Just starting out

[AKFLIGHTRN]

Hello. I am a 37 year old father of two who is going back to school to pursue Nursing. I was an EMT when I was 25, but gave it up when I moved to the Minneapolis area to work in the I.T. industry. After many years and much soul searching I have decided to pass it up and pursue a more altruistic career. I tell my kids, life is not about what you get, but more about what you give.

I am just now finishing up the last of my prereqs and will be applying in January to a program at the local community college. I am hoping to finish my ASN, move right into a BSN and then on to an MSN. My ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner or a Physicians Assistant.

Just wanted to pop in and say Hi. I am a long time Lurker that is ready to become more active :)

Matt Olson

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

Matt -

If you're considering becoming a PA, you might want to check into that a bit more before starting along the RN path. You MAY end up having to re-do some (or a lot) of your classes.

Congrats on being brave enough to "jump ship" on your IT career, and switch to something completely different.

Actually RN is a great way to better yourself, have a good career and prepare you to be an outstanding PA in the future - especially if you want to do primary care.

It is wise to understand the general pre-reqs for PA as they can be accomplished simultaneously with nursing pre-reqs... if I can do it.. I'd like to think at least several other gifted folks can as well .. but seriously it's a great option especially if its a long term goal.. if you want a quick turn around to becoming a PA perhaps you try alt routes (CNA, EMT, etc..) but long term RN is a great pick!!