Kind of a weird question for you all -- does anyone who is in either of these fields have any pearls of wisdom on salary and job outlook for these two fields??? I am going back to school and I am not sure which field I'd like better (both are appealing in different ways) but I am looking at the idea of either going to nursing school and doing probably OB or homehealth or going into counseling and working as a therapist for children with developmental issues and their families. I have a background in education with a masters degree in early childhood education with 13 yrs teaching exp. Just need a professional change and way more money. I'm not interested in just doing teaching right now. But thats why I like the counseling. A bit of a change. The nursing is something I think I'd like cause I love dealing with people in general. I'm only making 25 K a year right now and I have gobs and gobs of debt. So I am concerned about making a lot more $$ if I put the time and $$$ into schooling.
I would recommend nursing. Im a RN looking to change directions since my daughter is a bit older. There are so many areas to go to. There are so many types, shifts, and schedules. Its what you make it. go 4 it
I guess my answer is different from what you want. I have worked in education for about fourteen years, and I have a Bachelor's in Communications a paralegal certificate and am thinking about a Master's Degree myself. I have been told Special Education would assure a good future. Not what your specifics are but that is what I am thinking about. So it looks like either one of your future goals is going to land you a job but I think nursing is always sought after. Just a thought. If you love dealing with people that might be the way to go. Good luck! S.
N.,
I am a registered nurse. I can definately tell you that there is a big demand for nurses now and even more so in the future. We have such a shortfall of nurses currently and with the baby boomers getting older and retiring we have more people to take care of and less nurses to help out! As far as salary goes you will definately make more than 25K working full time. Since you have your master's already I would highly recommend getting your ADN at a City College to decrease cost and then you can bridge to your BSN if you so choose.
I love the field of nursing. There are so many areas to choose from and different shifts, work schedules. There are not too many professions where you can work part time and make decent money with benefits.
The biggest problem with nursing right now is getting into nursing school. There is simply not enough professors to teach. Check into a few schools in your area. Also don't forget to check with financial aid and look up scholarships. Good luck with your decision.
My best friend has a degree in sociology and mental health/counseling. She is overworked, poorly paid, and stressed out. I am a nurse practitioner and love what I do. I must admit that I got pretty burned out working in the hospital as a registered nurse, but I am glad that i stayed in the profession and got my advanced degree. There is so much job security as a nurse, and there are so many different areas that you can work in (i.e. hospital, doctor's office, insurance company, home health, school, travel nursing, camps, etc. etc.) You will make AT LEAST double what you are making now and have the potential to make even triple or quadruple that depending on what you decide to do. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
I am a RN in a hospital setting. Yes the money is great if you work in a hospital setting. The variety and flexibility is also great but it is not easy work. I have worked in many areas in nursing and the hospitals pay the best. I make 60K just working weekends. I have a son with special needs and have been considering doing something in the education field. He has made me realize that themoney is not everything. It is what makes you happy. Many hospitals are starting to cut back. Charge nurses have are incharge of the unit and take 4-5 patients as well. maybe with your masters degree you could teach. There is a shotrtage of instructors.
Overall, yes the pay is good and the flexibility to work around families is there but do not let anyone tell you that it is the best job/career to have. Really do your research!
I am a recruiter for a health care organization and by far - NURSING is the field to go into right now. Anything in the mental health/psychology field is oversaturated, low pay, more burnout, limited jobs. They are both rewarding fields, but I would steer someone towards nursing in a heartbeat.
