From Cop to Nurse

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I am currently a cop in my hometown and have been in this career for going on seven years. I was never afforded the opportunity to go to college and until recently never saw the need for me to go. Recently I have thought seriously about making a career change as I am getting ready to be married and start a family and in many ways law enforcement does not really accomodate this. Nursing is one career that I have been around most of my life and one that has always had my attention. I currently work a second job in the emergency room and see what goes on from the busiest, wildest night to the slowest of nights working closely with the nurses. My question is does anyone have any advice in this matter or have any way of saying rather this would be a good transition or if there simply is not room for a cop in the nurses station? I also realize that this would be a transition that would take the better part of three years or more but if its right then its worth it. Also is it possible to work at least part time while going to nursing school?

Specializes in being a Credible Source.

We have no particular preference for ex-cops because the nurses are not permitted to physically engage except in urgent self-defense, which, thankfully, is relatively rare.

Of course, working at an academic facility has its advantages... specifically, our own sworn peace officers with all the authority and accoutrements thereof.

I don't see how large EDs can safely operate without a sworn cop close by at all times... even the small ones can get dicey at times.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Progressive Care.

The observation and communication skills you use as and officer will serve you well as a nurse. Good Luck!

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Specializes in CCRN, ED, Unit Manager.
Thanks for all of the positive feedback I think I'm going to sign up to start my pre-reqs this fall again thanks!

Great!

I know several cops that became nurses and I myself was a criminal justice major before I decided to jump ships. Easy transition once you get past the pre-reqs.

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PM me.

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Hey, I'm a retired NYPD special victims detective (20 years) and I'm graduating nursing school in six weeks. It's something I had wanted to do for a long time, so 5 years before my eligible retirement date, I started goin to school for the pre-reqs. I applied to the nursing program a few months before my date and was accepted. I've never been so happy. I love it and u will too, once u get over the focker jokes. Lol! If its something u truly want, do it, but uve gotta really want it. It's much too hard for something ur heart's not really in to....I highly recommend it....Good Luck! ;)

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Hey I'm a retired NYPD special victims detective (20 years) and I'm graduating nursing school in six weeks. It's something I had wanted to do for a long time, so 5 years before my eligible retirement date, I started goin to school for the pre-reqs. I applied to the nursing program a few months before my date and was accepted. I've never been so happy. I love it and u will too, once u get over the focker jokes. Lol! If its something u truly want, do it, but uve gotta really want it. It's much too hard for something ur heart's not really in to....I highly recommend it....Good Luck! ;)[/quote']

Man I'd like to have your job for awhile. Law and order type stuff :awesome:

What brings you to nursing if I may ask?

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Hey, I'm a retired NYPD special victims detective (20 years) and I'm graduating nursing school in six weeks. It's something I had wanted to do for a long time, so 5 years before my eligible retirement date, I started goin to school for the pre-reqs. I applied to the nursing program a few months before my date and was accepted. I've never been so happy. I love it and u will too, once u get over the focker jokes. Lol! If its something u truly want, do it, but uve gotta really want it. It's much too hard for something ur heart's not really in to....I highly recommend it....Good Luck! ;)

*** That is the way to do it. Retire with your pension THEN enter nursing. That is perfect. Nurses are going to work until they are nearly 70 to get any kind of retirement.

I urge those who are considering giving up their job that offers a pension at 20 or so years to enter nursing to reconsider it.

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Hey, one of the guys in my class is currently a cop (25 year vet). He brings his sence ofhumor with him to school and clinical. One of the RNs was answering a question about getting a patient to be more compliant when my classmate said (under his breath, a little) "Taser, it always motivates) The whole station was cracking up. He is a good Nursing student and will make a good nurse, you will too.

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It's not really a swap however I do need a good backup plan in case something bad ever happens and the only other thing I'm good at besides being a cop and being in high stress situations is helping people. That's where nursing comes in

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I am currently a cop in my hometown and have been in this career for going on seven years. I was never afforded the opportunity to go to college and until recently never saw the need for me to go. Recently I have thought seriously about making a career change as I am getting ready to be married and start a family and in many ways law enforcement does not really accomodate this. Nursing is one career that I have been around most of my life and one that has always had my attention. I currently work a second job in the emergency room and see what goes on from the busiest, wildest night to the slowest of nights working closely with the nurses. My question is does anyone have any advice in this matter or have any way of saying rather this would be a good transition or if there simply is not room for a cop in the nurses station? I also realize that this would be a transition that would take the better part of three years or more but if its right then its worth it. Also is it possible to work at least part time while going to nursing school?

Hi Blueline. I only just joined this site last week when I took the NCLEX and thought I could give you advice. I'm in my late 30s and was a police officer for 8 years before being laid off and deciding to get into nursing. I'm not aware that another cop I've ever heard of who went into nursing. At first, I was just trying out the first few electives to see if this is something I would be interested in. I prayed and hoped God would along the way let me know if this is not what he intended. Three years later, here I am, I graduated in May and passed the NCLEX on Friday. I've been working as an Emergency Room Tech for almost 2 years in a busy ER. I love it. I don't really miss much about law enforcement. And yes, there are many similarities in professionalism, seeing people at their worst, taking charge of situations, etc. The thing I learned along the way working with Nurse Practitioners is that I want to become a Nurse Practitioner. I'm too old to go to medical school now, so NP is the next best thing and much more workable with my life. I am continuing my education in the fall towards NP and I want to work in the ER as an NP or be a hospitalist. I recommend becoming a nurse. Let me know what you've decided since your March post.

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Blueline,

I know how you felt, Im in the same boat the only difference is that I am married and have a kid. I have walked the blue line in a major city for 4 years and need a change. I don't know why but nursing fascinates me.. Im almost done with the pre reqs and Im apply for nursing school in the fall... best endeavors.

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One of the best clinical instructors my classmates had was a former NYC cop. He broke his back in the line of duty and decided to change careers after 15 years on the police force. He did not regret his decision and had great experiences as a nurse. It is really about what you want in your career. I think the skills you developed doing police work would be a great addition to your nursing skills.

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