anyone else changing careers to go into nursing?

spagoer · Dec 19, 2004

I agree with you 100%

strongwilled · Dec 20, 2004

I had been in an engineering type job for almost 10 years at the same place, when one day I just looked at my computer monitor (I was making some documentation changes) and just realized that I couldn't do this anymore! I have degrees in CAD CAM (computer design and manufacturing), computer programming, computer networking, and hardware/software support and administration. I like playing on the computer now, and the knowledge is definitely going to help me with charting in the future. Someday, perhaps I will even write some sort of software......I just don't want to have to work on computers (installs, software corrections, etc) for any time into the distant future. So far, I think nursing has been a good choice-I graduate in May 2005, so I hope I enjoy it as much after school!

java55992004 · Dec 22, 2004

"The guarantee of employment (I have never been laid off. My DH has gotten laid off 3 times in the last 2 yrs. It is rough out there.)"

What is a DH? Do you mean Dental Hygienist? I didn't realize they were being laid off that easily. Thanks!

fotografe · Dec 22, 2004

"The guarantee of employment (I have never been laid off. My DH has gotten laid off 3 times in the last 2 yrs. It is rough out there.)"
What is a DH? Do you mean Dental Hygienist? I didn't realize they were being laid off that easily. Thanks!

I beleive DH here refers to Dear Husband.

ThreeDays · Dec 23, 2004

I just have to say, I spent 2 years in law school. Did well, but was probably the most miserable I had ever been in my life. Looking back, I wouldnt doubt I had some mild form of depression, but was convinced that was normal and that was how I was supposed to feel.

Two years into it, I had the opportunity to start over (life works in weird ways) and I took the risk, and quit law school. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I knew lawyer was not it.

My mother is a nurse, never pushed my sister or I one way or another. That summer I got my EMT along with my husband who also made the switch from corporate-he is now a fireman. The day I spent in the ER, I fell in love. I knew I was born to be a nurse and the rest is history.

I just graduated 12/20/2004, with my ADN and will be working in the SICU. I think the decision you have made is one of the toughest, but most fulfilling decisions you can ever make. Sometimes it is just better to follow your heart than to follow the paycheck. Your mind and heart can finally find some peace when you do what you are meant to do. The whole world just seemed to open up for me when I made the choice to be a nurse. It truly is a wonderful profession.

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Hi everyone!
Is anyone else here totally changing careers to go to nursing school? I guess I'm looking for a little encouragement that it's OK for me to want to get out of the corporate/business world that I HATE and go into nursing!
What are your thoughts and reasons? Here's a little about me -- I have a degree in Advertising and I've been in the business world for almost 5 years now. I just have no interest in business-related things, and I have no desire to climb the proverbial corporate ladder. To me, nursing seems like something totally different from that. I can't say I've had a passion for it my whole life, like some people can. It only just occurred to me about 6 months ago. But I just want something different -- I HATE sitting at a computer and being bored out of my mind for 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week!!
Anyone else in a similar situation?
amy :)

fromTeacher2Nurse · Dec 23, 2004

In high school my two loves were babysitting and the Health Occupations classes I was taking. I chose to go to a 4-yr school for an Elementary Education degree because it was out-of-state and a big adventure. I wanted to "make a difference" in the life of a child. I could have gone to the community college 5 minutes from my house and gotten a ADN in nursing. But, no, sunny Florida called and so I went.

Now, 10 years later, I have quit my teaching job and just finished the first semester of nursing at the very community college I could have chosen before. I LOVE IT!!!! Every one says "I wish I had done this a long time ago!" but things happen for a reason. I will graduate at age 30 and enter the workforce for a second time ready to "make a difference" again! :chuckle

mikaela · Dec 23, 2004

Count me in.

I finished BA 10 years ago, specialized in human resources a couple of years ago, and now I'm getting myself into the nursing field. I will be starting my diploma in January and am very excited about learning the basics of health care. At first I was driven by the fact that nurses are increasingly in demand. From the compensation standpoint, that means higher salary for a job that has not enough takers in the market. Instead of focusing on the would-be compensation however, I focused on the negative aspects of the job -- the very reasons why there's not enough takers. If I see myself surviving "the worst scenario" I could ever think of, then I am ready for the career change. I know that my imagination of what's worst in the workplace is not even close to the REAL thing. But everyday, every time I think of the beauty of dressing wounds, cleaning others' mess, touching sick persons' hands, or just comforting a family member of patient, the more I am convinced that this job will somehow help me in my spiritual growth.

Cheers to all nurses!

brandy119 · Dec 31, 2004

Hi Amy! I feel exactly the same way. I was majoring in computers, but now I realized that I will not be able to stand sitting in front of a computer all day for the rest of my life. BORING!!! I want a job where I will move around and have variety and action. I also want to be something that my kids can be proud of when they get older. I haven't started school yet, but my daughter (age 5) is excited about it and says she wants to be a nurse when she grows up too. How cute! :) Good luck with whatever you decide!

I feel the same way. I have been working in office for 4 yrs now, and am bery bored. I make ok money as people would say, but sometimes I think I'm reaching to high for wanting to become a nurse, but I just started back to school and have 2 children and decided to take nursing as my major. I want something my kids will be proud of too. I am just worried how i will make it thru nursing school being a single mom, but i dont start program till sept 2006, well good luck 2 u all

Ms. CMA · Jan 1, 2005

Hey everyone!

I'll get straight to the point..

I have two associate degrees. One in Business administration the other in Medical assisting. I would like to go on for nursing......but I DO NOT want to complete another associate degree program. I want to get my bachelors in nursing. I have 162 credit hours of course work so I'm wondering if I should be enrolling in a BSN program or ADN?

Two of my instructors explained that I should be able to enroll in the BSN program since I have an associates degree. Please clarify this for me. Thanks! and Happy New Year

Ms. CMA

katiebugg · Jan 1, 2005

Hi everyone!
Is anyone else here totally changing careers to go to nursing school? I guess I'm looking for a little encouragement that it's OK for me to want to get out of the corporate/business world that I HATE and go into nursing!
What are your thoughts and reasons? Here's a little about me -- I have a degree in Advertising and I've been in the business world for almost 5 years now. I just have no interest in business-related things, and I have no desire to climb the proverbial corporate ladder. To me, nursing seems like something totally different from that. I can't say I've had a passion for it my whole life, like some people can. It only just occurred to me about 6 months ago. But I just want something different -- I HATE sitting at a computer and being bored out of my mind for 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week!!
Anyone else in a similar situation?
amy :)

Amyrae, Well, good for you!!! I am in a similar situation. I am now 41 years old with two young boys at home. I decided at the age of 39 that I needed to be "happy" with how I make a living. There comes a point that no matter how much money you make, it you are not happy, it is not worth it. Previously I have been a stenographer (court reporter), and I have been the owner of a very sucessful manufacturing business. To make a long story short...I begin my nursing program next month...I'm excited and a little nervous..but I will make it through, and work at something that is rewarding!!

Life is too short to work at something that makes you miserble.

Keep smiling!!

Katie

alintanurse · Jan 1, 2005

as a single mother of two children 15 years ago I was just as excited as all of you to be starting a new career as a registered nuse. Now 15 years later I can say it was a great decision from a financial standpoint and I do love nursing but I was not prepared for the poor way that nurses treat each other and when you couple this with the extraordinary demands of nursing, it makes it a difficult profession to stay in. Just remember there is a reason why there is a nursing shortage,many of the people I graduated with are no longer in the profession now. :uhoh21:

RNin07 · Jan 2, 2005

I am returning to college this Jan. to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I am 38, have 3 kids ( 2 teens and 1 young adult) at home. The job I have now may pay the bills but I don't feel like I'm making any difference or helping anyone. I'm excited and a little nervous but really happy that I am doing this. I'm determined to do it and I feel that once I reach this goal not only will I be able to provide for my family, but I will have the certainty of knowing every day I can make a difference, and will have the opportunity of helping people.