anyone else changing careers to go into nursing?

agent · Sep 3, 2003

take them now and get through it cause if you want to get a BSN in the future you'll have to retake anyway

TheLearingRN · Sep 6, 2003

I have been in the corporate world for 10 years and have decided to change careers. I was tired of doing meaningless work and making other people richer on my expense. You're not alone. Good luck with what you decide.

NicoleNW · Sep 8, 2003

I graduated a little over 2 years ago with a bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems, and I am miserable in the "Corporate World." I realized that waking up each morning with a pit in my stomach isn't worth it!!! No amount of money is worth being miserable. So, I have decided to change careers and go into nursing b/c I definitely think it would be a rewarding career. Although, I don't know if I should obtain an Associate Nursing degree or a Bachelor's degree? I think it would be silly to get another Bachelor's since I already have a bachelor's degree. Any advice would definitely be helpful. I'm not too sure what the difference is between the two degrees?

Dublin37 · Sep 8, 2003

Nicoles quote:

"Although, I don't know if I should obtain an Associate Nursing degree or a Bachelor's degree? I think it would be silly to get another Bachelor's since I already have a bachelor's degree. Any advice would definitely be helpful. I'm not too sure what the difference is between the two degrees?"

Hi Nicole. I have a BA also, and was a teacher some years back. I am getting my ADN in Nursing for now (RN). But I eventually plan on getting the BSN to MSN later when my kids are older. The difference is more pay, and usually a lead position of some sort. I EVENTUALLY want to probably teach nursing courses or head up new nurses in the hospital setting.

But first things first, I've got to see if I love what I do. A lot of my friends are planning on going the Nurse Practitioner route, which is a Masters, and REALLY pays well. It just gives you more options. I am not in any hurry tho. So, yes, I will have two degrees or 3 when all is said and done. :rolleyes:

Good luck to you! Heather

ctrayford · Sep 9, 2003

Hello Everyone!

I too, am in a field that I feel completely useless in. I actually currently work in the field of healthcare in Chiropractic, but find that because our particular clinic is so slow, that I am stuck doing more office work than anything clinical.

I am only 26 years old, no kids, AND, still live at home, but am TERRIFIED of making a career change. Why is this? I've done it once before, but for some reason, the (only second) time around is a LOT scarier to me. Maybe it's the fear of failure, which would make sense considering my reputation of being a perfectionist . :rolleyes:

Anyways, the bottom line is, I want to work in a position that allows me to feel fulfilled. I enjoy being a part of the healing process, and am nurturer at heart.

I'm open to any and all comments/advice you may have.

Thanks for listening...

jwy66 · Sep 9, 2003

I am a social worker with a four year degree. Always wanted to be a nurse, and I am my own worst critic, thought I could not do it. I am applying for an LPN program in the spring, (wish me luck to get in). Once I finish that, its on to RN school.

Julie

putta · Sep 11, 2003

I am 38 years old,male, married, two children, presently living in India. Had been self-employed in the Electronics filed since 16 years, after Engineering course (could not pass out due to other reasons). Now, in debt due to heavy market down fall.

Now, I am planning to get in to RN -AAS degree studies in NewJersey ! Also, in difficult situation to take proper decision, whether to get in to RN or LPN(and later to RN) or to my experienced Electronics Technology AAS. COULD ANY ONE GUIDE ME ??

Rajendra Halemane.

Pucci · Sep 14, 2003

Yes, I am also a career changer. After working in the corporate field for the last 10 years and going to a community college pt for computers, for the last 3 years, I knew I didn't want to be in the field any longer. I decided to do nursing because I always had a desire and curiosity for it, but now I have a deep passion that is just blossoming inside me. I started my BSN program this fall. I love it!!!

Dublin37 · Sep 14, 2003

Isn't it that way??? When I first started thinking about nursing, it was like a little secret. :chair: But before you know it, it grows and blossoms until the dream is just busting out It's so weird, I am on my last pre-req and the dream is seeming much more real, less ethereal. Man, I get butterflies just thinking about it!!! :eek:

Going80INA55 · Sep 14, 2003

There are negatives to nursing, but there really are many more positives. The biggest negative in nursing will be fixed by having more people come into the field.

I went into nursing for many reasons:

To make a difference in peoples lives (which I do on a daily basis),

The flexibility of scheduling ( I have chosen to work nights, days, eves, weekends. Sometimes PT, FT or flex hours. All of which worked for whatever was going on in my life at that time.)

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.)

Decent pay. ( I will never get rich on nursing money, but I can live a good life.)

Don't let us experienced nurses drive you away from entering the profession. I work with many nurses who have backgrounds in other fields. BELIEVE me they are more than welcome.

WE NEED MORE NURSES.

Besides, It is generally only a few that are unhappy but they will talk about it ALOT.

tmiller027 · Sep 16, 2003

I work in law enforcement as a jail officer. Been doing this for 5 yrs, and am now going to school part time to get my LPN, then will get whatever nursing job I can and keep in school to finish my RN.

Law enforcement, as fun as it was at first, really is a drain. You deal with the worst people every day, your own co-workers are often bitter about things. Cops are often worse to each other than they are to bad guys. Not to mention, there's really no where to go. You make the same amount of money (not much) and have no options for change or growth.

Thats part of what led me to nursing. Money issues aside, you have alot of options.

fallenangel76 · Sep 18, 2003

Hello everyone,

I too, about 4 month ago, decided to change my career and pursue Nursing. I currently work in HR and hate it, I don't see a future in that field. I finally signed up for my 1st nursing pre-req - Human Anatomy. After 3 weeks of the class, I dropped it. Having to work full time, go to class at night, volunteer at a hospital on Friday mornings, just got to me. When I'm at work, I keep on thinking about school. When I'm at school, I keep on thinking about the work that still needs to be done. How do you guys do it? I NEED TO work and go to school, or else I can't afford my bills? How did you make yourself study? After being assigned 158 bones to memorize in 3 weeks, I gave up!! Now everynight I come back from work, I sit in my dark bedroom depressed. I thought that I had finally figured out a direction with my life and that I was pursing a profession that makes a difference, only to chicken out after 3 weeks. I also have a BS in Sociology, so I think I'm smart and I know that if I put my mind to it, I can make it. Any advice? Motivation? What do you guys think about all the negative remarks by current nurses about their work conditions? The thought of going from one thankless job (HR) to another thankless job (Nursing), is making me so doubtful and anxious.