Re: Question for Any of You That Have Switched Careers to Nursing?

I am 33 years old, male, just got out of CNA school and went right to a job in home health care. I will be applying to go for the BSN very soon at a local university, just have to get the pre-reqs out of the way first. I knew I wanted to do something to help people, and still make good money and nursing more than qualifies. I also find my being a Male CNA puts me in demand since I am the only Male CNA in my company at this time. So I'm never at a loss for clients, even only a week in to the position. Once I'm an RN I may stay with Home Health or I might decide to find something else as a specialty.

Re: Question for Any of You That Have Switched Careers to Nursing?

I managed restaurants for 8 years, then managed commercial/industrial construction for 8. Maybe 3rd time is a charm for me? Can't wait to start, 3rd year BSN.

Re: Question for Any of You That Have Switched Careers to Nursing?

best thing about nursing is that nursing has lots of branches to choose from, u can be a flight nurse, or nurse, military nurse, etc.... have fun!

Re: Question for Any of You That Have Switched Careers to Nursing?

I was in Aviation, climbing the technical mgt ladder at a big airline. Aviation mgt wasn't fun -- it was definitely a job, and then 9/11 happened, causing massive layoffs in the industry. My first choice was Physical Therapy, which had the exact same pre-reqs as Nursing since I already have a Bachelor's degree that'd xfer in to start postgrad study, but the DPT program was full so I went for my ADN.

I really like Nursing in the job where I'm at. Very hands on, moderately gratifying w/ lotsa career opportunities, and some great co-workers. Out of 11 other regulars and x number of floats/prn's that work the night-shift on my unit, there's one person that really sucks to work w/, and another that likes to argue and complain a lot, but asides from them, I look forward to going in to work, helping/caring for patients, and seeing my new coworker-friends. It was almost like that in Aviation when I first started as a mechanic and was working the line, but changed when I stepped into Mgt. I hope that its not like that in Nursing, but even if it is, I could probably stomach to be a floor nurse for many years, changing up into specialty areas if I start to feel unchallenged.

Nursing > Aviation. Not so sure about PT, but I have the definite feeling that I'd either get really bored or really complacent and lazy after a few years... which could be good or bad. I'm dismayed that I have to get another Bachelor's degree (in Nursing) to start on a Masters but... I'll live, and I again have a job that I enjoy doing.

Re: Question for Any of You That Have Switched Careers to Nursing?

This is my third, and final career.

Graduated with a CS degree in '91. Started a pool cleaning/repair business to pay the bills while in college, grew it up to where a job in the computer world would've meant a cut in pay. Grew tired of the busy summers/slow winters so my bro-in-law and I started a local ISP which grew into a regional operation.

Eventually gave up pools and later sold the ISP when the big telecom boys with really deep marketing pockets came to the area. While we had the ISP, I earned an EMT cert and worked as a volunteer FF and safety scuba diver.

I finally went back to nursing school after some time off from real work.

Ditto on not letting anyone know about your computer skills. The cat got out of the bag on my first nursing gig because it was on my resume.
Ugh.

Was a good move for me for sure.

Re: Question for Any of You That Have Switched Careers to Nursing?

Wow, you sound just like me. I was a Web Developer up until September 2007. I started my new life as an RN in the PACU October 1st. It has been just under 8 months now and my reaction is...mixed.

I too took a pay cut, though not as drastic as yours. While that's bad enough I'm also working 500% harder than I did as a Web Developer, so I have this nagging feeling that I'm backsliding.

I work three 12's, and while 4 days off IS nice, since most people (including my partner) work 9-5, I spend a lot of time alone, especially if one of my shifts is on the weekend. If you have children you probably won't have that problem. ;-)

The PACU at my hospital is very fast-paced and the acuity level is high. We routinely receive patients on ventilators and it is our job to wean them. It is a great experience but it was an intimidating place to start fresh from school. It IS nice to know you've helped someone, absolutely. But those moments can sometimes feel like a small fraction of my day in comparison to the amount of time I spend filling out paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork.

You know all the benefits of nursing so I won't go over them here. I guess my bottom line to you is this: know that it's a real lifestyle change from the M-F, 9-5 corporate world. I'm still adjusting to that. You won't have an office of your own, or a phone or computer at your fingertips either. Taking care of any personal matters such as calling your wife or making a doctor's appointment of your own is very difficult. And forget about coffee breaks.

BTW, I'm 39 and they may be why I'm finding the change a little drastic.

Re: Question for Any of You That Have Switched Careers to Nursing?

A lot of defection from IT careers. I too worked 10 years in various technology rolls from help desk to project management. After being laid off, outsourced and disenchanted with the field I wanted to do something which helped others, and provided the financial stability to start a family someday. I'm still a couple of months off from starting school, but luckily starting with a clean slate.

I'm looking forward to learning a lot from the folks here.

Re: Question for Any of You That Have Switched Careers to Nursing?

I switched from IT after eight years in the trenches doing everything from PC support to web work to application support and technical writing for some Fortune 500s here in town. (I worked the previous seven years in international sales and marketing).

I wanted (and still do) want to make a difference and have a stable job. It gets really old with people threatening to outsource your job all the time, and with nursing, they can't offshore your job and send the patients to India (or pick your favorite offshore location)!

The pluses--I took my fifteen years of experience in the business and IT world and believe it or not, if your MCSE certified, you'll probably get the testing methods for NCLEX really quickly, since it's application-based, too. I've worked with lots of people, so this helps when dealing with docs and all the other assorted hospital characters. Having a business degree and arguing with a bottom-line picture is also helpful. All hospitals are really businesses.

The minuses--I hate working weekends, but I love the actual work because usually weekends in our place are quiet and relaxed. I lost weight (about 30 lbs--hence the minus) because I am way more active (lots of walking, moving stuff, repositioning people--no lifting, though!) There's also lots of BS paperwork and politics, but you have that wherever you go.

I look at every shift as a new opportunity to learn. I've been a nurse now for almost one year. I love the fact that I'm still learning, just like in IT, and building on what I already learned. That's what really keeps me going.

Re: Question for Any of You That Have Switched Careers to Nursing?

I taught school for 4 years, then went to nursing school. I was able to step into critical care as a new grad and have never looked back. I have been working in critical care for 28 years now, and I still enjoy what I do! I currently work with another guy who was originally a mining engineer before becoming an RN in his early 40's. He is very happy for the change.

Re: Question for Any of You That Have Switched Careers to Nursing?

I am a 4th year BSN student and I used to work in mobile hydraulics.