Anyone need a CPR Course/Certification for Nursing or other?

Firehawk,

Sorry to hear you are not pursuing OU nursing. You sounded so excited about the opportunity. If you don't mind me asking, why the change of heart?

I just could not part with my job. It made me realize how cozy and lucky I have it, to be honest. No, it's not what I want to do really. But I've been in my career now for 10 years and with everything I've worked for, it's hard to leave that for a ton of risk and uncertainty. I was in a unique position from most people. I didn't want to have to struggle financially for the next 4 years minimum to get to where I wanted to go, in the hopes that I would like that more, when I really don't even know if I would or not for sure.

Sometimes you don't see the whole picture until a major decision like this is staring you right in the face and you have to make a permanent decision to lose what you have already.

I totally understand where you are coming from. I've been at my current career/company for 12 years now, and it is quite cozy and familiar. I'm at the point, where some mornings I dread going to work. My workplace is great, it's just that I'm not passionate about it anymore. I know where I was meant to be...life just got in the way and it took me a while to get around to nursing. I am worried about the money factor too. According to what others have posted for pay rates in Michigan, it may take me a while to earn what I earn now. I realize I am taking a huge leap of faith, but I really feel this is my purpose (not to sound corny...I really do mean it). In my favor, I do have a supportive husband and we have positioned ourselves to live off one income for a while. It will take some sacrifices but we will make it. I'm not in your position yet, I'm waiting to get a decision from OU. Hopefully, one day soon I too will be faced with the decision of do I stay with a sure thing or take a risk and try something new. Good luck to you Firehawk.

It just made me really think about how lucky I am to have what I have. I did not want to start over and prove myself again by starting at the bottom. It's tough to do that when you have put all this time into one thing. I would basically be throwing that away and taking big risks on something that I was not 100% sure if I really would like. I'm sure i would get more out of it personally, but I would bet the same crap that bothers me at my job now would bother me in that job as well. So it becomes a risk vs reward debate in my mind.

I did not really sit down and begin thinking about every little detail until I had to make the decision. I don't have any regrets. I made a great couple of friends when I was taking prerequisites and I learned a lot of great information. Part of me wishes I could go back to high school and go the doctor route, which is what I always really wanted to be. But at the time I was not willing to work hard enough for that, and right now I don't feel like I have the drive to do that either, nor the finances.

So, while I don't like my job, it's cozy, pays well, and I'm good at it. I don't think I will ever regret the decision, but at least if I ever get laid off or something, I know what I will be pursuing!

Hi Firehawk

Sorry to hear you will not be pursuing nursing. Since I have been on this forum for almost a year(guess I am hooked), I have kept tabs on a few people. I appreciate all the help and advice you have given me in the past. I admired you for going into nursing and possibly leaving a good paying job. I'm like ' is this guy crazy or something?' lol. But I too have worked in a job I was not feeling 100 % fulfilled and that's my driving force to becoming a nurse. Plus the most important part of feeling like you are making a difference - and being a nurse will allow me to do that. I honestly don't know my future as I haven't even been accepted to a program yet(waiting on three schools) I trust in God and hope he guides me. Nursing school is risky because not only is it super difficult, you never know with 100 % certainty if you will love the job. Fortunately I worked in a hospital as a volunteer for a year and like it so far. But you never really know. I think you said it best that every job will have it's own issues, etc. Right now I am focused on getting my BSN, working, and then getting my CRNA. I know I can do it and hope to get the chance. Anyhow, the best of luck to you. In closing, was there anything in Orientation that was a red flag to you(you can PM if you want) - that might have swayed you into this decision?? Thanks.