Being a Vet Tech to becoming a RN

[petnurse2humnurse]

Wondering if anyone on this site has gone through what i'm seriously considering doing.

I am a yong Veterinary Technician, been out of school for 1 1/2 years now. I love being a Vet Tech but am not able to live off my income. I find everything about the nursing world very intriguing but thought I couldn't do the Human nurse thing. But now I am seriously contemplating going back to school to become a RN. If anyone has done this I would like to know what steps you took, what was the most difficult thing, if it really is easier since you were a vet tech to become a rn like everyone thinks it will be? and any other advice you may have.

I would greatly appreciate it. I am trying to take all the precautionary steps I can so I don't make another mistake!

Thank you!

petnurse2humnurse

[s8ntollie]

I was a Vet Tech for a couple of years 20+ years ago. I found nursing school to be much easier for me than for others. Drawing blood, giving injections and starting IVs is much easier on a human who is somewhat able to understand, hold still without restraint and MOST of them don't bite! LOL You already have understanding of A & P, many of the diseases are the same or similar.

Dealing with patient's families can be trying at times - but I would say no worse that some of the most difficult pet owners I encountered. Go for it!!!! The pay is much better, the responsibilities are greater though!!

S8ntollie

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Moved to the Nursing Career Advice Forum. Good luck to you.

[petnurse2humnurse]

Thank you so much! That is exactly what I want to hear.

Is there anyway you could elaborate on what you meant by more responsibilities? Also, what degree do you have, or did you go for first? I really want to know what i'm getting into before I jump with both feet first.

Again - I appreciate this so much!

[albita]

I am totally going to be doing the same things, been a vet tech for 10 yrs, getting my liscence in July and hopefully going to school for RN and getting in there..... I need a change of pace, I will always love animals but I need to start making real money to live comfortably...

[Sheepwithagun]

I was a vet tech (not licensed) through high school and college(s). I applied, got accepted, and *poof* was a RN. Ok..maybe it was a little more difficult than that. School was perhaps a little easier because of the background knowledge I had, but not significantly so. I think what I like best about nursing is that I really feel knowledgeable and prepared to care for my patients now. All my training for teching was on the job and I felt that certain parts of of my training weren't as complete as they should have been. I feel more confident about my skills as a nurse. I also really like that I can be a much stronger advocate for my patients now.

I would've loved to stay a vet tech long term, but there just isn't enough respect or pay for the job and it's way too tough on your body.