I am new to the forum and considering making a career change from corporate training to nursing. I like my job ok, but I feel unfulfilled, and want a career that will be challenging and satisfying. I have always enjoyed math and science and am fascinated by the medical field. Recently, I was laid off due to a company downsizing, and rather than plunge into another dead-end job, I have decided to follow my dreams and become a nurse.
I have enrolled for next semester at my local community college to start taking my prereqs, but now I am starting to get really nervous. My boyfriend and I had a huge fight last night. He is convinced that if I become a nurse, I will be yelled at all day long by Drs. and that I will be forced to work 80-90 hour work weeks. He even had the nerve to tell me that he thinks I am being selfish by making this choice, that I will regret it, and that if I do become a nurse I will be miserable and our relationship will eventually suffer. He claims he does not know one nurse (or person in the medical profession, for that matter) with a happy marriage or home life.
Now, my doubts are starting to creep in. Do nurses really work 80-90 hours a week? I am fully prepared that for the first few years of nursing, I will have to work night shifts, holidays and weekends, etc. I feel like I know what I am getting myself into, but now he's got me doubting myself.
So, I guess my question is - am I making a huge mistake here? Will I be miserable and work long hours if I become a nurse? I am stupid to think that I can do this?
