Lawyer to Nurse??

[misswillow]

Hi there,

I've seen some older threads from lawyers who were considering nursing school, and I'm wondering if there is anyone out there that has gone through with it, and happy that they did (or not so happy?)? It's something I'm considering right now, as I hate being a lawyer. I never really considered the medical field until I went through some health problems recently and saw firsthand how much of a difference a caring person can make when you are frightened about your health. Plus, whenever I take personality tests, I am most suited for helping professions (for example, my Myers-Briggs typs is ISFJ -- not good for an attorney!).

It's scary after all the money and time I've spent on my law degree and working as a lawyer. And I'll probably be 40 by the time I can start nursing school. But I don't want to let these things stop me if it would truly make me happy. I'm thinking of either an accelerated BSN or an ADN program. And I still have to do all the pre-reqs -- I'm going to see if I can do any of them online and start one very soon. I'm also going to start looking into volunteer opportunities at local hospitals to get more of an idea if this is something for me. I'd just love to hear other opinions on this, especially if you've "been there, done that." Thanks in advance!!

[Sart45]

Hi again,

I do "think" it would be easier to get a job in LTC...or at least I've been told so. For a while I was thinking about Home Health Care with a temporary agency (a woman in my A&P class was doing that and really enjoyed it). So those are definately things to consider; I just knew I wanted to work in a hospital so I thought I'd keep applying. It gets really frustrating to constantly be "Rejected" (can you believe some sites actually state that when you apply...so much for a caring environment).

Yes, I am very excited about starting...and yes, I am very scared about starting!!! I have no experience but the hospital knows that and everyone I've spoken to has been incredible. I'm on the Ortho floor (hip, knee, etc. replacements) so that should be interesting. I'll let you know how it goes. I think my biggest concern is working 3-12 hours shifts....YIKES!

Oh yes, I've been substitute teaching during all of this and may continue on my days off so I can get caught up on bills! It's always something isn't it? I'll be interested to hear how things go for you.

[misswillow]

Good luck with the job...can't wait to hear how it goes. I'm sure you'll do great, especially with your background in teaching :)

[misswillow]

Sart45,

I was wondering if you started your job as a CNA yet and how it is going? I registered for a CNA class that starts next month and am excited/hopeful to start working asap once it's completed, but I'm also very nervous!! I still am not sure what path I want to do after that (RN, LPN, PTA are all options), but I'm hoping that actually getting myself into a healthcare setting will help me decide.

Hope everything is going well for you...from what I've read, it can take some time to feel comfortable when starting out as a CNA, but it does come in time. I'll have to try to remember that for myself!

[Sart45]

Hi!

Thanks for asking. I actually just started on Monday (paper work and general orientation to the hospital); yesterday was more orientation with all the new RN's (letting us know about safety, risk management, services, etc...all extremely interesting). Today was learning how to use the Meditech system (ALL charting is done on computers). Tomorrow I start on the floor (ortho). I am SO excited; I really can't explain...it just all feels so right..I get teary eyed at times. Tomorrow I will be starting out with OT & PT; then going on a savenger hunt (isn't that great); going to a meeting on DVT and another on joints, etc. etc. Friday I'll start at 6:45 am (12 hour shift) and will begin to follow another CNA. I am in an incredible hospital with wonderful people (we'll be moving to a "brand new" state of the art hosptial on June 14). Meanwhile I'm trying to get all my assignments done for A&PII and study for Lab Practical, etc...Yikes...where does the time go. I feel like a kid...it's great so far!

[misswillow]

That's great! It all sounds so exciting, and I know what you mean about feeling like a kid again. Everything is so new, it does make you feel young. It sounds like you're getting a really good orientation, which I'm sure makes such a different when you're just starting out. Will you be working 3 12hr shifts per week?

[Sart45]

Hi Again,

As of now I will be working 3 12 hours shifts (6:45am-7:15pm...30 minute lunch). Yesterday was supposed to be 12 hours but since it wasn't a typical week due to the orientation, etc. I had to leave early (4:30) as I couldn't work over 40 hours.

Next week, I work Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

I do have to share that I was shadowing another C.NA; I LOVED the patients but I don't think the C.NA realized this was my first C.NA job (even though I told her)...I think she thought I was retarded:confused:; she was a sweetie but took a lot for granted. I'll be with her next week all 3 days so I hope I can let her understand this is ALL BRAND NEW!

Since I'm on an Ortho floor (more or less elective surgery)...patients are there for a rather short period of time...knee & hip replacements and spinal surgery. With just the small amount of time I've been there I would HIGHLY recommend anyone going into Nursing to be a C.NA to see how everything "works" from the bottom (ha ha) up. I'll keep you informed.

Meanwhile I have 2 weeks left until My A & PII class is over and I haven't had time to get anything done...guess what I'll be doing this weekend.

[lucylu 777]

If you really want to see if you can do the job - you should work as a CNA in a hospital setting. I did that before investing time and money to see what it's all about form the other side(not the patient or a visitor). It is a rude awakening for some, there were moments where I was questioning wheather I can do it....I have been on the job 4 years and going to school.From expirence I can tell you that some people just simply can't do it( picture yourself doing the digital removal of fecies - how do you feel? on the spinal injury unit it's an hourly chore. Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side...., whatever you decide I wish you good luck!

[work&play]

I just left my job as a science teacher. Today, I started working as a full-time CNA. All I can say is that my depression is gone, I feel extremely happy and I don't care about the big pay cut.