A career change -- I need help!!!

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2004

I was a late bloomer. Wasnt a single parent perse but close. I think most non-traditional students are actually more focused. Not to say they are better students, just have more determination behind what they are doing. Let's face it, we have to relearn how to learn in the classroom setting. I think most non-trad students tend to go a little slower with their pre-reqs, take a lighter classload until they have to make the fulltime school commitment. At some point, during clinicals etc you will have to make the fulltime commitment to school. I'm sure if you read some of the other posts you will find and will be able to put together a pretty accurate picture of nursing. Long hours, hard work, tempermental people, for the most part fulfillment with what they do and little room for errors. Good luck in finding what your looking for.

GaRN2005 · Feb 16, 2004

I am 50 years old and am in my 2nd quarter of an ADN program after practicing law for 22 years. There are two people who are older than me in my class (as well as one who graduated from highschool with my daughter:rolleyes: ). I have not found either my age nor my former profession to be any drawback, either in the admissions process, nor in classes or clinicls.

When I was considering going to nursing school, a nurse friend advised me to consider three things:

1) Do you like working with people?;

2) Are you able to think critically, sometimes under a lotof pressure?; and,

3) Are you willing to be an advocate for your patient?

I've found this to be good advice and have been extremely happy with my decision to pursue nursing. Good luck. :nurse:

Deb123j · Feb 16, 2004

Is it feasible to go to school full time and work full time???

Sadie04 · Feb 16, 2004

I wouldn't advise it unless you don't mind being under a huge amount of stress! I think working part-time would be feasible. :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2004

Anything is possible if you want it bad enough to try hard enough and not give up.

I went to nursing school with single moms, pregrant moms nursing another child at home, people who work full time, all kinds of life situations.

Nursing school is tough, demanding and requires a ton of energy and commitment.

My advise if one has family issues or needs to work full-time is to take an extra semester or two to get related courses out of the way. It's very difficult to take nursing, go to clincals, run to Anatomy class and lab, then off to work your full time job, or tend to your children. It's a bit easy if that anatomy class is out of the way and you can focus on nursing.

Good luck to you!

jschut, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2004

Yes, nursing school is hard. But if you want it bad enough, you can do it. When I went, there were single mom's (One who had 2 small children at home, no husband~ and as the only one who earned a 4.0 GPA throughout! Oh! She worked full time, too...)

There were pregnant ladies (one gave birth during the weekend and was back Monday...)

The oldest was 58 (Passed with honors) and her daughter was there too (also made Honors).

"I can do all things through CHRIST which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Can you do this? Only if YOU want it bad enough.....

Good Luck to you and God bless.....

luckymichelle · Feb 16, 2004

I was a full-time career woman until this August. I'm 26 years old and have no prior education. I had always wanted to go into nursing, but was concerned about my weak stomach, and I knew that I'd never be able to afford to go to school without working fulltime. I was also afraid that I just wouldn't like it - which I still do worry about, but I'll never know unless I try, right?

So now, I'm in nursing school. Well, I'm in the first year of a 3-yr ADN program. It's hard, I'll admit. Chemistry and Anatomy are killers! But, I love learning about the body - it's fascinating. I have taken out student loans and am trying to live very frugilly to afford it. I'll have debt (student loans) when I'm done, but I am sure I'll manage to pay them back easily enough.

I got to a point where I just couldn't do corporate American anymore. I was burned out. I worked hard and got paid well, but it didn't make me feel good at the end of the day. So, that's why I'm here!

Good luck to you - I'm sure you can do it if you truly want to!

Michelle

star0910 · Feb 16, 2004

I'm in the middle of a huge career change myself. Currently I'm in an interior design specialty school, that my mom and fiance are making me finish. I have this semester and 2 classes in the summer. I absolutely hate it! I'm doing full-time school and part time work and it's ok, but I wish I could do full for both. If you want the change I say go for it!!! Good luck!!!!

jawbreaker3000 · Feb 18, 2004

Hello to everyone.

This is my first post.

I found this site by accident and glad that I did. I'm in the middle of my own career change as well. After working as an Accountant for a number of years, I have finally answered to my true calling, which is to become a Nurse. I have been accepted at a local community college where I can take my Science prereqs for the Fall of this year. If all goes well, I will be on my way to the Nursing school of my choice by next year (fingers crossed). Right now, since I do not have any patient care experience, I am doing volunteer work at a nearby Hospital, and I must say that it has been quite an experience for me. My sister, who herself is a Nurse, told me once that it takes a special kind of person to be a Nurse. I truly believe in that. For now, baby steps....

I just wanted to say that this website has been very helpful to me. Thank you all for your info, knowledge and advice.

jawbreaker3000 · Feb 18, 2004

ooppsss sorry! my second post...

sjoe · Feb 19, 2004

Is it feasible to go to school full time and work full time???

No way.

BTW, I never recommend going into nursing to anyone I like.