What is it like to be a nurse?

I'm contemplating a career change, and I'm only 28, so I've got plentyof time! I've researched online (salaries, education, work environment...) but can't seem to find any real life nurse experiences. My mom's a nurse, and I don't want her to know that I'm thinking about becoming a nurse before I do some of my own personal investigation. I just want to know some real experiences - do you like your job?? Do you feel you get paid well? How does the shortage I read about affect you where youwork?

I had a really loooong Best Answer about this the other day, I'll just link you to it, there are plenty of other answers there. I've done plenty of other things before becoming a nurse so I think I can say that I really enjoy it. I do like my job, I think I get paid well, and the shortage affects me in that I can get a job, anywhere, anytime, basically as long as you have a valid license and are breathing you can get a hospital job at the bedside here in California. Other areas are also short too, but California definitely has a shortage.

Only you can decide, but I think teachers and nurses are two of the best, most rewarding jobs out there. You're not going to get rich, but the work is very, very important and fulfilling.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;... Source(s): RN