Accounting to nursing

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 19, 2016

Why nursing? Just curious because it's the polar opposite of your current job. I hope you're basing this decision on a realistic picture of the profession. The path from zero to CRNA is a long and winding one - with lots of challenges along the way. What if you can't get an ICU job after nursing school (an absolute requirement for admission to CRNA programs)? Do you have a Plan B?

With your background and expertise, you'd be very qualified to move into nursing administration as a grad school option. If it's salary that is attracting you to CRNA, Nurse administrator incomes in large organizations are much higher than CRNAs...just sayin'.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Apr 19, 2016

I'm a career changer too. I worked in investment management for 14 years (BS/MS finance) and I'm now a senior BSN student graduating in December. My interest is Psych nursing.

You should definitely shoot for at least a BSN (community colleges only confer ADN, which puts you at a disadvantage in finding jobs if you're in a big city). I'm not aware of direct-entry CRNA program, because CRNA requires very specific type of work experience (at least 1-2 years) such as the ICU. This specialty (ICU) is very hard to get into without some sort of experience. My classmates who are most likely to get senior preceptorship in ICU are those who are already working in the ICU or have extensive experience (e.g. paramedics). Also, half the class wants to get into ICU, so you have to be on top of the class to get a shot.

Agree with PP in that it'll be long & windy, but it's very doable if you have a strong interest. Good luck!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Apr 19, 2016

I'm also curious as to why you want to switch, especially to a CRNA. It's going to be a long and expensive road. Have you talked to financial aid at any school yet to see if you have any left? There is a limit and you already have 2 bachelor degrees.

Nursing school itself is very competitive to get into. CRNA is harder to get into. Nursing is not like other degrees. You need stellar grades and entrance exam scores to get in. Your best bet is to get a BSN. Get some years of Icu experience, then apply to CRNA schools. Getting a direct entry MSN will probably hurt you as it will be difficult to get hired and get the bedside experience you need for CRNA. You need to research your options and see what is required to get into the differing programs. Do you have a decent GPA from your other degrees?

I'm trying to point out the big picture to you and things you need to think about. I see this all the time on here. People want to make the switch to nursing because they have this romantic dream about it. But then they don't see what all it takes and how hard it is to get in and then remain in the program. I graduate in a few weeks and this has been the absolute toughest three years of my life. I'm graduating with my ASN but will probably start the track for my BSN this fall. I didn't hold any previous degrees so I had all the financial aid I needed. I also did not have to work. I was fortunate there.

Just go in with your eyes wide open.

technofreak · Apr 19, 2016

If it's salary that is attracting you to CRNA, Nurse administrator incomes in large organizations are much higher than CRNAs...just sayin'.

Hi HouTX! Can you please qualify the above.

I live/work/play in a major city and the starting salary for an entry management position is about 110-118k. There's no chance for overtime unless you ascertain a second job which is very difficult since you're always responsible for your managing unit. Furthermore, to move up the proverbial ladder one need to continue w/ education. That is, after one's initial MSN, they now need a MBA and maybe even a PhD. Thus not only is one's salary much lower than that of a CRNA but now the education requirement is seemingly greater. However my perspective is from an outsider looking in, so please feel free to clarify or enlighten.

Nurse2bViolinist · Apr 21, 2016

I currently live in Chicago and planning a career change from accounting to nursing but just not sure of the best route to take. My ultimate goal is to be a CRNA. I'm am trying to find the most time and cost effective way. I have a bachelor's degree in Accounting and another in Finance but have been out of school many years. So I would have to take the biology and chemistry classes over. I want to start taking my prerequisite courses this summer and apply for the 2017 nursing program.
Should I go through a RN program at my local community college then apply to a master's program at UIC or Rush
Or should I apply to Rush or UIC for the BSN or graduate entry MSN.
Any advice would be helpful

Nursing will be my second career. I graduated in 2009 from one of the country's most prestigious music conservatories with my Bachelor of Music degree....and now I am finishing up my first year of BSN school!! I couldn't be happier with my decision. :) Spending hours alone in a practice room did not suit my personality....I love working with people! I also felt like I was not having a concrete impact on other people as a musician, and I've had a fascination with the healthcare/medical world almost since I graduated in 2009. I would say that if you know you want to pursue nursing to go for it!! Also, I think that about half my class are non-traditional students (second degree, second career, etc) so you're not alone.

My ultimate goal is to get my DNP and be a FNP and possibly also be trained as a mental health NP. My husband is military and my heart lies with our veterans, so I would love to work with them and help them through their struggles!

EA2RN2017 · Apr 26, 2016

I was a corporate auditor for many years and then a tax advisor. I am changing careers like you. I went back to community college for my pre reqs 10 months ago and will be attending accelerated BSN program this fall. Most hospitals are moving to BSN requirement so ADN may not cut it. MSN does not get you a boost as seems like everyone starts as RN trainee and same pay.

Healthcare is a different field but I find it pretty similar to advising in that nurses are people friendly and caring and have to be organized and detail oriented. Accounting requires attention to detail as well as working with management and clients. I think it's not so polar opposite as people think.

Just to ensure that healthcare is what I want to do, I started working as a clinical technician at a major hospital since December. So far, it is great and some of it is scary but hours always fly by. I am observing nurses and taking notes. Nursing is a tremendous job with long hours, physical demands and test of your compassion. You may want to consider volunteering or finding a job with a hospital to really see what nursing is like.

I was looking at CRNA but decided against it as I don't want to spend hours sitting in surgery and having major professional Liability Insurance. I am looking at NP or PA route after BSN.

Best of luck to you and me!