anyone else changing careers to go into nursing?

victorious53 · Nov 20, 2003

There are some websites "booksamillion.com" and "half.com" where you can find books way below what they are selling them in bookstores. I have purchased many textbooks in the past from booksamillion.com and someone told me about half.com but i have not purchased from them yet. you get your books pretty quickly too.

innerstrength · Nov 21, 2003

Hi All!

Could not agree more...I have been a Software Analyst for 7 years and I hate it! Sitting at a desk for 40hrs a week, staring at a PC and having senseless coversations with the end user. I want to help and make a difference. I always wanted to be a doctor as a child, but due to having a child myself and the ease in which I was able to get in to computers, it never materialized. At 27 single parent of a 7 yr old, I am going for it! I just finished Pre-Nurse and I take my NLN tomorrow. I will be recieving my BSN in about 1 yr and I plan to purse my PA degree over time, while working as an RN. I also feel that the years of computer and business experiencewe possess will really help us all to excel in nursing. Technology is everywhere, more tomorrow than it was today, it is spreading like wild fire! So just having the depth of knowledge and analytical skills neccessary for computer careers coupled with the tact and interpersonal skills necessary for business, I think we will have a good foundation.

I think in a way my grandma's death also pushed me toward the inevitable, the longing to care and help. My grandma died of colon cancer 2 yrs ago and I was her nurse for the last year of her life. I left work everyday to care for her and I feel I was just blessed to be able to be there for her. :) Now it is just my son and I. I have no family and very few friends here in VA, so I know it will be a long hard road, but I am determined!

victorious53 · Nov 21, 2003

you should be very proud of yourself. it is not easy being a single mom, and a single mom who is pursuing her dream. you go for it! you are right that the years of working in the corporate world will definitely benefit us in nursing in the long run. i have heard both sides of the story - those who are disillusioned with nursing, and those who are very fulfilled as a nurse. i was amazed to find out the breadth of things a nurse can do outside of clinical nursing. i'm excited although i'm just starting out the process. but, i obtained my undergraduate degree while working full-time, going to school full and part-time, and raising and caring for a family. so i know i have what it takes to make it through nursing school. good luck innerstrength - your screen name speak volumes about you!

Mommy/Grandma · Nov 21, 2003

I was in the Purchesing field as a buyer from Pet products to electronics for about 15 years. I decided to become a nurse the day my Mom passed away. Never thought about it before that. Anyway it has only been 4 months as a LPN and I am working in LTC it is hard getting use to the hours and working weekends and holidays. I sometimes feel like I made a mistake, I am leaving LTC for a hospital position hopefully I will feel better about becoming a nurse.

innerstrength · Nov 21, 2003

Hey thanks a bunch, it really means a lot to have people understand and be supportive. Your feedback is greatly appreciated victorious53!

Strength in yourself multiplied by numbers=Success

innerstrength · Nov 21, 2003

Going in to nursing is a big step that takes a lot of thought. If nursing is truly in your heart and you truly desire to be a nurse to make a difference and help others, I believe it is the best choice you could ever make. It will definitely be hard to work weekends and holiday and odd hours, but that was all part of my thought process when I made this decision. I think you will do just fine if it is in your heart! Maybe you just need to find a good fit...you will be fine and we are all here to help each other! :)

Strength in numbers!

victorious53 · Nov 21, 2003

don't be discouraged. you would never have had it in your heart to become a nurse if it was not meant to be even if only for a season in your life. however, i believe that once you find your niche (and there are many for nurses) i believe you will feel better about your decision to become a nurse. you need to look deep down inside and figure out where you think you can serve and help the most, what area of nursing do you have a passion for, then go for it. that will be the place where your heart and compassion will soar and that is where you will make a real difference in someone else's life. be encouraged. i'll be praying for you.

Dublin37 · Nov 22, 2003

Originally posted by Mommy/Grandma
I was in the Purchesing field as a buyer from Pet products to electronics for about 15 years. I decided to become a nurse the day my Mom passed away. Never thought about it before that. Anyway it has only been 4 months as a LPN and I am working in LTC it is hard getting use to the hours and working weekends and holidays. I sometimes feel like I made a mistake, I am leaving LTC for a hospital position hopefully I will feel better about becoming a nurse.

Hi mom/gr. there are soooooooo many different type of nursing that might fit you better. There are lots of outpatient surgery centers that are real 9-5 hours, with weekends, and holidays off. There's always school nursing too, with even., wknd., and summers off, but I know you have to have a BSN for that. You might talk to a nurse recruiter, or educator for more ideas.

Heather

New Castle Ken · Nov 23, 2003

Good luck Amy With the nursing shortage we need nurses and a good source is people coming to nursing as a second career. Remember though every profession has its own problems and so does nursing. You will probably have to rotate to 3 shifts. Most people want days so you may have to wait a while to get a permanent day job. You probably will have to work every other weekend and every other holiday too.

The work is hard and most places are understaffed. Nurses must be very assertive to protect their patients and themselves as administrators and doctors often feel that nurses are there specifically to wait on them and to be their whipping post if they are having a bad day. Nursing has its rewards but like any professions -- its own problems. By the way you won't be bored. You will be exhausted. Good luck.

I have a lot of fond memories of my hospital days but am happy not working in hospitals anymore but after 25 years I put in my dues.

lmd32 · Nov 23, 2003

Oh yeah, 90% of my class is making a radical career change. Because we all came in with non-nursing bachelors it was inevitable. We have a woman with an accounting degree, a paralegal, some lab techs... Me, I'm an ex-LPN with a masters in psych. I missed the nursing and hated my job. Money-wise it's kind of a lateral shift: I'm not going to get rich doing this. But, I'm so much happier.

nurse07 · Nov 26, 2003

Im in a similar situation to u amy. Im 26 and have decided to begin my nursing career. Its a little bit dauting isn't it the thought of study etc.

Ive got a family and their very supportive:kiss but still I just don't know. I havent studied in ten years !. Going back to school will certainly be different.

Will u have to begin a university degree? Im not sure how it works in the states, but here in Australia u do.

Anyway let me know, maybe we can begin the journey together.

Cheers Lacie:D

maelee · Nov 26, 2003

Originally posted by victorious53
actually my comments were directed to amy who just got into nursing school. however, thank you so much for your comments regarding what you are doing in nursing and your words of encouragement. in just one day i was actually able to get some information regarding nursing schools in the fort worth texas area where my husband and i will be relocating to within the next 4 - 6 months. i feel in my heart this is the thing i really want to do and i know that i will have that sense of satisfaction i have been looking for and have not found working in the corporate world. i think the job you are doing is incredible because a lot of people would not necessarily lean towards people who are emotionally, mentally, and psyciatrically challenged. god bless you! thanks again. i do have a question for you though, is it possible to work full time and go to nursing school part time, or are all the nursing programs full time making it impossible to work?

actually, here in our country nursing students CAN work part time. Though im not realy sure how nursing schools in other country works. But yes, i think thats possible. depending how much time of work you will be having.