A.S.
It really depends on the nursing setting. Working in a nursing home is a lot different than working in an ER. In my experience, there are a lot of call offs in nursing and therefore you will be asked to fill in on a frequent/regular basis. Also, full time first shift nursing jobs are in high demand. Everyone wants first shift...not everyone can have it. A lot of positions are 'part time' (but really are closer to a full 40 hours per week) so that you do not qualify for benefits (if the health reforms are not overturned you should be able to get health insurance but don't necessarily plan on paid vacation). Nursing is stressful and, again depending on the setting, physically strenuous. Also, a lot of nurses I personally know are gossipy, catty, overly dramatic, competitive and just plain mean.
Good luck.