I currently work as a Registered nurse at Benedictine Hospital on a busy medical surgical floor caring for mostly the geriatric population. It is a 31 bed unit but with overflow is 33 beds. I have worked here for 2 years in June. I'm planning to go back to school for my BSN and eventually obtain my masters and become a Nurse Practitioner. I was attracted to this feild because I always had a passion for helping people and really loved working with children. In my area you must have a backround of at least 1 year experience on a med-surg unit before working with children or in obstetrics which is what has led me to med-surg/geriatrics. The longer I have worked here the more I have grown to appreciate the field and what it is to be a "nurse". I went through a 2 year accelerated program to obtain my RN. I was ableto pay for my education through a variety of sources; my parents, student loans,scholarships and grants. Within the 2 years that I have been working as a registered nurse I have become an active member of the Quality Improvement/Resource team and am currently the co-chairmen at my facility. I also have become a preceptor for new nurses joining our team and am the charge nurse for my designated weekend. I think if you are going to get involved in nursing you need to be prepared for the mental/physical/emotional challenges that comes with the career. It is a very rewarding job but can be very emotionally and physically demanding. You definatley have to love what you do. I wish much luck to new students and anyone continuing there education. If anyone has advice for me or questions feel free. I know what its like!