What is the life of a registered nurse like?

rewarding knowing that i am doing everything to make someones tragedy in life better and easier to get through....it is a wonderful feeling to see those people leave that hospital better and back on with their lives after coming in near death.

and if you work in peds. you get to play with the children!!!!

There are different places for RN's to work, either at various departments in hospitals to private practice doctor's offices to clinics. Stress levels may vary. But they are all extremely important and grossly underpaid!

A nurse is really an angel with invisible wings.

It depends on where you work. If you work in a hospital you have a lot of autonomy. Long term care facilities are rewarding but can be mentally and physically exhausting. Home health and hospice are also emotionally draining.
I don't think the general public realizes the amount of education and training needed for a RN.

It very busy, stressful and hectic most of the time. Although I have been working in the ER for the last 3 years there are many opportunities in nursing that you can explore. I would make sure you have some healthcare experience or volunteer in a hospital to make sure its something you want to do.

The good things: can be very rewarding since you're helping people; job market is very good and pay is decent.

The bad: in most jobs, work is really hard physically, emotionally and mentally. Hours can be long.