anyone else changing careers to go into nursing?

CJStudent · Jan 18, 2003

I agree with Dr Kate- above. Well said.

I also was in a business world, 40 hours a week behind a stupid cubicle, for 5 long years. Well, 5 years was long enough. I couldn't stand it.

However, I have found I that I lean more toward the business end of nursing....I guess it's my background with leadership. You may find yourself mixing the two later on as I am now. Nursing is a career full of opportunities. You will find your place one day. Good luck on your journey.

crp2000 · Jan 18, 2003

I'm also leaving the 'Corporate Environment' to pursue a career in nursing. In May of 2001 I graduated with a BBA in Finance. I worked as a 'Financial Analyst' for a year, was laid-off, and now I'm working as an analyst for a mortgage company while I attend a part-time BSN program.

I basically got tired of SLAVING behind a desk all day and having it benefit NO ONE but the freakin' company CEO!!!

I figure, if I'm going to be working 80-hour work weeks, I want to be able to SEE someone benefiting from all of my hard-work. As cliched as it may sound, I decided on a career in nursing for the 'emotional satisfaction'!!

leeca · Jan 19, 2003

l had been wanting to do nursing for years and finally got into it and l have never been happier. l did division 2 nursing first (enrolled nurse) which takes 12 months and you get registered and the end of it, now l'm going to go on to do division 1 (registered nurse) which will take 4 years, parttime as l get credits for being div 2.

So to see if thats what you want to do, do div 2 first to see if you like it before going on to further studies. It is also a lot cheaper to do div 2 than div 1. Once registered you might decided to stay a div 2 and not do anymore studies, which many decide to do.

Coco48170 · Jan 19, 2003

yes, if you enjoy working your a** off, no lunch, no breaks in complete chaos...oh, yes, I would recommend nursing to those people inded!!!

amyrae76 · Jan 20, 2003

Thank you so much, everyone who replied!! It's so great to read about those of you who are (or have been) in similar situations to mine, and to see that I really CAN do this!

And I got good news on Friday -- I've been officially accepted into a nursing program here in town that will start this fall! I was scared because other programs in town are completely full with waiting lists, and I couldn't stand the thought of having to stay at my job for another year or longer just waiting to get in! NOOOOOOOOOO!

Now I just have to figure out how to squeeze in A&P I and II and a Chemistry class, as well as working full-time and hopefully planning a wedding soon, into my summer!

You guys are the best -- I LOVE this bulletin board!

amy

bodine · Jan 22, 2003

Amy -

I really appreciated your post. I am currently a tax lawyer and have been considering nursing for some of the same reasons you mentioned. I hate sitting at a desk all day and I just dont connect with my profession. Nursing is so much more appealing simply b/c (a) its meaningful and (b) you get to move around. I have begun the process of taking prerequisites in preparation for an accelerated one year nursing program. But it is nerve wracking - all this time and energy spent becoming a lawyer and now this major change. All I know is that I have had this sesne of relief ever since i set my mind to doing this and started the process.

Good luck and thanks again for your post. The post and the responses it generated were really reassuring.

amyrae76 · Jan 22, 2003

Hi bodine,

Thanks so much for your post! I love hearing about people like you in similar situations as me. I feel the same way you do -- I spent time and money getting the degree I have, and I'm even still paying off student loans on that, but I just don't connect with my profession, as you said. And the fact that you can move around in nursing is a big factor in my decision too!

I'm very nervous about my decision -- it's so scary to think about taking the plunge and leaving the job and profession you're in to go back to school. Especially in today's economy -- I keep thinking what if I hate school and want to quit? But I really don't think that will happen. I think about the alternative, of continuing to do what I do and be unhappy, and I know this is what I need to do.

Good luck with all your pre-reqs! I think you're making the right decision!

amy :)

ELAINES · Jan 26, 2003

Amy,

If you think you need a career change- you need a change! I have worked in law and can't advance any further. I am 49 years old and was pre-med about 30 years ago. I recently applied to nursing school. You don't have to decide today that you want to be a nurse, but I do suggest you apply to some schools - the waiting lists are lengthy. I notice you are also from NE, one school here in Lincoln has a waiting list of 1 1/2 years and another has a 4 year wait! RN programs also have 25-35 credits of pre-requisites which take about a year to earn. Get on a waiting list and then take your time in deciding.

MIKEY LIKES · Jan 26, 2003

I know I sure am. I currently race mountain bikes and when I need the cash flow, I work at a bike shop. I do have a BS in exercise science and I did have a job in the field. It was unrewarding to say the least. I love what I do, but it's difficult to fill up a resume with....uh... I race bicycles....so I applied to nursing school. I should of done this in the first place. Well...to everyelse else who are changing jobs....good luck to you..I wish you well.

Hardknox · Jan 26, 2003

Have any of you volunteered in a hospital or nursing home? Have you shadowed a nurse or worked as a volunteer in a hospital???

I left a teaching career to go into nursing when I was 40 years old. Nursing was in its heyday back in the 80's and I've never regretted it. But by your posts I haven't seen that anyone truly understands what they are letting themselves in for...Not putting you down, just want to know what you based your love of nursing on.

amyrae76 · Jan 27, 2003

Hi Elaine!

Hey, another person from NE! :) I actually have checked into several programs in NE, primarily in Omaha, and I did find that many of them have waiting lists. Doesn't that seem odd, since all we hear about is the shortage of nurses and the need for more people go to into nursing?

I did find one school in Omaha -- College of St. Mary -- that does not have a waiting list, so I was very excited about that. I've been accepted into their program, and I plan to start in August if finances fall into place *crossing my fingers*. I already have a degree, so the only pre-reqs I have are chemistry and anatomy/physiology.

Thanks for the encouragement, and good luck to you!

amy :)

ELAINES · Jan 27, 2003

Hi Sue,

I am afraid I have put most of my eggs in one basket - BryanLGH College of Health Sciences in Lincoln. If they don't accept me (who wouldn't want a nice Jewish Grandma), I will definately check into College of St. Mary's! BryanLGH is local and has a wonderful clinical program. Thanks so much for the tip. Ironically the nursing shortage is due, in part, to there not being enough space in the hospitals to support the required educational clinical hours. Elaine