I have just a few questions.

[needsinformation]

Hi everyone, My name is Colleen. I am a Senior in high school. I live in washington state. In order to pass my senior english class we have to write a research paper on the career that we are most intersted in. Nursing just happens to be one of mine. I am doing my research paper on nursing. I have posted only one other place and i got about 7 replies. I would like more. If any of you reply i would like to know everything about nursing. well...not everything but like what you do, what kind of nurse you are, how many hours you work, how much you get paid....etc.Also anything else you can think of. I really appreciate it. Thanks. I hope to hear from many of you.

[mercynurse]

Colleen,

I responded to your question earlier but I'll tey to address the specific questions you posted this time.
I'm a critical care nurse (certified in critical care) I work in ER, ICU, CCU, trauma. I've been a nurse for 27 years and had CCRN for about 12 years. I've worked in 7 different staes during my career.

Work hours vary. Typically now hospitals have 12 hour shifts (7am-7pm and 7pm-7am) Working 3 shifts/week is considered full-time. Drs offices vary but to my knowledge, tend to do 8 hour shifts as do same day surgery centers. ERs tend to have 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts avaliable and all overlap for the busy times to have more staff.

Depending upon ythe area of the country, new grads (nurses who are just beginning) start @ $14-15/hr for full-time. That means they get full benifits. However, there are lots of options. PRN which is making your own schedule but having to go to different areas top work, pays more. Sometimes $25-30/hr. Agency work- where you make your own schedule but go to different facilities, pays the most $35-45/hr. Some agencies have benifits others don't.

Nursing can be very flexible for all schedules. On the other hand...places run 24-7. No one ever said you can't get sick on the weekend, @ night or on a holiday. So working holidays and weekends is NOT unusual.

Although a license is only good in the state where you primarily work, it is NOT dificult to obtain a license in any state to which you may be moving. Most states now require a certain number of continuing education credits/year (this varies by state) to renew your license.

This is some basic info...if you can think of something sprecific fell free to contact me, I'm always happy to talk about the profession I love even after 27 years of practice!!
And I've seen most everything...both good and bad ther is to see!

Bonnie