Any former computer geeks out there? Looking for advice...

[totalsandwich]

Heya, i'm a full stack web developer with a BFA, been working for about 3 years and coming to the sad realization that it's just not for me. I enjoy computer technology, and I am an excellent programmer, but I derive no personal satisfaction from writing code and building products, therefore I am incredibly unfulfilled :/

I'm basically fresh out of school (i'm 23) did well in undergrad (3.7 overall gpa, honors) totally debt free with a healthy savings account (thank you software engineering) but I have a whopping 0 of the necessary prerequisites for nursing school. I'm not too worried about that part just yet, because I am a diligent student, and if I decide to do this I will give it my all as far as the academics go.

I'm more concerned about making the right choice before spending any money and time on additional education. I've been considering the healthcare field for a long time, but never really jumped in due to outside pressure to get a job and start earning, etc. I'm not particularly interested in prestige or money, becoming some hot shot physician or whatever. I just want to feel i did something to help someone when I show up to work.

Considering I have just about no experience in healthcare aside from shadowing a cardiologist for a bit when i was in college, whats a good way for a full-timer to get his feet wet in the field?

I've considered getting and EMT-B and volunteering at an ambulance company, becoming a volunteer fireman, serving meals at a hospital, helping out at a nursing home, etc. As i've said, my skills are limited, but I am willing to dedicate my free time to learn what I can and make an informed decision about my future.

Oh and i'm in NYC if that helps.

Any suggestions / help / encouragement are greatly appreciated!! :)

[Castiela]

Most hospitals have volunteering opportunities. Positions that might help you decide can include orienting families to specialty or visiting with long term clients for company. These would help orient you the hospital and watch nurses from afar.

[caliotter3]

Also consider becoming a CNA. Nor only will you get a close-up view of patient care and nursing, you can score points toward admission to nursing school, should you decide to continue. You might also consider LPN, but that is more of a commitment.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Read "What color is your parachute". It is an excellent book on how to align your personal interests with careers. It helped me a lot when I jumped from music to medicine.

[totalsandwich]

Thank you all for your replies! Considering getting my feet wet is the quickest way towards figuring out if this is for me, i'll definitely try to get some volunteering experience asap.

@caliotter3 I had no idea that CNA's even existed until you posted, so thanks for that!

@nurse2033 Looks great! I'm an avid reader so i'll give it a read this weekend for sure :) music to medicine huh? Why the change / what were some of the biggest challenges?

[cyc0sys]

I understand where you're coming from. I was a network security engineer for several years prior to nursing. I liked working with technology but there was a sense of accomplishment which seemed to be missing from my life.

I worked as an EMT-B and then medic part time prior to making the switch. I also worked on several bioinfomatic projects while I was still an engineer which helped develop an understanding of medical processes and procedures.

I do miss problem solving behind a terminal some days as well as the pay. A lot of the technology hasn't caught up to the medical end of things. For example, my facility doesn't use email and still relies heavily on fax machines.

Coworkers are different too. Some people are really technically and medically savvy. Others seem to just show up to work, can't figure out how to setup an IV pump, and make me wonder how they ever made it through nursing school.

Drama, whether from patients or co-workers, seems to dominate everything unless you work in cardiac Cath lab or some type of specialty. It's still there, e.g. Doc had an early tee time Pt is prepped and everyone is waiting for him to stroll in 2 hours late.

I'd think long and hard before you make the jump. Once you leave IT, it's hard to go back. I'd also consider PA school, you might be able to tap more of your college credits and it's a bit more drivers seat like coding instead of help desk like nursing.