Business student considering a career change.

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Nov 11, 2008

Hi Chris. I have an undergraduate degree in Business Management and an MBA from IU Kelly School of Business. I decided to make the jump this year. I do have to admit that I was considering nursing when I was working on my undergraduate degree, but chose not to change majors as I didn’t want to commit to an extra three years of undergraduate work. I was already at the highest managerial position with my company for those who only held an undergrad degree. So, for advancement reasons, I pursued an MBA. After receiving it, I was promoted twice. I had a good career, but still something was missing. So, I made a pro’s and con’s list of my position and quickly realized that what I liked most about my job were the critical thinking part and working with others. Again, I thought about nursing. I asked a local hospital if I could shadow a nurse because I was strongly considering a career change. I shadowed four different nurses and decided it was what I wanted to do. So, I applied and was accepted this year.

There are students in my class who are going into nursing for the money. They have no qualms with admitting it and I think it is a valid reason. I am going into nursing because of the flexibility. I’m at a point in my life where I want to be home more with family. The money isn’t bad either. Believe me when I say I made a great salary where I was employed and I will make nowhere near that as a nurse. But the bottom line is…I am willing to make less to be happier. I can still use the analytical skills I developed from business school and help people during their most vulnerable time. Another added benefit is hospitals don’t tend to lay off nurses J So, job security is certainly available in this field. I have had instructors tell me that getting into administration will be a little easier for me since I have a business degree, but for now…I am interested in bedside.

I say do it! If you are serious about wanting to become a nurse, your previous degree will help you in the critical thinking part of nursing.

KT17 · Nov 11, 2008

Hi Chris,

I graduated with a degree in Business Admin in 2005 and worked for an insurance company and a defense contractor before deciding to return to school this year to pursue a nursing degree. I found that no matter how busy I was at work, I never felt like I really accomplished anything worthwhile. I always thought that I wanted a job that would earn me enough money to live a comfortable life and do what I wanted outside of work, but I realized that because so much of my time was spend at work that I really wanted to enjoy what I was doing and feel good about it at the end of the day. I quit my full time job and started taking classes this summer, and although it's been a little scary to make such a big change in my life I think it is definitely worth it. Hopefully that helps!

KT

cincinnaticj7 · Nov 12, 2008

hey chris,

i am almost right along with the previous two other posts, except that i graduated with three bachelors degrees in international business, international affairs, and history. i worked for an international steam ship company for a number of years before i made up my mind to change careers. i had thought of transferring into nursing during my undergrad years, but i realized that the extension of classes also add large number of years and cost. so it took until now, 4 years after my undergrad to go back to nursing school. i also took a pay cut as i pursue nursing as career change, but we all do things for our own reasons. as each of the previous posts said, go for what you want. i know i am sacred as well, atleast too be making such jump back in school after four years out and for the career change, but i know it will be worth it in the end. my girlfriend is completely supportive of me, i think she wanted me to become a nurse as a undergrad but she never pressured me enough…oh well. also remember, the more education you have, ‘usually the further and faster you can climb up a the totem poll.’ good luck chris with whatever path you choose.

josh1974, LPN · Nov 13, 2008

Dude, I'm 34, been in the Marine Corps, worked construction, farmed, have a BA in behavioral/social science/anthropology, worked in mental health for roughly 7 years. I'm livin on a student loan and my 401k right now (1st semester). I'd say do it, has to be better than business type work, (no offense to your 1st choice). Talk to a nursing advisor or better yet, real nurses, they'll give ya the real low down and let ya know if it's what ya want to do.

atomicgrudge19 · Nov 13, 2008

i was 47 credits away from my business degree and decided to go to nursing school. i just took my nclex the other day and waiting anxiously on whether i passed or not. im glad i made the decision to go on the medical field.

UVA Grad Nursing · Nov 13, 2008

We've had a number of successful students from business background in our Masters Entry CNL program. The marriage of direct nursing care to outcomes assessment, quality assurance/improvement, and use of evidence/data to inform changes in practice "fit" well to to those with business backgrounds. We've even turned a Six Sigma Blackbelt into RNs!

There are several Universities that offer the CNL program as a Masters Entry (Rush, Maryland, UCLA, Virginia). These programs will not be much more time than an Associate Degree (15-24 months) and would build upon your life experiences.

d4nNY · Nov 21, 2008

I'm in your position, except I have already changed directions and am no longer pursing a business degree. Having already been series7 licensed and working as a Broker in a large firm dealing with the investments market, I was looking for a change and am looking to get into my local community colleges nursing program. I am finishing up my last prereq (taking it over for a better grade), and praying for the best. Good luck to you as well.

youneek28 · Nov 22, 2008

I to am looking into a career change. I am currently an airline pilot for a regional airline and after 350 laid off and me going back to co pilot, I know I don't want to live my life like this. First the ups and downs of the airlines are killing my sense of security for the future. Second I hate being gone 20 days a month while my sense of home is in the form of a hotel room. I don't know about you all, but this is a very hard decision for me to make.

The thing i'm dealing with is that I took A&P 1 and 2 about 8 years ago and all programs will not except these classes if older than 6 years. The soonest I can be accepted into a program in Spring 2010, which really sucks because I'm not getting any younger.

czyja, MSN, RN · Nov 25, 2008

I had a 20 year career in business before switching to nursing.

The things I learned in the business world have been a great asset as I move through my nursing education.

Go for it! You will love it.

justme1972 · Nov 25, 2008

My name is chris and right now i'm going to school in milwaukee pursing a B.S. in Information Technology, but I'm considering entering right into nursing school after I graduate. If anyone who's made the jump from business to Nursing school cares to tell me about what that was like I would really appreciate it.
Chris

It depends on how far you are in your current degree...if you are at Junior level or higher, my advice is to finish that degree, and then apply as a 2nd degree student to the school's nursing program.

plowboy911 · Nov 27, 2008

Whatever you do, and I don't know how many times i have to repeat this, shadow, talk to real nurses, spend time with them, work as a CNA, etc, etc. You may think you want to be a nurse, but nursing school is a long haul to find out it's not for you. IT IS A TOUGH JOB. Not trying to discourage, rather I am trying to help you and everyone considering the field to make the right decision.

I have a business background and there are many days when I miss the old cubicle. That being said, there are days when i feel good about what I accomplished.

I am happy to email, talk on phone, whatever. Let me know.