if you could do it over again....

[abiggie]

Hi, i am considering a career change due to a car accident. im thinking of going from a hair stylist to a nurse. my questions are.. 1. whats the best way to go about getting into the field? ive looked at several websites and schools, and it seems you can start working for a hospital and get trained as a cna or pct, for free, is that true?

2. if you could take all the knowledge you have now, what area would you go into, ie. hospital, rehab, assisted living, pcp office?

[Szasz_is_Right]

I find myself preferring the medical model over nursing all of the time but that's just me

It isn't just you.

[JesusKeepMe]

Just so you know...many things on your list happen at the NP and MD level too!

Well geesh, I just can't win!

[Dragan]

Do it. The way I thought of it is 'if there is absolutely nothing else I achieve in life, at least I'm helping people'. If you're the main breadwinner then the money isn't ideal until you become a bit more experienced, if there are two of you doing it, great. I advise do some volunteering or something similar for a short stint to see if you like it, if you can handle it more specifically. It certainly is NOT for everyone.

[Carrie RN]

It depends on where you live. Some areas have too many nurses so after school you would need to move. I love nursing and would like to see more nurses enter the field for the sake of nursing and not money. I have worked all kinds of specialties. My favorite was psych.

[grad2012RN]

MSN for non-RN program. Did several informational interviews and shadowed RNs and NPs and was talked out of it. So, I earned a currently worthless BSN. But, let me state, I do not hate the nursing field.

Anyway, you mentioned your desire to switch from hairstylist to nurse. Nursing is a physically demanding career: lifting patients and standing on your feet nearly the entire shift. Back in the day when I could afford a stylist, many of them make their own schedules, wear cool stylish clothes/shoes and work in a jovial party-like atmosphere. Many nurses do shift-work and wear scrubs.

Starting out as a CNA/PCT is a wise choice. This way you can closely observe the RN job role for several months, asks tons of questions and test the physical demands. Glad your health is better after the accident, and best wishes in whatever you choose for a new career!,

[hurleygirli1]

Ok.....total benefit of the doubt here.... Maybe after the accident, she was inspired by the nurses who cared for her? Just a thought.

[RNJill]

Ehhh, to be brutally honest it is hard to recommend a particular area at this time for RN practice...with all of the changes in healthcare/reimbursement, things are even getting harder at the "good" (Magnet, university, etc) hospitals. I believe I was actually one of those seemingly rare hospital RNs who mostly enjoyed their job and didn't feel crazy overwhelmed (by understaffing, etc.) until quite recently. Our nurse-pt ratios have increased, our support staff has been decreased, and yet another year has gone by without any sort of raise. I am well aware that things are far worse for nurses in many other places, but if this is what it is like at a top hospital, i don't think this paints a great picture for hospital RNs anywhere. Of course there are other practice settings, but some sound harder still (LTC/subacute rehab) and others require experience (case manager, home health, etc).

Before I sound all Debbie Downer, I should say that there are still aspects of my job that are enjoyable and career advancement opportunities I'm pursuing that I believe will be very professionally satisfying. I guess my main point is that, no, I cannot recommend nursing without reservations. Try to do some serious shadowing/investigation before you proceed to make sure this crazy career really is for you. Good luck!

[SDgirl2013]

My suggestion is to do a volunteer or internship program at your local hospital, where you experience many different departments to see if you like it. It's a lot of time, money, and stress added to your life if the real passion is not there (even if it is there). Good luck with your decision!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

You're leaving the hairdressing career for a nursing career because of a car accident? Is it because you can't do hairdressing anymore? Nursing is going to be much more physical than that, you're going to be on your feet an entire shift just like you were doing...

But nurses have health insurance, steady employment and sick days -- all things that my hair stylist doesn't have.

[jwheeler7791]

Error

[Carrie RN]

Not all nurses have benefits. Never call in sick as a nurse depending on the unit, it is like a taboo. Many times I get low census meaning not enough people sick...

[edwindelahiggins]

I've been a nurse for about 8 months and I would say give it some consideration but weigh your options.

I had a bachelors degree in history and was planning on teaching and coaching high school sports, but the recession hit my area pretty hard so I decided to pursue a BSN. I am very happy. But go in knowing that the job prospects aren't as 'can't miss' as the media may lead you to believe. I moved to a major city (Atlanta) and even as a minority in the field (male), I got three interviews and one job offer. I work nights on a med surg floor and I really enjoy it. I'm making better money than I was prior to being an RN, and there is certainly room for upward mobility if you're willing to work hard, get experience, and take classes to further your education.

If I were you, I'd take the negatives with a grain of salt. I'm sure I'll rustle some feathers with this statement, but if there's something that I've learned after 3 years as a CNA, 2 years in nursing school and almost a year in the hospital, nurses tend to paint things in a doom-and-gloom scenario, and shall we say...complain. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with whatever decision you to come.