Should I Get A Degree In Computers Or Nursing?
i have health care experience and like working with people, but am a little nervous about the stress of a nursing career. if i got my BSN in nursing, my goal would be to work 1-2 years in ICU or a intensive care unit and then apply to grad school to get my Masters and become a CRNA (nurse anesthetist). i know CRNA’s typically work somewhat good/regular family hours (mostly M-F days, in the OR, with some occassional weekend call or coverage), they are a specialty who are very detail oriented, and typically make a great salary (avg. starting salary $115,000-150,000 depending on location). i have read about the intensity of CRNA school (very stressful)…! i am a great student, so i know i could do (already have done a health care field)… but i am worried about the stress of the schooling, job, etc… i don’t think i would want to be just an RN… if i get my BSN in nursing, i would want to get my CRNA and not practice as an RN (longer than I had to..)
or… my other career option is with computers… I am thinking a network/systems engineer/administrator… make an average of $50,000-$90,000, depending on your level of management and where you work… work mostly M-F schedule, but sometimes take weekend call/pager duty if the network goes down/has problems… im not really interested in computer programming (although i do know a little, i wouldnt want to do it everyday, all day)..
i want a job that supports myself and a family well, allows for time to vacation and enjoy my life at home, and isn’t sooo stressful that i “burn out” quickly…. i want a career that i enjoy, but that i can also “leave at the office” when i go home…
i am torn, i know CRNA would set me up better financially and i would easily find a job… but im am deterred by the amount of schooling and stress of getting there…
i already have my BS, i would just need to go back and get an accelerated BSN (about 15 months)… then work as an RN a few years, then a 28 month grad program for CRNA…
OR… just go get an associates in computer technology and get a job as a network/systems administrator and work my way up….
i like both things, so im not sure which is best….