Again, Anybody Successfully Change to a Non-Nursing Career?

[Oedgar]

So, I have been gone from my horrible office job since September. It has worked wonders for my mental health and quality of family life. However, life has thrown a couple of punches at us that necessitate me getting some sort of job. My husband's job, which had required 16 weekend OT hours a month since 2009..is ending the OT. Also, my dog just became sick and diabetic. We have spent $1,000 on him in this time.

I had a case management lead, until Humana changed their requirements to needing home health experience. My years at home and in specialist offices have limited my skills. I had a lead on a PCP office job but honestly.... I never want to be at the beck and call of a doctor again. My last experience just burned me. I am done nursing, unless it is a desk job.

For years I have applied to other positions and gotten nowhere. My nursing experience eliminate me from other things. I think employers doubt I would be happy making less money. I don't know how to sell myself as a career changer.

So, anybody have stories of leaving nursing?

[Eleven011]

I did successfully leave (but have found my way back). I left nursing after a draw to be with my kids more and had that "they are growing up too fast" feeling. I said I'd go back when they were all in school. But when that time came, the idea of working nights/holidays/weekends, just didn't work for me. I couldn't really find a good fit for me, so I decided to look outside the box. I applied to my kids school for a paraprofessional position. I sold myself by saying nursing gave me the organizational and people skills I needed in the job. I was ok with the pay cut, because I had already dealt with it by staying home (I did do prn). I got the job and I absolutely loved it. This fall, the school nurse position came open, and I took that. So now I say I have the best of both worlds :)