by PhilaGuy

Hello all!

After 13 years as a programmer, I'm about to start classes to become a nurse. There's just too many good reasons as to why this is what I want to do (more time with family, getting to help people on a daily basis...). Only negative is salary (my pay will get cut about 50% at the beginning), but my wife plans to join me in this, so that covers that.

My decision's made up, so don't mind answering, but let me ask you a question: For anyone who made a career change like this, was it worth it to you? Is there anything you would have done differently?

Looking forward to getting started - I haven't had drive like this in a long time.

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

I didn't make such a change--i went from Paramedic to RN. But the change was INVIGORATING! I think making any change after a while is going to get you going. It is fun to be learning/doing different things. For you, that could be double. So enjoy yourself.
(Hope you were good in the sciences in school.)

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

It was the best decision I ever made. I wish I would have been doing this from the start of my career. I can't believe 4 yrs ago... it was just an idea.. or a dream of mine.
I've now been an RN for 3yrs... and still love it.

Best of luck to you and yes... welcome to a great career!!

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

I just registered after having looked through some threads. I am also considering leaving IT to become an RN.

I was an active duty 8404 (FMF) Navy Corpsman prior to becoming a developer and currently work in BI at a large financial institution. 10 years in corporate America is enough for me as well.

Good luck to you

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

I made the switch from a construction foreman to a nurse. Wow, what a difference. Seems like such a long time ago that I switched. Long story short, I love my career. I would do it all over again if I had the choice to go back.

My biggest recommendation, get a job as a aide then a tech on a med surg floor while in school. It helps a lot.

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

I was in upper management for 12 years, and although I have only been a nurse for 1 year I never looked back. The doors are open very wide in nursing. I would say make sure you have the A & P down and do not worry about picking a speciality right away. I was lucky to find a hospital that lets you go to different departments once a month (although you do med-surg while you do this) and experience each one(in a preceptor setting). I think ICU/Trauma is going to be where I end up. Good luck and keep us posted.

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

I used to be a teacher for children with emotional problems. Now I am a Psychiatric nurse.

I have been qualified 26 years now.

Tempus fugit

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

I went from a technical career path where I started in electronics technology (remember electronics? Fixing stuff instead of throwing it away ) then on to computers and taxation. The computer industry is continually in flux not because of the technology but because the business fosters and emphasizes the idea that stability is a bad thing. There's not enough a professional point of view in computers to feel like you're feet are on solid ground.

At least in nursing, I've had the feeling that there was always an expectation of support and a clear, and unmoving goal.

True, nursing technology is always changing. There are folks that fall short of their professional obligations, but for the most part, nursing roles are far better defined than anything I've seen in IT.

In short, I'm very glad I've made the jump. I think my last day in IT was very telling. Instead of being supportive of my decision to move to a nursing career, I was basically told to not let the door hit me on the way out. In IT, it seems that if you're not with them, you're against them. Who needs that kind of anxiety.

If I were to find nursing was not where I needed to be, I would be looking at any other field than IT. But I feel that I will be able to be a nurse for the rest of my life and continue to be fairly paid, respected, and above all a contributor.

Best wishes for a great career. And never admit you know anything about computers.

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

Originally Posted by OldPhatMC

Best wishes for a great career. And never admit you know anything about computers.

HAHAHA, don't worry -- Family taught me the lesson on that one.

Thanks for the response all. I haven't had science classes since high school (back in the late 80s / early 90s), but I was good at them. And with IT... I've gone through several calculus / diff eq classes, so I'm OK on the math end of things.

Its going to be a challenge, no doubt - But D**N am I excited!

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

Best of luck to you, and congratulations on your decision. I have been a software engineer and manager for over 20 years and decided to make the switch too. I finish school in less than a month and am so excited to be doing something that matters.

And yes, getting a job as an aide, even if you only work once a week at it or so gives you valuable experience and an in when you are looking for a job as an RN when you graduate.

Good luck!