Is this a sign?

[laski]

I've posted before about my dilemma (so please be patient with me if this is repetitive:D ), but here is the quick and not-so-dirty . . .

I applied to nursing school, was accepted and was preparing to start this fall. Then, about a month ago I was given the opportunity to teach an intro to teaching college course w/ the possibility of receiving full funding toward a Ph.D. in Education (my undergrad is English, my M.Ed. in Education). I thought and thought and decided I needed to give it a try since I couldn't imagine NOT at least attempting to use my previous degree. Plus, I figured the chance to teach college students was a sign that perhaps this was the direction I was to take. However, I didn't want to give up on nursing school so I visited with the director, who was absolutely amazing and so incredibly encouraging, and decided to hold off one year (having a 2 and 4-year-old made it a little easier--perhaps an extra year before the rigors of nursing school wouldn't hurt).

THEN . . .

I received an E-MAIL from the chair of the department stating they were canceling my class--no teaching. No opportunity. In his message he cited the "negative view on the teaching profession" for the drop in enrollments. I was strangely not THAT disappointed. I still have the option of applying and receiving full funding, but I was relying on teaching this term so that I could figure out if this was the direction I wanted to pursue.

Before, when I was still planning on teaching the course, I was working on the syllabus and planning my term, but I found myself perusing these forums and still trying to figure out if I could take some more of the non-nursing courses. Not sure if I was covering my bases or maybe I just really DO want to go the nursing route.

The moment I received the e-mail canceling my class I logged on to a college where I had been taking pre-reqs and signed up for microbiology. I have only three more NON-nursing classes to take (2nd A&P, Nutrition, Stats). What does that say?

Now, I wonder if this is a sign (not that I'm all into signs, but still . . . ) that I need to forgo the Ph.D. and focus my energies on prepping for nursing school next fall (I am still certain that holding off one year is a good idea considering my little ones) OR if I should still apply for the Ph.D., take the GRE and see what happens. Insight? Advice?

I am going to say this again, this has got to be one of the most informative, supportive groups around. I wonder if it is just this forum, nurses in general, the types of people who are drawn to nursing . . . whatever it is, I value the opinions, advice, and info each of you has to offer.

[germanshep]

We have very similar backgrounds....I was in a similar position: PhD program or Nursing school. I choose nursing school. With my Master's, I can always teach nursing classes/clinicals/labs, etc. Plus, nursing has sooooo many opportunities. Good luck with your decision!

[laski]

Thanks so much for the responses! This is what I was looking for. Just so you all know, while I titled the post "Is this a sign", I do not base my decisions on "signs"--but, I must admit that sometimes life has a funny way of sending us messages.

Prior to staying home with my children, I taught high school English, ESL, adult education, and computer classes. Before that, I was in the technology field, and before that . . . I was a paramedic (out of high school). A lot, but my husband’s job tended to move us around a lot in the early years.

My thought was to eventually return to education—at least in some capacity, but as a couple of you pointed out, education definitely has its challenges. The district where I worked has let go of several teachers and has failed to pass the last four bonds. The rest of the districts in this area are functioning in emergency fund status.

I guess, in a way, I have answered my own question in regards to education. Going back to get a Ph.D. in EDUCATION may not be the best idea J

However, perhaps teaching future nurses, eventually, is a much better idea. Best of both words.

It is difficult to know someone from a few posts, but I am grateful for the thoughtful responses.

It may be being the mother of a special needs child, my background as a paramedic, my previous career as a teacher, growing up in poverty, who knows, but I seem to always be drawn to helping professions. It is comforting to be surrounded by those who seem to have a similar calling. Again, thanks for the advice, encouragement, and ears . . .

[laski]

How much do you value weekends, regular hours, not being elbow deep in poop, psycho family members in your face, having a say in how people talk to you, holidays, snarky co-workers (that's everywhere), having to work past the drama to figure out the problem, no concern over your own personal health (get dinged for using sick days that are "benefits"), etc.... Seriously.

I lucked out- I liked it (go figure ). But if getting into the crap of people's lives isn't your thing- go education. Good luck :)

Sorry . . . have to say this . . . I have a preschooler and toddler and an incredibly dysfunctional family . . . poop? Drama? Snark? Sounds like a regular day around here! :)

Seriously, thanks for the comment. You are helping me put it all into perspective. `

[laski]

I think Education probably has its share of "getting into the crap of people's lives". Probably not as much as Nursing does, though.

OP - I have no idea what to tell you but I do understand about you wanting signs. I will pray for you to be able to make a clear decision soon. Do let us know, will you, what you decide.

You are absolutely right . . . a different kind of "crap" but crap nonetheless. I am currently working with foster kids in the education system and our last few meetings have had the social worker, developmental coordinator, school psychologist, head of special ed all near tears. It is tortuous what some of these children have been through. And, even more disheartening, you develop relationships with these children and seeing them go through what they do really weighs on you.

I remember swapping ultrasound pics with a 14-year-old student. She had her baby a week before I had mine. The drama in her family is the stuff Lifetime movies are made of.

Child abuse, neglect, drugs, sex . . . ugh. Yet, I loved every second of being a teacher. Loved every one of them . . .