Career Switchers-Any Regrets?

Maggie Ryan · Jan 19, 2005

maggie,
what did you decide to do? I am in the same boat too...trying to decide if I want to leave my corporate job for nursing.
Congratulations on your decision - and Good Luck.

Hi Jfen,

Well I did take my Nursing seat and went the 1st week not sure now if this is for me. It is so much studying and homework which I realize it has to be, but so far I'm not sure its for me. I have til 1/21 to drop with 100% back from classes.

At one time maybe when I first applied for the program 7yrs ago and turned down my seat maybe I was of been more interested in Nursing but now that I've seen what it intails my Desk job is not looking so bad for what my Salary is and good benifits. I heard at school when you do graduate it may consist working weekends and holidays I'm beyond that do not what to work those days life if too short.

I don't want to discourage you and your decesion and maybe it is just me right now I've been through alot lately I lost my Mom :crying2: 3 months ago and it is so traumtizing to me I can hardly deal with the loss. Whatever you decide good luck to you and who knows maybe when I get through this time in my life I can better deal with what I thought I wanted to do in my life and that is be a Nurse.

Keep in touch! :)

Maggie

jfen · Jan 19, 2005

Hi Jfen,
Well I did take my Nursing seat and went the 1st week not sure now if this is for me. It is so much studying and homework which I realize it has to be, but so far I'm not sure its for me. I have til 1/21 to drop with 100% back from classes.
At one time maybe when I first applied for the program 7yrs ago and turned down my seat maybe I was of been more interested in Nursing but now that I've seen what it intails my Desk job is not looking so bad for what my Salary is and good benifits. I heard at school when you do graduate it may consist working weekends and holidays I'm beyond that do not what to work those days life if too short.
I don't want to discourage you and your decesion and maybe it is just me right now I've been through alot lately I lost my Mom 3 months ago and it is so traumtizing to me I can hardly deal with the loss. Whatever you decide good luck to you and who knows maybe when I get through this time in my life I can better deal with what I thought I wanted to do in my life and that is be a Nurse.
Keep in touch! :)
Maggie

Hi Maggie,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I truly can't imagine what it like for you.

It must be difficult to think about making such a drastic change in your life during this time. It is in difficult times that you may feel comfortable with routeen and what you are familiar with. But perhaps this has become a turning point in your life.

But good for you for going to the first class. You never know until you try! If you have been thinking about this for a while - I say go with your gut feeling. And like you said, this expierance would probably make you a better, more compasionate nurse. And you can always go back to doing a desk job m-f, 9 - 5.

I bet your mom would be very proud of you no matter what you decide!

I totally understand the comfort and the security of the desk job. After 7 years at my company, I am in a great position, cushy salary, no weekends (although my job requires lots of travel which I hate!). All these things would make it so much harder for me (and my family) to leave. For me, at the end of the day, I am frustrated, because I don't feel like I am working with others or making any diffrence. For me, life is too short to waste my time doing this.

But, I am in the application process. I'm trying to fiure out, IF I get into a program how I will pay for it, study, and work to make enough $ etc.

Good Luck with your decision. Don't beat yourself up! If you decide to stay with the program, the workload may seem hard, but you will get used to it and be a great sucess! And if you decide to stay with your desk job, you will always have great opportunites there too. Be true to yourself and the whatever the decision - it will be right for you.

Good Luck and Keep in touch!

jfen · Jan 19, 2005

Thoughts become words, words become deeds...
If you have discontent for any reason and you have experience enough to know then go with your thoughts to become a nurse. Live to your fullest potential and then you are really living. You will never be sorry and your can do any type of nursing , it does not even have to be patient oriented if you don't like it. You can get a job anywhere in the world right now. Shifts are yours to pick from, locations, 6 months here and 6 months there. you name it.
You don't want to be old and gray some day and say "I wish I would have done it then...now it is too late". Go with your gut feeling and your desire to take the chance and make an important change in your life. A step at a time, I changed from a job and a place I loved to nursing. My pay was good, I loved the place and the employees....but this is awesome. I will finish in 5 months and I am eager to start working as a nurse. I have about 15 more years to work. I said to myself one day..it is now or never! I went up to the college and it has been 3 semesters, I had not been in school in 20 yrs. I found out I had ADHD after the 2nd semester and I am still doing fantastic. I am proud of myself for the effort, if I would have failed out I still would have been proud but I was determined to make a go of this. Now it isn't easy but I am on the home stretch, I actually enjoy the lectures. I am shooting for A's this semester now that I am comfortable with everything. I will probably go on for my BA as it is something I always wanted. I will wait until I am working and get my employer to pay for the additional education.
Good Luck in your decision making...

WOW! Your story is very inspiring! Congratulations on your change and overcoming so many things to follow your dream of becoming a nurse. I am in the beginging process...trying to take sciences and apply for programs for the fall. What stresses me out is the financial issues. I will still need to make income, while doing this... I am thinking of becoming a CNA or even waiting tables at night. very far from my corporate job...but hope I find to make engough money to live and pay for school. I feel such relief these days that I have found my calling!

Thanks for the and inspiration! Good Luck with the home stretch!!

Aquamarine · Jan 20, 2005

Maggie...I will coach you through if you need that. I will give you my number. Let me tell you. The first time I went to school 20 yrs. ago, I was driving home one day to my 3 kids, I was a single mom that had been through hell with my husband and my divorce...and I thought I truly was lucky. I always wanted kids since I was 7, I loved my kids so much and they were fun and we all loved each other. I swear that was the first day I realized how lucky I was. That night while we ate dinner we teased my youngest Ryan who was 6. Every time he tried to eat we kissed him and made him laugh. The first day I appreciated what I had....He drowned that night in my neighbors pool. I tried to keep going to school that summer but my brain was not in the class room. I went back in Sept. after my house foreclosed and for the first time I was living in an apt. with my daughter Heather who was 11. My oldest son, Donny went to live with his father(then ran away), and my dog had to go live with a stranger because we could not find a place to take her.It was so difficult. I decided to set an example for my daughter and show her that I could make it, in spite of our loss.... that we all felt so horrid about. I did not have a chosice to fall apart anyhow. She followed my example and went to a good university when she turned 18, it took every penny I had. She was so proud of herself for doing it, she lived at the college but it was only 30 min. from our home. She was in heaven. I know she followed my strength and copied my determined ways. I wanted the best for her, who wouldn't. In her second year, she came home to babysit for our neighbors and keeled over and died in the living room from a heart defect she was born with. I was and still am 12 yrs. later... devistated. My 2 sisters died also in the middle of all of that, it was a mess. I worked like a dog to forget all of it, left my second husband...down and out again...but I had to, he was travelling with someone else. I cannot say there is a day I do not think about that girl...but you know what...I know she would be so very proud to see me up on that stage getting my nursing degree and I think she will be there. I did it for her and in honor of her memory, her strength and her determination... that she got from me.

You can do that too but maybe you are not ready. I know how it is when you miss someone. There is nothing you can do to bring your mom back and you are going to miss her forever, that will not change. You can change your career if you want to. You have to be determined most of the time however. I think the first year is the hardest for many reasons, it is the hype they want you to buy into. I felt like I was in the army or the convent....and it is hard because it is all new. The second yr. to me is a lot easier because it is going into depth of things you covered in A&P or in begining nursing classes. I think the last semester clinical will be the hardest because they think after showing you how to do something once you are an expert but if there are 70 other people doing it, I can too. Sometimes you have to be in the middle of things to be able to do it...if you know what I mean. It seems more intimidating than it is. For me school is therapy, it is my real report card...I did it! I need that.

If you think it is too soon pull back, but I think it is just intimidating because it is new. Just don't bgive up the dream. You can find your way.

Nursing is a hard job but there are easy Nursing Jobs too...you get a lot of respect when you are a nurse too. You don't have to work in a hospital if that is too much. You can work in a plush MD office, do research, do diabetic teaching, etc. Lots of ways to go.

One thing to think about...nursing schools are getting harder and harder to get into. There is a real need for nurses now but someday that will be over and by then it would be nice for you to already be settled in a place while they need you as a nurse. Just somethings to think about. Some of the schools here are now only taking very smart students or they are making you take everything even if you took it already. I did everything just in time. Now there is a waiting list at my school, maybe I would not get in, I don't have time to wait on a waiting list or take courses over again.

Also, be the student that goes in for extra help. Make appt.s go to their offices...they love it. You make your teachers feel good and they think you really care. It is part of that hype I told you about.

Good luck Maggie...whatever your decision is. I can help you. I will be done in May myself. I will help anyone that needs a little help, I have free long distance after 7.

I am very sorry about your mother...I know it is difficult for you.

Nancy K.

dreatx · Jan 20, 2005

Nancy,

I would hug you if i could.

studentdeb · Jan 20, 2005

Nancy,

You are an inspiration. I am one of those people who gave up, but am thinking about preparing myself to go at it again at a later date, maybe next fall or spring.

Take care and thanks for sharing.

Debi

Maggie Ryan · Jan 20, 2005

Maggie...I will coach you through if you need that. I will give you my number. Let me tell you. The first time I went to school 20 yrs. ago, I was driving home one day to my 3 kids, I was a single mom that had been through hell with my husband and my divorce...and I thought I truly was lucky. I always wanted kids since I was 7, I loved my kids so much and they were fun and we all loved each other. I swear that was the first day I realized how lucky I was. That night while we ate dinner we teased my youngest Ryan who was 6. Every time he tried to eat we kissed him and made him laugh. The first day I appreciated what I had....He drowned that night in my neighbors pool. I tried to keep going to school that summer but my brain was not in the class room. I went back in Sept. after my house foreclosed and for the first time I was living in an apt. with my daughter Heather who was 11. My oldest son, Donny went to live with his father(then ran away), and my dog had to go live with a stranger because we could not find a place to take her.It was so difficult. I decided to set an example for my daughter and show her that I could make it, in spite of our loss.... that we all felt so horrid about. I did not have a chosice to fall apart anyhow. She followed my example and went to a good university when she turned 18, it took every penny I had. She was so proud of herself for doing it, she lived at the college but it was only 30 min. from our home. She was in heaven. I know she followed my strength and copied my determined ways. I wanted the best for her, who wouldn't. In her second year, she came home to babysit for our neighbors and keeled over and died in the living room from a heart defect she was born with. I was and still am 12 yrs. later... devistated. My 2 sisters died also in the middle of all of that, it was a mess. I worked like a dog to forget all of it, left my second husband...down and out again...but I had to, he was travelling with someone else. I cannot say there is a day I do not think about that girl...but you know what...I know she would be so very proud to see me up on that stage getting my nursing degree and I think she will be there. I did it for her and in honor of her memory, her strength and her determination... that she got from me.
You can do that too but maybe you are not ready. I know how it is when you miss someone. There is nothing you can do to bring your mom back and you are going to miss her forever, that will not change. You can change your career if you want to. You have to be determined most of the time however. I think the first year is the hardest for many reasons, it is the hype they want you to buy into. I felt like I was in the army or the convent....and it is hard because it is all new. The second yr. to me is a lot easier because it is going into depth of things you covered in A&P or in begining nursing classes. I think the last semester clinical will be the hardest because they think after showing you how to do something once you are an expert but if there are 70 other people doing it, I can too. Sometimes you have to be in the middle of things to be able to do it...if you know what I mean. It seems more intimidating than it is. For me school is therapy, it is my real report card...I did it! I need that.
If you think it is too soon pull back, but I think it is just intimidating because it is new. Just don't bgive up the dream. You can find your way.
Nursing is a hard job but there are easy nursing jobs too...you get a lot of respect when you are a nurse too. You don't have to work in a hospital if that is too much. You can work in a plush MD office, do research, do diabetic teaching, etc. Lots of ways to go.
One thing to think about...nursing schools are getting harder and harder to get into. There is a real need for nurses now but someday that will be over and by then it would be nice for you to already be settled in a place while they need you as a nurse. Just somethings to think about. Some of the schools here are now only taking very smart students or they are making you take everything even if you took it already. I did everything just in time. Now there is a waiting list at my school, maybe I would not get in, I don't have time to wait on a waiting list or take courses over again.
Also, be the student that goes in for extra help. Make appt.s go to their offices...they love it. You make your teachers feel good and they think you really care. It is part of that hype I told you about.
Good luck Maggie...whatever your decision is. I can help you. I will be done in May myself. I will help anyone that needs a little help, I have free long distance after 7.
I am very sorry about your mother...I know it is difficult for you.
Nancy K.

Hello Nancy I wish I could give you a BIG hug your story was so touching I'm still crying :crying2: I cannot believe what you have gone through and still living to tell about it. I myself don't know if I could say the same, you lost 2 children I cannot imagine that I have 2 boys of my own all grown now I was a mom at 14 but they are my life and the only thing that keeps me going right now. How did you find so much strength to keep going you are truly amazing and an inspiration to all of us.

I lost my Dad 16yrs ago and now my Mom they meant so much to me it was just us 3 I'm an only child and I always said since I was a little girl I could never handle losing my parents and here I am dealing with both their losses, but you have lost children and as any death in the family is devestating children are the worst I commend you for finding the strength to go on with life and pursue you dream. I did drop my classes this semester but I'm thinking about applying again in the fall, thanks to your story you have been so inspiring to me and I appreciate so much you shared that with me.

When I was in class I just could not concentrate I felt I was in a different world and was not smart enough to comprehend all the information that you need to do Nursing. I know its because my mind was on my Mom and missing her so much I thought it would help take my mind off things by being busy all the time but it worked the opposite. Maybe by the fall semister I be able to try it again and be more ready for the task I do feel like a failure now but I cannot help it my heart is so broken. Nancy again thank you so much for reading my post and sharing you experience my prayers are with you and you are so amazing I'll never forget it.

Lets keep in touch and congratulations :balloons: you will be done in May I'm so proud of you!!!

Hugs

Maggie

Aquamarine · Jan 21, 2005

You did!

Nancy,
I would hug you if i could.

Aquamarine · Jan 21, 2005

Maggie,

This is in response to your statement about concentration.

This is kind of a wild, out there hunch..

..after my son died I noticed I could not concentrate....understandable. Well, this past Sept. during the first week of school one of my very best friends died. I really could not concentrate again, I tried really hard. I would try to study and fall asleep and not retain anything. I started to ask a few questions and ended up on a medication called Strattera....it is the best thing. My grades went up 15 points and I can think as clear as a bell. I did not think I had a problem really...but boy do I feel different. I had a hard time sitting down, I always had to be doing something but I was never "hyper", more low keyed and laid back...or I thought...but now sometimes when I am tired I actually watch TV or a movie, I never did that before. My behavior is a lot more organized, etc. It is hard to explain, just that is is a great change for the better.

There is a book called "Learning Outside the Lines" that I read too...very good for the concentration thing about two guys..from kindergarten to Brown University where they met up. They both had ADHD. and another book "Driven to Distraction".

The drug, Strattera is not a stimulant, like Ritalin. As a matter of fact they said if Strattera worked Ritalin wouldn't. I don't like the idea of Ritalin. I am not saying you could benefit because I don't know enough.Just tuck the idea in your head. If you ever want to get tested wait until you are in school and the testing is covered by the school.

I really do know how you feel about your mom and dad. My parents are still alive at 88 and 89 and I will be the only one left when they are gone. I just want them to make it to my graduation...then I will be asking for more time after that of course, but that is my mini goal.

I have survived because the alternative of buckling under are not appealing to me and would hinder living in general, it is hard enough. I don't believe in going against the grain

Really if you think about it the people we say goodbye to are not suffering, we are. If you love someone enough...you can let them go to a place without any suffering and you can bear the burden of missing them ... you really don't have a lot of choices. But thank for all your kindness and good luck. I will give you my phone no.

if you give me your email. Mine is [email protected]

I found out today that the waiting list for our school is 400-500, incredible. I was 10 on the list when I got in. As usual I did everything in the nick of time.

I am beat...going to crash...hang in there. Nancy

Hello Nancy I wish I could give you a BIG hug your story was so touching I'm still crying I cannot believe what you have gone through and still living to tell about it. I myself don't know if I could say the same, you lost 2 children I cannot imagine that I have 2 boys of my own all grown now I was a mom at 14 but they are my life and the only thing that keeps me going right now. How did you find so much strength to keep going you are truly amazing and an inspiration to all of us.
I lost my Dad 16yrs ago and now my Mom they meant so much to me it was just us 3 I'm an only child and I always said since I was a little girl I could never handle losing my parents and here I am dealing with both their losses, but you have lost children and as any death in the family is devestating children are the worst I commend you for finding the strength to go on with life and pursue you dream. I did drop my classes this semester but I'm thinking about applying again in the fall, thanks to your story you have been so inspiring to me and I appreciate so much you shared that with me.
When I was in class I just could not concentrate I felt I was in a different world and was not smart enough to comprehend all the information that you need to do Nursing. I know its because my mind was on my Mom and missing her so much I thought it would help take my mind off things by being busy all the time but it worked the opposite. Maybe by the fall semister I be able to try it again and be more ready for the task I do feel like a failure now but I cannot help it my heart is so broken. Nancy again thank you so much for reading my post and sharing you experience my prayers are with you and you are so amazing I'll never forget it.
Lets keep in touch and congratulations :balloons: you will be done in May I'm so proud of you!!!
Hugs
Maggie

Aquamarine · Jan 21, 2005

Maggie I just realized...

My son's name was Ryan and my 1st and favorite puppy was Maggie:coollook:

Maggie Ryan · Jan 21, 2005

Maggie I just realized...
My son's name was Ryan and my 1st and favorite puppy was Maggie:coollook:

Hi Nancy is that too much of a coinencendce or what :) I believe God does things like this to bring people together I feel blessed to be a part of it. You mentioned you still have your parents that is a blessing too...my parents died young my Dad 47yrs (Lung Cancer) my Mom 64yrs ( Conjestive heart failure) I know its hard no matter what the age I just wish I could of had them longer. Its official I dropped my classes and my Teacher was so nice about it and understood hopefulluy I can give it another try in August. As for the medication I am on a Antidepressant my dr. has me off work right now because my job I work in Sales Dept. of a big corporation and its so busy and stressful I could not handle it right now, I did go back for a while 1/2 days and broke down right at my desk that was way too soon after my mom died and during the holidays which made it even worse.

You may be right I could have ADHD my tention span has never been very good like reading books ect... sometimes I can read the same page 20 times and still not know what I read if my mind is not in it. When I took all my pre-req's in College I did good but I'm a crammer if I study or read something ahead of time I will forget it come test time that what scares me about nursing I doubt my ability to even be a nurse I'm afraid I might kill someone were dealing with real lives here.

Thank you for your e-mail mine is [email protected] you can e-mail me anytime I would love to hear from you. One question do you have any idea where you'll be working after you graduate?? Do you want to work in a hospital or nursing home ect.. Well keep in touch and take care.

Maggie

studentdeb · Jan 21, 2005

Maggie,

I see from your posts that you did decide to drop at this time. I hope things get better for you over the next few months. My mom passed away 3 yrs ago this March from lung cancer at age 65. It is very hard to lose a parent, we always feel they will still be here. Thank goodness I still have my dad, but he is a cancer survivor so life is precious to him now.

Did you reapply to the program or maybe you don't need to? I am waiting to hear about a few jobs, but plan to reapply to the nursing program for either fall or next spring. I know we have a hugh waiting list so it might not be until the spring. But I think I might finish the classes needed for the BSN, I need 6 for that.

I believe the both of us were meant to go for nursing, but we just keep having things get in our way. Hopefully someday we will find our way.

Take care

Debi