[Tsangia]

I previously worked in L&D as a unit sec. now I work in a small sx center as a surgical tech. I love it. The RN's make 30 an hour, next to my $16. They do exactly the same thing I do. They have a degree an I don't. Which they fully deserve, it has motivated me to continue my education.

I've been taking my pre reqs for the last 5 years, finishing my final pre req AP2 this fall semester. Then deciding what to do next, apply days/nights or change majors.

I love nursing, an really wish I finished school 20 years ago. When I had the energy to save the world. I'm at the point in my life I'm 43 with 5 children, I don't want to WORK HARD anymore. NURSING is the hardest job on earth. At the Sx center I'm on my feet allll day. I'm tired beat up and of no use to my family. BUT, I love SX and I love people.

I want to finish my RN, because it's what I've always wanted to do.

What other NON hospital nursing do you suggest?

Thanks

[Zookeeper3]

just like yours, ambulatory surgery... you'll do pre op, pacu, post op, follow up calls, pre op teaching... a large variety.

Also consider interventional radiology, although "in hospital", it is all special proceedures with the RN as the radiology assist, same pre and post for non inhouse patients... see some really neat interventions and diagnostic work up. good luck

[CrazyPremed]

Originally Posted by Tsangia

I previously worked in L&D as a unit sec. now I work in a small sx center as a surgical tech. I love it. The RN's make 30 an hour, next to my $16. They do exactly the same thing I do. They have a degree an I don't. Which they fully deserve, it has motivated me to continue my education.

Honestly, the nurses do much more than you as a surgical tech. Many people in healthcare underestimate what nurses do - or the training that it takes to get the license. You'll find this out as you go through nursing school.

If you don't want to do the work, then don't. There is so much that goes into nursing school that I would NOT recommend it for someone that doesn't want to be there. If you decide to take the plunge, the job opportunities that the previous poster listed are a start. Remember, though, many employers want nurses to have a year of training before they go into a specialized area. No matter where you work, you'll need to know how to perform competent assessments, medication administration, and general patient care. Depending on the job market, you may not be able to start in your chosen area.

Good luck in your journey.

CrazyPremed

[Faye1]

Wow- I'm glad to see that I'm the only one who feels the way you do! I'm 44 and have only 2 kids and I feel that way. I have done all of my pre-requisites, too, and now I'm just taking filler classes until I get into the (very competitive) program. I just don't know if I have it, either....do I really want to work THAT hard for other people than my family? Considering many of them won't appreciate me? Hmm....

I really want a meaningful career, too. I have a BS in electrical engineering ('89) but hated that, and I haven't worked in 15 years. My kids had special needs, so I was unable to pursue my own career, and now I'm feeling like I need that!

I have a suggestion for you, because I am thinking about the same thing. Resarch nursing. It is true that you will have to go out and work in a hospital for a year or two (probably, but not definitely) to get most any nursing job, but the need is so strong for researchers right now. They make good money, and there are many types of positions. There's a lot of tedious paperwork (computerwork) involved, but you can get a lot of satisfaction in some of these positions. You can work traveling around to sick people's homes (or just hospital rooms) to take vitals, admin. investigational meds/placebos, and stuff like that. I had meningitis one time many years ago, and the hospital contacted me about being part of an investigational drug study. A nurse came out everyday to my house, and gave me the drug, and checked on me. I thought that would be a cool job!

Just an idea....good luck!