Attorney to Nurse Career

Peanut&Buttercup · Jul 16, 2014

I'm starting nursing school this fall. Attorney for 14. Still freaking out about it all!!

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2014

I practiced for 10 years before starting my nursing school prereqs. Have now been a nurse for over 2 years and I never looked back. I honestly don't know how I made it through law school, nursing was so much more interesting. I don't regret changing careers at all. This is where I belong. Hope you will feel the same way!

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zynnnie · Sep 15, 2014

doing my Pre req for nursing school, was a lawyer for three years. i thought i was alone in this weird career path. #kindred spirit

Peanut&Buttercup · Sep 15, 2014

There is actually another lawyer in my class of 32. You are not alone!

nt2002 · Sep 19, 2014

I practiced for 10 years before starting my nursing school prereqs. Have now been a nurse for over 2 years and I never looked back. I honestly don't know how I made it through law school, nursing was so much more interesting. I don't regret changing careers at all. This is where I belong. Hope you will feel the same way!
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Paco-RN -- could you say more about why you are happy with your choice? I've been practicing law for 15 years and I'm seriously considering transitioning. Did you have healthcare or caregiving experience before starting school? Do you think having a JD was a problem when you entered the job market? Thanks!

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2014

Paco-RN -- could you say more about why you are happy with your choice? I've been practicing law for 15 years and I'm seriously considering transitioning. Did you have healthcare or caregiving experience before starting school? Do you think having a JD was a problem when you entered the job market? Thanks!

I think I am enjoying the stability of a nursing job, something I could never find in law. I also feel working as a nurse has more fulfilling moments that you can take home with you than representing clients. The only experience I had in healthcare before nursing school was volunteering in a hospital for 2 years prior to starting. Other than that, nothing. I dont think my JD was a hindrance in the job market at all, although you do get the "why the switch" question every single time. I think it also helps you establish some maturity and life experience that is an asset to new nurses.

TammyG · Oct 16, 2014

I practiced law for 15 years before starting back to nursing school. I wanted a total change in professions, one that would give me a lot of personal satisfaction. I have been a nurse for 4 years now and can truly say I love every minute.

delphine22 · Oct 18, 2014

Just curious: Once you all have more experience, do you think you will take your experience back toward legal nurse consulting?

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2014

Just curious: Once you all have more experience, do you think you will take your experience back toward legal nurse consulting?

I most likely wont. I don't see that as a viable career option right now. I think going into risk management would be the better route for me but not sure yet how to get into that. I am not comfortable with all the inflated hype about making $125/hr as a legal nurse consultant, have yet to meet anyone who has had true success with this.

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TammyG · Oct 18, 2014

I have no interest in legal nurse consulting.

Danzi · Jun 6, 2016

I've been a lawyer for six years and am seriously considering making the switch to nursing school. I'm starting my pre-reqs now and have not decided yet whether to do a one year accelerated BSN, or do a 3 year accelerated RN/NP program. I'm scarred and excited at the same time. Could any of you give details on the types of program you completed? Thank you!