Any therapists or social workers turned nurses?

[insatiable]

i have my masters degree in counseling and am contemplating going back to school for nursing with the next couple years, with the hope of eventually becoming a np. i was just curious to see if anyone else out there has made a career switch from a counseling or social work type field to nursing? even more specifically, those that hold a masters in thier first field and went on to earn a masters in nursing. feel free to share your experiences (what route did you take in getting the nursing degree, what you like and dislike about the career change, what area of nursing did you go into, any advice for someone thinking about making the switch, etc).

thanks!

:nuke:

[CarolinaHurricaneFan]

i have my masters degree in counseling and am contemplating going back to school for nursing with the next couple years, with the hope of eventually becoming a np. i was just curious to see if anyone else out there has made a career switch from a counseling or social work type field to nursing? even more specifically, those that hold a masters in thier first field and went on to earn a masters in nursing. feel free to share your experiences (what route did you take in getting the nursing degree, what you like and dislike about the career change, what area of nursing did you go into, any advice for someone thinking about making the switch, etc).

thanks!

:nuke:

i'm actually in the process of doing this right now. i earned a master's in marriage and family therapy. i have been doing that for 2 1/2 years and decided i won't be able to survive (mentally & financially) doing this so i began taking the pre-reqs to apply to an accelarated msn program for those of us with a degree in another field. i turn in my application dec. 1st so i'll let you know how it goes.

it has definetly been a trying process as i'm married and we have a young son (2 y/o) but we're believing this is the right path and are having faith about situation. i've put my time in studying thus far though since the program is competitive.

[westcoastgirl]

not into nursing but I did know a counselor who switched to become a MD and is quite happy with that!

have you thought of applying for a PsychNP master's through a direct entry track? I know somebody who graduated from one and they are in high demand and with your background, I think it could work well.

[loriann, BSN, RN]

I have an MSW and decided after 8 years to become an RN, which I did. I did an accelerated BSN and graduated in 2006. So, I have 2 years into my RN career and am happy that I switched careers. My experience as a social worker definitely helps, so that won't go to waste. Financially, the pay is better and the opportunity for OT is always there, especially in this economy--not good for the safety of patients though. There are days that I wish I had become a fry cook, especially when you are short-staffed, have no aides, and patients are living on the call bell. Keep that in mind as you consider your choices. On the positive side, I enjoy learning and cardiac nursing is a place where you are constantly learning.

I just started an NP program and will probably graduate in 3-4 years, so I hope to have 6 years experience as an RN before I do anything advanced practice. I also would like to work in a CCU, but I would have to switch back to nights and I don't think I could handle nights and school at the same time.

It definitely feels a little strange going for another Masters, and some people say I am crazy or a perpetual student, but I like what I am doing and look forward to doing some good work with cardiac patients in the future.

Good luck with your decision!

Lori