hey Angela, i got my nostril pierced about 3 years ago, and it took only a few weeks to heal. they told me not to change the ring until after 6 weeks, but after only about 2 there was no pain, soreness, swelling, or anything. so i think i changed it after about 3 weeks to a cute little stud. the one they initially use is a little bulky to account for some swelling.
when i got it pierced it did hurt a little, but i went alone & i'm kind of a chicken. i do have a substantial sized tattoo, and i would say this was scarier walking into, but hurt less.
do you have the cartilage of your ears pierced? i think that my nostril was much much easier than any of the 3 cartilage ear piercings i have. it healed completely in about 2 weeks and has never caused me any trouble. one downside i should mention is that i did try to let it heal for about a year when i started my career, and it never fully did. it always was lurking like a blackhead... but i recently put the stud back in & am loving it every bit as much as i did when it was brand new.
best of luck with your decision.