Am I doing the right thing - career change to nursing?

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Hi all:

I just applied to a local community college - they have a program with a nearby hospital to get an associates and nursing diploma. :wink2:

I have practiced law for 13 years, and have been miserable. I always wanted to be a nurse, but I majored in politics, got a scholarship to law school, and everyone thought I'd be crazy not to take it.

I really want to pursue my dream. I have three kids - one is a toddler - I'm in my late 30s. I don't know how I am going to do this.

I am worried about not making it through pre-reqs - it's been years since I did any kind of science.

There is always news of how good the market is in healthcare, but I've seen posts here saying how difficult it is to get a nursing job as a new grad. Of course, in my field of law, people say there are always jobs, but the market is tough there too. I'm not looking to change career for $$ - I'm doing it because I really want to have a hands-on role in helping people. Of course, with a family to raise, I do need a career that will provide a decent income too . . .

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Anyone have a similar background or concerns?

Thanks for listening!

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I am a mainframe computer programmer. I got my EE degree in 1984! I am 47 yrs old. A little over a year ago I started the pre-reqs. I finished term 1 NS and have started term 2....while working FT, OT and FT NS! :eek:

Like you, I have a family, a mortgage, car notes, credit cards.......et. al. I could not give up working while going to NS. FCCJ (now FSCJ) has an Eve/WE program that I applied and was accepted to. You WILL be tired. You will feel burned out by finals each term. You CAN do this! :D

I will graduate next Aug. (2010). Like you, I am not sure what the economy will be then. Hopefully it begins to recover and the jobs will be waiting. If not, in the interim, we have a current way to earn money and pay the bills until they open that door!

Good Luck!:up:

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Maybe you can use your law degree helping people with malpractice cases? Maybe you can feel like you're helping people more that way? Have you done pro bono work for say the homeless? Those trying to get SSI/disability, those with insurance problems? You don't have to be an RN doing that. You could hire an RN do do your research, find errors, etc. I wonder why it is that you don't feel like you are helping people in your profession? Otherwise go for it.

But expect a huge pay cut! And think of the hours you will have to work as compared to now. Why would you be worried about all of the science classes? I couldn't imagine all the memorizing you had to do on statutes, laws, previous cases, etc. (don't speak lawyer, sorry) but you know what I mean! Obviously you are smart enough to figure out a little chem and bio!

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I have been a nurse for 18 years- I am unemployed and can't find a job.

Whatever you decide to do, don't let go of your secure job!

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Maybe you can use your law degree helping people with malpractice cases? Maybe you can feel like you're helping people more that way? Have you done pro bono work for say the homeless? Those trying to get SSI/disability, those with insurance problems? You don't have to be an RN doing that. You could hire an RN do do your research, find errors, etc. I wonder why it is that you don't feel like you are helping people in your profession? Otherwise go for it.

But expect a huge pay cut! And think of the hours you will have to work as compared to now. Why would you be worried about all of the science classes? I couldn't imagine all the memorizing you had to do on statutes, laws, previous cases, etc. (don't speak lawyer, sorry) but you know what I mean! Obviously you are smart enough to figure out a little chem and bio!

I guess many people are under the misconception that all lawyers make a ton of money - definitely not true (nor am I looking to change careers to nursing for money). As with every other profession, there is a huge range in salaries and hours worked. I actually do have experience in disability, insurance, and medical malpractice defense. Sure, those are ways to help people, but I am looking for something more hands on rather than "on the papers." I really don't like pushing papers. Everyone needs to find their own way to contribute to society in a way that suits their skills and personality. I do appreciate your ideas, though, and your response. And thank you for your encouragement - it has been so helpful to be able to get feedback!

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I'm 35 have 2 young children and am starting NS this October. I hold a BS in Botany and worked in non-profit before having kids. I finished my Prereqs over a year ago. I am going through a program with a hospital HOWEVER it was difficult to get in and close to 2000 students here apply for the 180 seats they open each year; 90 are for students who already possess a BA or BS. This will be a lot of work but as long as you and your support team are in place it can be done.

I totally understand the hands on part, I love the idea of moving around and having direct contact with the people I am working with.

Best of luck in your decision.

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Specializes in Rural Nursing.

Hello,

My background is in banking and I am a real estate broker. In 2006 I found myself a single mom of 4 young children, and decided to go back to school for nursing. I decided to get my cna just to make sure I could handle the work in the health care field. I have been going to school full time ever since. Shortly after completing my cna, I quit my banking job and took a job at our rural hospital. I absolutely love it. I got accepted to a nursing program and now only have 2 quarters until graduation. I have to say, although it has been difficult at times, it is the absolute best decision I have ever made. Hope this has helped.. good luck with your decision!

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Specializes in CVICU, CDU, ED.

I also have two young children and I have a BS degree in Biology...I am currently applying to NS through a diploma program that is difficult to get into. I hope to be accepted to start next spring or next summer. I currently work in academic research, and I am changing careers because I wanted to stay true to myself and do something that I feel gives me purpose and a sense of giving back to the community that I also enjoy.

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Specializes in Cardiovascular medical/surgical.

I am going through nursing school currently. If you are concerned about making it through the pre-reqs don't let go of your job and try to take one class at night. Unless you are financially very sound and can pay out of pocket it might be more beneficial to you to go at a slower pace while working. If you were to work your way up ie:LPN to RN to BSN you can save a lot while getting a feel for the job. Some people think they will love nursing, get out there after they pay for the degree and hate it. I guess what I am trying to say is taste test it and you can always go back for seconds.

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I think you should do what makes you happy~

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Specializes in None.

I was a software specialist in the automotive industry for over 20 years. Once my children were grown, I made the decision to go back to school to get into the medical field. I worked on my prerequisites while still working full-time, and then applied to my local nursing school (also competitive entry). I couldn’t believe it when I received my letter informing me I was accepted. I wasn’t able to start until the next fall, so I worked and saved so I could afford to take off the two years needed to get through school. Here I am now in my second year; I graduate May 2010. I’m glad I made the decision to do it. I have to tell you it’s not easy when you go back at a more mature age. Staying up until the wee hours of the night working on care plans can take a toll, but you do it. Having instructors younger than you treating you like you don’t have two brain cells to rub together can get taxing, but you put up with it. I just remember this is my dream and life is just too damn short not to go for it. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in MR/MI mostly.

That depends on you. I will tell you what, if you hate what you do then don't do it! If you work as a CNA and find that you love doing what your are doing but want to move up then jump in with both feet and prepare to be happy! I know I will never regret this choice.

I was raised in a family that had ZERO members in healthcare. All of them were lawyers, business owners, and the like. When they relized I had empathy with people they immediately groomed me for sales. Let me tell you I can sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman with white gloves but I was never happy. One day I met a Dr. who told me to be a nurse. I laughed at the idea at first but my mother-in-law and sister-in-law (both RN's) sat me down and showed me how I would be a great nurse. 2 weeks later my wife had me enrolled in a CNA class (a pre-req here) and I have never looked back! AND I have 5 daughters to take care of so I know what kind of sacrifice is being made by never seeing the family but they support me and that is all that matters!! Even the baby wants Daddy to do well cuz then she gets spoiled even more! She knows, she knows....

In my opinion, if you don't love it.... well, it's pretty obvious what to do! I applaud you making the change

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