<p>I’m an RN, though an ADN grad, so my options have been limited to the hospital due to the better pay. Yes, there are a zillion things you can do with nursing, and unlimited ways to apply knowledge. With advanced degrees, there is a high level of autonomy in private practice, or specific areas of expertise, such as cardiac nursing or orthopedics. </p>
<p>Had I been able to live life over, I’d have been a PT. I like working with people one on one, and the PTs I know have been true healers, given people freedom with increased motor abilities, recovery from injuries, lots of teaching about how to take care of yourself. There’s a lot of opportunity for advanced knowledge, and is more an independent practice than many clinic NPs get. Hospital work for a PT, I think is better than hospital work for an RN. One patient at a time, no shifts, fewer weekends. School work is better than school nurse, or so I’d guess. Again, one patient at a time, though both have IEPs to work on constantly. </p>
<p>One thing that is difficult about nursing, that anyone going into it needs to understand, is how rough the shift work can be, to families, to relationship, to your own health. New grad, chances are you’re working nights, weekends, missing family and community events that add immeasurable value to quality of life. Advanced practice, advanced degrees take you out of that world, potentially. But I work with many MSN degreed RNs who stay in the hospital due to our better pay. Very hard to give that up after a time. PTs make good pay without those quality of life issues.</p>