Hello everyone! I wanted to gain some insight on which path I should go.

For a bit of context, I was going to school during the pandemic for radiological science, but I had to switch majors because the work was too taxing to do remotely and was taking a toll on my mental health.

Fast forward to now. I work as a patient transporter in a hospital, and next month my probation will be over! After six months, the hospital will help out employees financially to go back to school. I want to go back next year (I graduated in May of 2023 so I want to make sure I’m both financially ready as well as mentally prepared to go back to college) but I’m having trouble deciding between nursing or radiology.

Originally, I thought I was going to follow my original plan and go back for radiology and possibly specialize in MRI, but a month a half ago, I was having a conversation with a veteran nurse (35 years, how commendable!) and she told me she thinks I would make an amazing nurse.

That really shattered my worldview in a positive way! Having someone so valued and seasoned in their career telling me that sort of instilled some sense of self in me. The patients I’ve transported have told me the same thing, too.

The thing is, I’ve been looking into it. It seems very interesting and I’ve learned a lot of tricks and ways to help nurses so a shift goes smoothly. But those are some pretty long and grueling hours that they work. There’s a variety of nurses so maybe I’d have to look into the specifics of each type.

I also really like radiology. I like observing the MRI techs and other radiologists take various images of patients and the way they explain things to me is so fascinating. I really can’t choose!

I guess I’m asking what’s some of the advantages and disadvantages of both jobs from people who are in those positions. I still have time to decide but I like to start planning in advance.

Thank you!