Whew, this question could take a book to answer properly; and each person would  have different criteria.

Some people enjoy doing paperwork. I don't. Each year we are burdened with more.

Some people can handle those doctors with the overblown egos. I've learned. With difficulty...... and many a bitten tongue.

My feet hurt! A lot. Buy the best shoes available and start early to pamper your feet. Your brain is important; but, if you can't get there, you can't do the job.

Be prepared to deal with the "corporate mentality". The profit mentality isn't always compatible with the best patient care.

Your hours will be crazy----especially starting out.

There are problems in any career. You just learn to deal with them.

(2 ) What sort of an income can I expect?

The latest government figures for 2002:

Median annual earnings of registered nurses was $48,090. (2005 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the median income for RN's is now $52,810; so the rest of these numbers should probably also be adjusted upwards accordingly)

The middle 50 percent earned between $40,140 and $57,490.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,970, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $69,670.

Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of registered nurses in 2002 were as follows:

Employment services $55,980

General medical and surgical hospitals $49,190

Home health care services $45,890

Offices of physicians $44,870

Nursing care facilities $43,850

Many employers offer flexible work schedules, childcare, educational benefits, and bonuses.