Need advice and any info. would be great!

rebel_red · Dec 20, 2002

Hi BSC14

I am in a similiar situation. I hold a B.S.W. and was a social worker for many years. When my son was born I sold antiques at various shops by renting stall space to support us. When he was older I entered retail.

At 39 I realized I needed to be back in a "traditional" helping profession, but what, and would it be sufficient to support my son and myself. I realized given my background nursing might be a viable option.

Like you I was concerned. Did I have a strong enough stomach? So to find out I took a job (and a huge paycut) to work as a nursing assistant at a local long term care facility. I found out, yes I can handle code browns and huge sacral decubs (not due to poor nursing at our facility, I hate to say it, but resident returned from hospital with this mammoth decub.) Our lpns and rn's are wonderful teachers, especially when they know you are interested in pursuing a career in nursing, they allow us to assist as is appropriate with different procedures. I absolutely am sold on nursing now. Will be trading in my BSW for a BSN through a local four year college. Having the BSW means I don't have a ton of undergrad work to accomplish. Only the pre-req's for nursing.

Obviously, you don't have to take this radical of an approach. Just my .02.

Good luck in whatever you decide. I hope it brings you joy.

Tres

memphispanda, RN · Dec 20, 2002

Originally posted by BSC14
"It isn't just about money and job stability."

I understand that and I hope you didn't get that impression from me. However these things are also important if you plan on having a family.

I didn't think that at all! Sorry if I came across that way. Those two factors are very important to returning adults, however, I just wanted to be sure to state that it's beyond that. Those were big concerns of mine too--I am 31 and have 3 kids.

BSC14 · Dec 30, 2002

Would anyone else like to add anything to this topic. I'm still interested in the good vs. bad things about nursing.

researchrabbit · Dec 31, 2002

You won't get rich but there's always work (and a wide range of work at that) to be done.

I used to faint at the sight of blood and strong smells would make me throw up. After having kids and pets, I was somewhat desensitized by the time I started nursing school. Only respiratory (euww, green snotty stuff) and a knee surgery (lots of power tools there and gore there!) really got to me during school. Plus once you're out you can avoid the things that make you sick for the most part.

BSC14 · Dec 31, 2002

You know everyone on this board talks down on the money. Is it that bad? I was under the impression you can make up to the 70's if not more. Is this not true?

sbic56, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2002

Not true. Check out http://www.salary.com for your area.

cmggriff · Jan 1, 2003

This year I'm going to make close to $60,000. But I work a lot of OT. And the worst part for me hasn't been the bed pans, adult diapers or the blood and gore. (I actually like the blood and gore.)

The worst part has always been and continues to be trying to comfort the family when everything we have done has failed. There were a couple of times in the last 18 years that has almost broken me. Good luck. Gary

MishlB · Jan 1, 2003

Originally posted by BSC14
I'm 30 years old and seriously looking to change careers. I thought about going into nursing when I was in my early 20's but somehow ended up in computer drafting and design (Oil & Gas). Anyway, I'm sick of the lack of work and being stuck in Houston the rest of my life just isn't what I'm looking for. I think nursing is something I would enjoy and would like any advice you would like to give me. Here is a list of things I'm curious about.

1. Opportunity for travel.
2. Money.
3. Job stability.
4. School (2 years or 4 years?) (What to look for in a school) (Difficulty) (And anything else you would like to add)
5. This might sound stupid but do you need a extremely strong stomach? I think I do but then I have never seen anything extremely bad.
6. Your overall opinion of nursing and anything else you would like to add.

Also a little info about my situation.
I'm a 30 year old married man with no children.....yet. My wife is a golf pro who loves to travel and works almost every weekend. We both want to move out of Houston in the next 3 or 4 years. Anyway, I guess that's it. Thanks a lot.

Now...this is just my opinion, here goes.....I am always amazed by people who are BORED and looking for something interesting to do. Nursing isn't it. I feel (remember just my opinion now), that you need to have it inside you to be nurse, or you will never make it.

Yes school is hard, and sometimes you need a strong stomach, heart, back, and pair of feet. Do a little more research before you jump in....good luck!

K O'Malley · Jan 1, 2003

You won't make big bucks in nursing unless you do lots of overtime or travel. Traditionally nurses salaries "top out" which means that after you reach a certain hourly wage then no more raises. I have gone years without any raises and am making only a little more than I did 10 years ago. If you think you would like anesthesia that is a high paying area. I recommend that if you are planning to support a family you go ahead and get that 4 year degree. You will have a lot more options and if you want to advance a BSN is a must. Nursing is a very demanding profession which doesn't pay nearly what it should for the huge responsibilities we carry.