Not your average Pre-Nursing Student post...

[NotJerriBlank]

Hi, everyone! Sorry in advance for the wall of text! As acceptance season has arrived, I thought I'd share my story and ask for possibly a little guidance. Four years ago, while teaching health education classes to developmentally disabled high school students I decided to try my hand at nursing pre-requisites, after talking with friends who were nurses and who loved their jobs. Turns out, I LOVED the classes, and everything related to human health--anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and I was pretty good at it, too (got "As" in all those classes, except for chem, which I earned a "B" in). I worked full time, volunteered at a free health clinic part time, earned my CNA license and applied to an entry level masters program in my area (San Francisco Bay Area) in December. Very, very recently, after all those late nights, weekends sacrificed to study, stress about grades, etc., etc., I've decided to not pursue nursing after all. As much as I think I would have loved nursing, and would have been a good and dedicated nurse, I cannot fathom another three years of nursing school stress (I'm 35 and want to start a family too), only to come out with a degree that I may not be able use in my overly-saturated RN environment (I also cannot move out of my area for personal reasons). I work in corporate legal at the moment so I do have job security in a 9-5 type of work environment. I know that to some that walking away after years of work may seem a defeatist attitude, but it truly is not. My question is: how would anyone suggest I use all of the pre-requisite courses I have taken and apply that to another field (in which programs in my area are not as impacted and in which I could feasibly get a job in after?) I really enjoyed working directly with patients as a CNA student and am still very interested in the science behind nursing. Thank you!

[RunBabyRN]

You could always return to the nursing plan later, if you chose to do so. What about doing something like health sciences and becoming a PA? It's a similar role to a NP.

[NotJerriBlank]

You could always return to the nursing plan later, if you chose to do so. What about doing something like health sciences and becoming a PA? It's a similar role to a NP.

Thanks so much for your input, RunBabyRun! I see you're pretty active on AN and your advice/insight always seems very well reasoned and thought out. I think I've seen you post in other threads about attending Sonoma State's SON? I did my undergrad degree there! I really miss that area. So much less hectic than here in Silicon Valley! Anyhow, I really like the idea of PA school but aren't PA programs (there aren't many to begin with in this area) also impacted/highly competitive? Additionally, it seems that PA schools want years of actual patient care, paid work experience (such as EMT/CNA work. Unfortunately, I can't quit my job to take up work as a CNA...not when a one bedroom apartment here costs $1300! Thanks again for your advice. I will look more deeply into PA school requirements!

[prettydoll123]

I've always said if I didn't get into my nursing program, I would lean more towards a degree in Nutrition or Radiation Therapy Technology. At my school, nursing and radiation therapy use basically the same pre-reqs with the addition of physics and pre-calculus. They make pretty good money, too!

[RunBabyRN]

Thanks so much for your input, RunBabyRun! I see you're pretty active on AN and your advice/insight always seems very well reasoned and thought out. I think I've seen you post in other threads about attending Sonoma State's SON? I did my undergrad degree there! I really miss that area. So much less hectic than here in Silicon Valley! Anyhow, I really like the idea of PA school but aren't PA programs (there aren't many to begin with in this area) also impacted/highly competitive? Additionally, it seems that PA schools want years of actual patient care, paid work experience (such as EMT/CNA work. Unfortunately, I can't quit my job to take up work as a CNA...not when a one bedroom apartment here costs $1300! Thanks again for your advice. I will look more deeply into PA school requirements!

I honestly can't speak to PA programs (I could, but I'd be making it all up! :) ), but I can imagine the market is similar to nursing. It's the only other thing I can think of that would meet the criteria you've mentioned, but that doesn't mean it's the only route by any means. I know nutrition is highly impacted, and the required internships are few to none, at least from the RDs and RD students with whom I've spoken. Rad techs generally seem to like what they're doing, and they do have similar prereqs. Any of these would benefit you if you choose to return to nursing later.

Yes, I am about to graduate from SSU's program! Definitely excited about that! We spend a lot of time in the South Bay, as my SIL lives in Redwood City. I looked at jobs down that way, but I think the commute, even if I stayed with her occasionally, would kill me (and my gas tank!). I know to COL down there is astronomical. Have you considered staying with what you're currently doing for now? It sounds fairly stable (again, this is an area with which I am not familiar, so I may be WAY off-base!), and if it's financially working for you for now, while you're looking at starting a family (which may or may not change your career path, as many new moms decide to cut back hours or leave the workforce for awhile), it may be something you can rely on until you pursue whatever you end up choosing.

Thank you for the compliments regarding my responses! I try! :)

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

There are lots of things you can do. Physical therapy assistant, medical assistant, respiratory therapist, a rad tech. There are many, many things you can do. I know it is tough and stressful, but you have come so far, and the next couple of years will just fly by. But I see you also want children. I can tell you it would be very tough with a little one. I waited until my son went back to school to start up again. He is 8 and is in 2nd grade all day while I go to school. Many people do it with young ones, but I know me and there is no way I could do it. Just sit down and carefully research all of your options.