Thinking About Nursing as Second Career

gpsrn, MSN, RN · Dec 4, 2017

Since you already have a baccalaureate degree, there are many schools who offer post baccalaureate programs and most are fast track either 12-24 months. I would suggest that you look into a program near you or possibly online that would work. You might need to take a science course or two. The programs can be very rigorous. Check them out and see what is available.

RNperdiem, RN · Dec 4, 2017

Why did you make a career change from engineering, orthotics and massage therapy?

From my limited perspective, these all sound like good jobs.

My husband is a mechanical engineer, makes 6 figures, works a regular 40 hour week with no weekends or holidays or nights? Orthotics is a good gig too; I work with some of them in the hospital when fitting cervical collars and working with amputees.

Why nursing?

Birdie3 · Dec 4, 2017

gprsn: Two things concern me about the accelerated BSN programs - cost and pace - but I am still considering that option. Thank you!

RNperdiem: Good question! I never actually worked in engineering because by the time I graduated I realized I wanted more direct, hands on contact with people so I continued on for orthotics. I did really enjoy orthotics, and the work/interaction with patients, but the opportunities in my area were very limited and not family friendly. I stopped working in that field when I had my children, 21 years ago, and did not keep up my certification (it would have been prohibitive). Also, at this point I would be concerned about exposure to chemicals and plastics in that field. I have really enjoyed working in massage therapy, but I feel I might be ready to move on and learn new things. I love learning and I don't want to come to the end of my life with regret about doing something that was calling to me. Thank you for asking!

Birdie3 · Dec 4, 2017

Sorry, RNperdiem, I didn't answer your last question. Why nursing? Multiple factors have lead me to consider nursing. Touring college nursing programs with my daughter and feeling like I wanted to attend these programs too. Attending my sister's two births in the last 5 years and many medical visits with my daughters' serious health issues left me feeling like nursing was a very interesting and important job which appealed to me. I enjoy hands on caring for people and helping them to heal. I like being a caretaker. I feel most useful when I am helping others. I feel I am an empathetic and caring person but also quite practical and analytical. I would say my concerns with nursing are in being too overloaded to properly care for patients, and of making mistakes when people's lives and health depend on my care. Thoughts? Thank you for your input!

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 4, 2017

I became a CNA to see if I could handle working with people (I did the same when I was going to be a teacher-worked as an aide and then as a sub).

I went into nursing late (got my RN @47) I LOVE it.

MyAimIsTrue, BSN · Dec 4, 2017

Rsusi, you sound so much like me! I am about your age, 3 kids (though my oldest is in HS), have a degree already and a professional life, but decided to become a nurse! I'm in my second year and believe I have made a good decision thus far. I enjoy it, I am a good student, and I love being in the hospital. You don't mention your geographic location and that might matter. I am in Nor Cal and expect a very good paycheck at the end of this. I would not be changing careers if I lived in a place where RNs start at $30/hr. My roadblock is the difficulty in landing that first job out of school--very challenging in CA. I know lots of RNs IRL and none regret their choice. I think you should go for it. If you can, I would start volunteering while taking pre-reqs. That's what I did.

Birdie3 · Dec 4, 2017

Thank you mmc51264! Could I ask did you go the route of a BSN or RN? I am thinking about doing the LPN year program, working for a bit, and then if I love it, going back for a LPN to BSN bridge program. It seems like that would be a practical thing to do, similar to becoming a CNA. Anything you were surprised about working as an RN or becoming an RN at 47?

Birdie3 · Dec 4, 2017

Thank you MyAimIsTrue!! So glad you are enjoying it as you thought you would!! Are you doing a BSN? How have you found returning to school at an older age and balancing school and kids/life? I am in Massachusetts. Looks like more options here for BSN vs RN or LPN. Yes, I thought it might be good to volunteer during pre reqs. How much did you see of what nursing is like as a volunteer? Anything you have run into as a student or in the hospital that you did not expect?

MyAimIsTrue, BSN · Dec 4, 2017

Yes, I am doing a BSN. There is no point in getting an LPN around here and that might be true where you are as well. Same for ADN (plus that felt like a step backwards for me since I already had a Bachelor's). I was accepted into an ABSN program but ultimately turned it down due to cost (and the pace!). I am doing okay balancing everything--kids/school/job, but it is definitely impacting my family. I know my husband did not expect nursing school would be as all-consuming as it is. Your kids are older though, so it will be easier in that regard. I learned some as a volunteer but nothing of course compared to what you learn in nursing school! But by restocking supplies in the ED and wrapping a kid in a "papoose" in order to get stitched up and bringing the gurney up to the helicopter pad you do get a sense of familiarity of how things are done. I also had a very sick kid so knew lots about cancer/chemo/homecare, etc (and she's fine now!). As an older student with life experience you will definitely have an advantage in school. What I did not expect was being the oldest or close to it. I also did not expect how young my classmates would be, not just in terms of chronological age, but also maturity. They complain a lot! Not all of them, of course, but a fair number. I also didn't expect that some wouldn't know how to relate to me at all, but as we've gotten to know each other they have started viewing me more as a peer in some ways. If I were in an ABSN program the students would be older of course, but most of my classmates are 20-23 years old. But like I said, no regrets--I am enjoying being in nursing school!

Birdie3 · Dec 4, 2017

Thank you so much MyAimIsTrue. That is extremely helpful. I agree things are very limited here for an LPN in terms of what is appealing to me. I think I would like to work in a hospital. Yes, I agree the cost and pace make the ABSN not as optimal for me. I can do a BSN here for almost half of what a ABSN would cost. I will have two kids in college so that really matters! Did any of your prior coursework from your bachelor's apply to your BSN? I am sorry that your child was very sick. That is hard on the whole family and so hard to watch them have to deal with at a young age. I am glad she is doing well now and she must be very proud of you!!

Koalified · Dec 7, 2017

I was in my 30s when I went to nursing school. Prior to that I worked as a business systems analyst and then a licensed massage thrapist. I really enjoyed being an LMT but I was afraid that my body would break down when I'm older and was always concerned about making enough money. I went to an ABSN program and have been working as an RN for 7 years.

I'm in the DC area and right now, major hospitals are hiring ADNs as long as they agree to get a BSN after they get hired. I don't suggest going into an LPN program since you'll most likely be a candidate to work in nursing homes or as a clinical tech in a hospital. My suggestion is to do whatever RN program you can get into and just work hard at it. Nursing is a solid career with steady income. There are varied career paths you can take so if you don't like one area, you can move into another area of nursing. Go for it!