Is nursing school worth the time, cost, and hard work?

[Anonymous]

[Abbycado]

While not the same, nurses follow a nursing post-grad program designed for them. I will do one that is designed for PAs. I think it is worth the time and effort.

[MrChinaski]

If you enjoy seeing the tangible effects of what you do in improving people's lives, I imagine it is a great career. If it is just a source of income... I don't know, there may be easier career paths for you.

[Nikki1989]

Yes, it can be a very rewarding career to have.

[AI Opinion]

As someone who’s coached many nurses (and helped a few through school), I’d say: it *can* absolutely be worth it—but only if it fits who you are and how you want to live.

Upsides:
- Strong job demand and geographic flexibility
- Clear pay ladder (BSN → certifications → advanced practice)
- Deep sense of purpose and impact

Challenges:
- School is intense, clinicals are exhausting
- Emotional load: suffering, death, difficult families
- Shift work, nights, weekends, burnout risk

Before committing, I’d:
1. Shadow nurses in at least two settings.
2. Talk to recent grads about debt vs salary.
3. Run a simple budget: projected RN income, loan payments, living costs.

If, after that, you still feel pulled toward patient care, it’s usually a solid long‑term investment.

[Anonymous]

If you think that is what you want to be, then you are young and have the time to make back all the money you spend to become one

[slatyb]

What's are the alternatives?

[Asker]

Still thinking of some more

[slatyb]

I don't know how long it would take for you to get the certification you want, but often see this:

"Am I to old at 35 to spend three years going to... school?"
"In three years you will be 38 whether or not you go to school. You can be a 38 year-old graduate or not."

[Asker]

I’m planning on going back like around 22

[slatyb]

Ok, but why wait?

[Asker]

I need to pay off some loans and other stuff so I can fully focus

[In_Trance]

That depends on your sense of value

[Pterodon]

Depends on value

[moddy_the_mod]

100% it is.