What is being a Nurse like???

Can somebody tell me what it is like being a nurse. I hear it is really hard work. What are the pros and cons of nursing and the pros and cons of each department. Tell me which department you like the most. What is the salary?

Nursing is alot of hard work. You are overworked and underpaid for the responsiblity you have. I've worked critical care areas most of my career (Trauma ER, MICU, SICU, CICU, CCU, NICU, RICU, and Cath Lab) but I also worked in Nursing Homes, skilled care facilities, the VA hospital and other areas. Some Doctors are great to work with (the exception), others feel they are god, most are moody, & demanding. Then there's the families - questions, & needing tons of emotional support, and (please forgive me) usually in the way. Then there's the constant on-going continuing education requirements just to keep your license and each department has its own inservice and education requirement at least each month usually more like every week. If something goes wrong - the nurse is the fall guy. If something goes right - the Doctor is a hero. Hours are long, pay is poor, patient to nurse ratio high, appreciation for nurse low and demand for always more from the nurse out the roof. You can never do enough, you can never be enough. I've worked from east coast to west coast and over-seas as a nurse. The pro's increase in the more critical areas, you have more autonomy and can have some actual input into cases. I loved ER and Cath Lab the most - going on transports at least gives you some freedom of movement. I hated general floor nursing the most. Salary depends vastly on education level and geographical location...Midwest is pathetic, East Coast and West Coast are the highest. There is the Licensed Vocational (Practical) Nurse (LVN/LPN depending on what part of the country you are in) usually task oriented but great nurses overall. (I was one before becoming an RN). Then there is the RN (Registered Nurse), who can be either a 2 year program, or the degreed nurse (BSN -bachelor of science degree in nursing - four year program). Usually the main difference (besides the actual degree) is the emphasis on theory. BSN's are taught to conceptualize all patient care through a theory paradigm. Other nurses tend to snicker at this, but having been on both sides, I can appreciate and value the theory part - it really does help in a practical sense. If I sound bitter I don't mean to, I am just trying to let you know whats out there. On the upbeat side - there is nothing like knowing you really did save a life, or made a difference in someone's recovery or a thousand and one other exciting learning experiences that only nursing can give you. Once a nurse - Always a nurse. You will never see life the same again.

my mom is and she said its tuff

pros are it is rewarding you get to meet and inspire people you get inspired from the people you help

Cons you work all kinds of hours and overtime sometimes short staffed. A lot of responsibility family members can be challenging to deal with
But it is great

Nursing is a tough job we are over worked and underpaid. Floor nursing in the hospital is very hard work and the compensation is not enough.I am a psych nurse and its the easiest job i have had. I've worked in nursing homes and hospitals. But Psych nursing is still trying on most days. The best thing about being a nurse is that you can always find a job so a lot of nurses job hop.I could tell ya much more but I have to go to bed =)