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Is nursing a realistic career for me? Please help.

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Author Is nursing a realistic career for me? Please help.

katieann84

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  • Joined: Aug 2012
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Wed Oct 24, 2012 9:10 am

Hi,

I'm a 28 year old single mum with a 5 year old son. I have recently applied to study a Bachelor or Nursing degree with CQU part time by correspondance. I've have always wanted to be a nurse but have put it off due to it not being practical while my son was younger.

Lately I've been wondering if the 6 years of study and money for the course are worth it in the long run. Once graduated will I be able to work normal hours so that I can still take care of my son. Night shift is definately out of the question. So I was wondering is there anyone out there in NSW working at a public hospital who can shed some light on this subject. Do you have to take the shifts you are given? Do hospitals employ single mothers or is it frowned upon because you cant do the late shifts? Is there any career for me at all in a hospital or would I have to work at a doctors clinic to get normal working hours. I want to specialise in paediatric nursing, so a hospital would be my first choice to work in.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post, I hope someone out there can help me with my questions.

Katie

enigma

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  • Joined: May 2009
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Oct 29, 2012, 08:48 pm

You don't have to do night shifts at all and I'm sure you will find plenty of jobs that are flexible. I'm a single mum and manage with 4 kids and do morning and afternoon shifts. With only one child it will be a lot easier.

katieann84

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Oct 31, 2012, 10:27 am

Thank you, thats really good to know :)

Nelson

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  • Joined: Jan 2013
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Jan 10, 2013, 04:31 am

I think it, totally depends on you, as how you take your nursing practice as a career. And if you are completely satisfied and easy with nursing job, while having a look at your other routine works and home responsibilities, as you have a kid also. SO, that you vould easily carry your job with other activities.

Rororo

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Be nice to me, I may be your nurse one day. Remember - needles and catheters come in sizes that I get to choose!
  • Joined: Sep 2012
  • Location: Melbourne
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Jan 11, 2013, 03:32 pm Last edited Jan 11, 2013, 03:32 pm update #1

Hi Katieann

I think it is definitely worthwhile! If you have always wanted to be a nurse (like I had) the 6 years and money will be all worth it when you have that 'Oh my God, I'm actually a Nurse!!' moment when you are a new grad.I wont say that it will be easy, but you will be immensely proud when you graduate.

In regards to the work hours, in my hospital we have regular night shift staff (a private acute hospital in melbourne) and if you want to do nights you just have to ask. I'm not sure if all places are like this though. Apply for all jobs anyway - sell yourself in interviews and save the fact that you can't do nights until they ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview. They may have made their mind up that they want you so bad already that they will work around your request!

Good luck with your endeavours!

modified: Friday 11 January 2013 4:27:35 pm - Rororo

katieann84

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Jan 15, 2013, 10:52 am

Thank you to everyone for their replies :) It has really helped me realise that this could definately be a career choice worth persuing.

I'm still waiting to hear back from CQU, fingers crossed that i get in!

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