[wpotere]

Hello to all!

I found this site while surfing for information on nursing and hoped that someone could help point me in the right direction or give me advice. I am currently working in the computer field supporting the military in Germany (civilian) but I am tired of this... I have been working towards my degree in computer information system for many years and I think that I am simply burnt out of the field all together. I have no drive to progress nor to complete my degree.

So, it is time for a career change as I simply cannot put myself through this any longer. I figure this will happen in the next two years once I complete my current obligation. so I have a little time and I am trying to plan this out. I have been looking towards nursing as a way to actually move into the medical field as I have always loved it. I was exposed to this field while in the military (briefly) and know that I would thrive in this environment.

Anyway, I guess my question is this. If one has a degree (2 year) what would be the best method to go? There are so many routes in this field that I am a little confused and overwhelmed.

[LPN,RNNow]

Will you be coming to the states to get your nursing training? I don't know anything about schools in Germany. Here in the states some of your current education should apply towards your degree. I did an LPN program and then bridged to an RN. That means you get credit towards your RN from the LPN classes. It also means you can work as an LPN while going to school towards your RN. I would check online to see what school you would like to go to, and which classes may apply towards your degree.

Just a reminder, dealing with computers that don't talk back, is a whole different ball game then caring for individuals who don't feel well, who may not like you because they are sick, or for any other reason. It's a HUGE change.

[wpotere]

Thanks for the quick reply...

I so want that huge change. I love caring for people and having human interaction as well. To be honest, I took a job in computers because it was something to do, not something I loved. So, I did a lot of soul searching and thought about things I wanted to do and the medical field was at the top of my list. When I was in the Army deployed to Saudi Arabia (first gulf war) I had the opportunity to help out at the aid station for several months. All I did was take vitals and help in the triage process, but I loved every minuet of it to the point that I volunteered for the combat medic course. I think that I am suited for this field but never had the guts to actually do it until now. My wife will be finished with her masters this year, so I am looking to switch careers.

I will be coming back to the states once my contract is finished (2 years) and we are pretty much open to any area but I want to start gathering information and gaining knowledge on it. Heck, if I can find a good online school I might even start working on it.

LPN might be the way to go....

I'm just a little lost and over whelmed. I thought we had a ton of acronyms in computers! Sheesh!

[LPN,RNNow]

Also keep in mind there is not as much money in Nursing as there is in computers. Hubby easy makes twice almost 3 times as much as me. I have been a nurse for 20 years. I do it because I want to, I enjoy helping others. I definitely don't do it for the money. But if you are ok with that, I say jump in. You have 2 years to do research on different schools. Be sure to check their NCLEX pass rate. There is a NCLEX-PN and a NCLEX-RN. They are also called boards, and that is how you get licensed. Also if you know what state you want to live and go to school in, check their state board of nursing, they will have info on how good the program is.

[Tweety]

You probably have a lot of the pre- and co-reqs done to complete and get a BSN or an ADN. Both are paths to the RN, one awarding an Associates Degree and another earing a baccallareate degree. But you probably don't have microbiology, anatomy and physiology, which are pre-req courses, or co-req depending on where you go.

The LPN route will take about one year. and the others may take up to three years, depending. Perhaps you can look at the schools your interesting in and see what courses they require and perhaps take some online if you can.

Good luck. Feel free to ask specific questions.

[wpotere]

That is what I have been noticing which is not a problem. I would definitely have to load up on the human sciences and math but I have been tinkering with my degree for so long that it really doesn't matter at this point. Thankfully I have a loving wife that wants to support my efforts as she knows that I am not happy with my current position. I have also been looking at PA programs as a path of possibilities but they seem very hard to get into.

[LPN,RNNow]

I don't know anything about PA classes.

[Daytonite]

Check out this website. There is a lot of information on it about nursing and how to become a nurse.

http://www.discovernursing.com/

This is a link to the official listings of RN and LPN nursing programs on the PA state board of nursing website so you can look for schools:

http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/...=1104&q=440828