money

7 Ok, try not to get too angry. I've been on this looking at posts on this site for a couple of months now and I hear "there are easier ways to make money than nursing/NP/CRNA." My question is: are there really?

Nurses start off at a higher salary than most other professions. Sure, that salary doesn't increase much unless you take on specialties, get certifications, go on and get an MSN, etc., but it's still good money. When I think of people that make a lot of money, I think of lawyers, doctors, and business executives. Lawyers go through an EXTREMELY competitive law school, then, if they're good enough, get scooped up by a big firm and may one day make partner and start making insane money...or they stay stuck in their same position for the rest of their career.Doctors don't really start making money until their mid-30s (assuming good money management/debt repayment). Business executives also need to be working a LOT. For example, the higher-ups in accounting firms need to be working most of the time; it's not uncommon for them to work 16 hour days.

Some of you might think that owning a business would bring in good money, and it would, if you're willing to put in A LOT of work. With your own business, you have to be "on-call" every hour of every day. Also, most small businesses fail, and if you're lucky to not fail, then you'll eventually have a Wal-Mart or McDonalds undercut you in price until you're forced out of business (which is ruthless, but great strategy).

Now, with nursing, you have good job security and relatively good money. Yes, lots of nurses are underpaid, but pretty much everyone who has a job feels the same way. Becoming an advanced practice nurse only highers your income and marketability. Sure, it's challenging becoming one, but the pros outweigh the cons here.

My point: I don't think there are really any EASIER ways to make money than going into healthcare; making money is difficult and time-consuming no matter how you want to go about it. Like the saying goes, if it were easy, everyone would do it.

Anyone agree?
When I worked as a waitress, I made (on average) a minimum per hour that was more than what I'm starting at as a GVN. Good money? Yes. Minimal requirements to do the work? VERY! Stressful work? VERY. Enjoyable? Not at all, in my opinion. It is considerably easier (just based on what I've seen in school and now in orientation) to make good money as a waitress. It is not at all rewarding or enjoyable, though.Yes, there are unskilled ways to earn this kind of pay that ARE easier. In my very limited experiences, however, they stink. Someone who has not enjoyed their nursing experiences might disagree about that last statement.Honestly, though... even a year of nursing school, combined with some of the challenges nurses face daily (in general... like staffing issues) is NOT easy. If your heart isn't in it, there are options that are easier. It's just that simple. (My opinion, your mileage may vary.)

I used to bartend, and made 300-500 dollars a night, 4 nights a week. I was also good at it. I feel like there's soooo much to learn in nursing, it never ends! Bartending...way easier, less stress, more money.

So, you are telling me that you made a minimum of $57,600 a yr bartending. I used your $300.00 dollar a night figure and not your $500.00 a night figure. I live in the capital of night clubs and let me tell you, your estimation does not seem very accurate.

I don't think "easier" is the right word. I understand (I think) what you're saying. Nursing is a relatively "quicker" way to start making an above average salary....but it's no where near "easy".

I agree with the OP completely. One of the main reasons I decided to take up nursing.

Quote from dmoney8827I agree with the OP completely. One of the main reasons I decided to take up nursing.

I don't think that a career like that is sustainable. You need to be VERY good-looking to be pulling in good money (read: six figures), and even then, your looks fade. Someone younger can come in and replace you. Oh, and if you make a couple of mistakes? I'm guessing there will be line of people to replace you before they can even hand you the pink slip. At least in high-end places, you need to be impeccable. I think a job like that is very hard, demanding, and stressful. But you're making good money. That's my point: depending on location, bartending/serving can be VERY demanding, but you're making good money.

Quote from xtxrnOY... so interest in people and/or medicine, getting satisfaction from being of use to someone else, interest in science and health- that was less important than get out of school and bring home a check???Sad....very sad

This is just a weird thread- LOL.... Comparing nursing/healthcare to anything else is apples to oranges, grapes, kumquats, or kiwi...

Quote from xtxrnOY... so interest in people and/or medicine, getting satisfaction from being of use to someone else, interest in science and health- that was less important than get out of school and bring home a check???Sad....very sad

In some cities working in some clubs or high end restaurants some people can make $300-500 a weekend night. I have seen that. THe thing is i knew my great looks and youth ( semi sarcasm on the looks lol) wouldn't last forever. Those were easier jobs where some people made more than your average rn or lpn but not everyone has the certain personality or look to work in a flashy night club as a bartender. and those were for weekends not weekdays.

Quote from xtxrnThis is just a weird thread- LOL.... Comparing nursing/healthcare to anything else is apples to oranges, grapes, kumquats, or kiwi...