TEACHER looking to become a nurse - needs advice

U.S.A. Maryland

Published

Hello,

I've been teaching for the last 5 years in the public school system, holding a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education and still making under 45k. :(

I'm looking to change careers to nursing, but have no idea where to begin. I read that earning an ADN results in the same pay as a BSN...is this true? If possible, this is probably the best option for me, as I have prior debt that I'm still working to pay off. Does anyone know of online programs where I can still teach while earning my ADN? If not, can someone recommend schools in the Baltimore area. I'm also hoping that some of my Pre-Reqs would be accepted. Has anyone received grants where their tuition costs are somewhat minimal? I own a house and just bought a new car, therefore a full time accelerated program is not an option for me at this time. Money is extremely tight, so I'm unsure if this is really doable. I look forward to hearing your insight and hope that you can point me in the proper direction. Thanks :)

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Specializes in ED.

I was a former teacher - 5 years in MoCo. I am now days away from graduating. It IS doable. If you are looking for online programs, check out Regis U (www.regisuniversityonline.org). They were at a job fair recently in the Baltimore area.

However, I reccomend a program where you will get a flesh and bone instructor. Many of the community colleges have evening and weekend programs (Frederick cc, Howard ?). Look into those so you can work. It will depend on your work schedule and how flexable your school is. Most schools don't want to work with a 'career fliper' that they will loose - ashame.

Further, after you complete your Fundementals of Nursing course, you are eligable to work as a CNA (nursing assistant) in hosp, or dr.offices. I am not sure what your salary is, however, it might give you more flexability.

If you go the CC route and get an ADN, you will make about the same as a BSN. Don't take out more education debt at this point. It is fairly 'cheep' compared to universities. You might pay 300-800 per semester.

Either way... It is doable. But, do it because you love it. And just remember, nursing has the same amount of paperwork as teaching, the same amount of 'dissatisfied coustomers' as teaching, and the same amount of documentation as teaching...However, you get paid for EVERY hour you work + you get overtime. Good luck.

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Thank you very much happy day. I'm going to look into everything you've said.

Do you mind me asking how much more pay you receive now than when you were teaching? Also how are the health benefits?

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I had several students who were teachers. They found many of the issues they were leaving teaching exist in nursing.

I teach in an evening program so I give these teachers allot of credit working all day and then school at night.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Around here, (Pennsylvaina) teachers start out making less than nurses but their pay increases much faster and they end up making more. (generally speaking) Also, make sure nursing is what you WANT to do. There are many reasons to choose nursing , but be aware that you will be working all the shifts, holidays, weekends, etc. I've done hospital nursing and now have moved on to school nursing--teacher's salary, hours and benefits, wouldn't go back no matter how much they paid me.

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