Pro's/Con's? Please be nice, I know a lot of people on here are rude and I just want genuine advise. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

I am in the same exact boat!!!  OK, minus the child...I have been struggling to just get accepted into a Nursing program here in Boston and it is very frustrating.  The shortage of nurses people talk about is a big lie...the shortage is teachers in the nursing program...that's why nobody can get into the nursing program.  My heart wants to be a nurse and I am veering towards teaching because the process seems a lot more do-able for me.  I know a lot of people becomer Nurses for the $$$, then realize they hate it.  I am positive I am cpable and want to do it, but I am losing my confidence because I can't get into a program as a single 33 yr old white woman.  As for your issue, - your almost there!  At least give yourself the chance to find out if nursing is right for you. I am jealous!  You are 4 clinicals classes away??  You'd be crazy not to keep going at this point, but i say that wanting to be in a program so badly...You can always teach...besides Nurses have flexible schedules...

Answer 2

I am one of those rude people your talking about, but I also have a little girl, so here's what I think.......  I think  you should do what's best for your daughter at this time and that is to spend as much time with her as you can.  Nurses are in high demand and they will be for a long time.  By the time she turns 8 she won't be so dependent on you.  Teach for 4 years, then change jobs!  Also if you want to be a pediatric nurse, having a teaching background can only help on your resume!

Answer 3

Teaching and Nursing are two different occupations. Teaching involves imparting knowledge, nursing involves personal care. Teaching is a hands off job, nursing is a hands on job. Both can be carried to high levels of achievement. Both require commitment. You need to decide. Can you stand blood and death? Can you stomach, inattention and rude behavior? You could also combine the two...teaching nursing.

Answer 4

I am a registered nurse and have been a nurse for over 25 years. There are many challenges in the nursing field, however the money is very good. Hours are long. Politics. Non-supportive administration at times. Upside, is there are many areas one can work in which enables them to find their niche so to speak.

I currently work  in travel nursing, which does pay over and above what one can secure at a local level. Yes, there is a significant shortage of qualified nurses which drives the wage higher, even if one did not opt to travel.

Nurses are also teachers and mentors. Perhaps you can fulfill both of your dreams? Pediatric nurses are a dream, as it takes a special person to work with the pediatric population. Not all nurses will or are capable of working in pediatrics. They must have very sharp assessment skills as small people cannot always just "tell you where it hurts."

School teachers do not make a lot of money but there is a demand for really good ones. Hours are good. They have time off during summers. Some truly connect with children in a positive way, and that influence stays with that child throughout their lifetime.  Teachers also  have the potential for tenure, so even when they are lousy, they are hard to rid especially due to unions, which equates to job security.

It is a personal decision. My advice to you would be not to pursue either career unless you feel you can make a difference. Then whatever you pursue, do it well and do it with passion! When you no longer have passion for it, do something else.

Good Luck to you!  

Answer 5

I'm in Scotland and so things are a little different - teaching pays a lot better than nursing.  I too was torn between teaching and nursing but chose teaching, this was when I was 18.  I have never regretted this decision, especially since becoming a mum as it is the ideal career to combine with parenthood.  You will have the same holidays as your children no childcare costs but more importantly time to spend with them.  You won't need to work shifts although you will find you probably spend evenings when your daughter is in bed, planning school work.  Enjoying a career is important so at up the pros and cons on all of it.

Answer 6

There is a nursing shortage, so you might have some flexibility in what hours, and how many hours, you work.  Ask nurses in your area what the job market is like.  

Answer 7

Which is more important, money or time with your daughter?  When I retired from teaching I was making 63,000 a year, but that was with master's and years of experience. A beginning teacher in the same district starts at 29,000. You do have the summer off except for re certification classes. Is it possible to get both certifications and keep your options open?   When your daughter goes to school ( preschool?) you could work as a nurse and substitute on your days off as a teacher.  Or vice versa, work primarily as a teacher and work occasionally as a nurse, just to keep your hand in.   Also, take into consideration the retirement plan. Some states have excellent retirement plans for teachers.  I worked 30 years for school district retired and now work in private sector.  I never plan on drawing social security.  Also check other benefits such as insurance to cover your child.

Depending upon where you want to live, there could be a shortage in either nursing or teaching.  Maybe you can be pediatric nurse in school setting.  When our school nurse retired she worked  part time at the local community college teaching classes in  nursing and health aide. A medical background could be very useful if you are entering the field of special education.

You may want to visit the local hospital and local school district to see what the need and job outlook is in your area. Keep your options open and priorities straight.