Advice Needed!

Published

I need some input/feedback! I am 29 years old and graduated 3 years ago with my bachelors degree in forensic science. I also have an associate in CJ. I also have 1 semester of grad school completed. I work a state job 8-4 (unrelated to healthcare) so am a few years into my pension, however I work in an office and although I have great benefits and all the freedom in my job to do what I want, it is NOT what I want to do and is draining because it does not make me happy. I currently make $21/hour, have weekends and holidays off etc., it's just not want I want to do. I am a worker. A hard worker who wants to apply myself, constantly learn, have many opportunities, and help people. I do not have any kids and am not married. I want to start taking my pre-reqs part time while working still, and then apply to an accelerate 1 year BSN program which would require me to quit my state job. However, my plan would be to get a job at a state hospital after graduation to pick up my pension, as it transfers to any state job. I get nervous starting this process at 29, and I know it would be a lot of work, however I feel it would be fulfilling to me. I would love some feedback.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh my. You sound like a smart planner. I wish i had been smart enough to get a government job after college. I would be set now. And very smart of you to plan to stay within the system of you decide to be a nurse.

In my heart, I say don't come over here, cause the grass ain't greener. But your plan is quite sensible, and perhaps nursing will truly fulfill you.

Im not really sure what feedback you need. You seem to understand that your current schedule will probably disappear should you choose nursing. You seem to know its a lot of work and constant learning. You have a solid plan --- go for it.

I grant you the Nurse's Blessing!???

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

My advice is to save as much money as possible, which means cutting back your expenses to the bare minimum. The least amount of debt that you incur with nursing school, the better. Also, look into moving from full-time to part-time. It will keep a flow of income coming in and keep you connected to the state as long as possible.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

TAKOO01, Just out of curiosity, why do you say the grass isn't greener? Are you unhappy with your job and if so what makes you unhappy? How long have you been a nurse? I get like to get all different perspectives from people who are currently in nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
10 minutes ago, jNb716 said:

TAKOO01, Just out of curiosity, why do you say the grass isn't greener? Are you unhappy with your job and if so what makes you unhappy? How long have you been a nurse? I get like to get all different perspectives from people who are currently in nursing.

Hi jNb716. Ive been a nurse for 3 years. I went into nursing thinking it would be flexible and always have jobs available. Im not truly unhappy in my current position, but a lot of that is willpower?. I try to be happy every day no matter what.

As a second career nurse, I have seen how the other half lives: regular schedules, respectful workplaces, bathroom breaks....these things can go out the window in nursing. I always throw out the caveat that this is not true for every nursing job everywhere, but it is true for many.

As a quick example that pertains somewhat to OP's topic, i applied to and interviewed for several state nursing jobs. I received about 4 offers. Each of them had (outrageous to me) demands that forced me to turn them down. Random shifts that would be leftover from what senior nurses wanted. High ratios of SPMI and MICA patients with no security protocols. Low salaries with extensive work demands and other issues.

If OP is in a state position with good steps, he/she could possibly stay there in comfort/security and find fulfillment through volunteer work.

I am not a dream crusher- or try not to be. I try not to discourage good people from entering nursing, because they are what we need. Yet i hesitate whenever people ask me about the profession. I feel the urge to give the warning that was not given to me, although I may have ignored it and gone ahead anyway....

All in all, Im still here, no gun to my head, riding the fence between tolerating and disliking it.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion