Career Change: Auditor to RN - Education Advice

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello Everyone:

Thanks for reading my post and all advice, insight and encouragement is welcomed!

Let me start off by giving a little background about myself:

I graduated from college in 2004 with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

I've been working for 6 years as an Auditor for several different large account firms in NYC (always lots of turnover within these organizations)

For about the last 2 years I can't shake the feeling that I can't bare to do this for another 35 years, I need something more fulfilling and I've always had this attraction to nursing, I want to help people, and find the human body to be fascinating.

Last year around this time my job laid me off do to the recession. I saw this as my opportunity to make the career change I had been thinking about. So I applied to the local ADN program (no pre-reqs required, they are built into the program) and received my acceptance letter last weekend. I originally wanted to get the BSN because i know down the road this would open other doors if I decided i wanted to go after an MSN BUT all the accelerated BSN programs had 10 or more pre-reqs required which would have taken at least a year and probably would have been more like 2 years before i actually started the BSN program. A close friend of mine said this is nothing to stress over, she did exactly what im attempting to do and took the ADN program which she absolutely loved the school. The two major local hospitals will pay for their RN's to continue their education (up to 2 classes a semester) so I was thinking this was the best approach since the ADN program would be complete in 20 months and I could slowly peice meal my BSN degree for free while I work. I was hoping there are other individuals on this site that have some advice and encouragement as well as some RN's that have already completed what I'm attempting to do.

Thanks!!

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Specializes in Home Health Care.

I think you have a great plan in place! Welcome to nursing :D

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Be cognizant that nurses arent guaranteed jobs at all these days...and that hospitals prefer to hire BSNs in certain metro areas (NOT ALL!)...so while this was a cheap route that made sense in the past, if it doesnt result in a job offer at the end was it really "cheap" etc

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Well actually I wouldn't really consider the program cheap, its just cheaper...

My RN friend (who works at the hospital) said her hospital is hiring, and this particular school has a strong affiliation with the hospitals. I'm hoping I don't run into this problem, but I am looking at this as more of a long term career change (countrys health care needs continue to grow)

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Specializes in CVICU, ED.

It sounds like you have given this a lot of thought and have a good plan in place. You should check if any of your courses from your first degree are transferable. Also, there are schools that offer accelerated BSN, if moving is a possibility for you.

Otherwise, ADN is a good start. I work with many nurses who are ADN and they are FANTASTIC. You get out of it what you put in!!!

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Thanks! There are actually a few local accelerated BSN programs, but all require a large list of pre-reqs i would have to take...ADN would get me working as an RN quicker (hopefully).

Anyone out there made a similar transition?

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Specializes in CVICU, ED.

I used to be a paramedic before becoming a nurse, so not a big transition. However. . . I have been contemplating a change myself and have looked strongly into computer science (software engineer). I need more confidence when it comes to math (calculus:uhoh3:).

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

I made a mid-life change from engineering into math. I chose an accelerated MSN program for the same reason that you're considering the ASN... it was the quickest way in and out. I think that's the wisest move - to (hopefully) get a job as quickly as possible.

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Well actually I wouldn't really consider the program cheap, its just cheaper...

My RN friend (who works at the hospital) said her hospital is hiring, and this particular school has a strong affiliation with the hospitals. I'm hoping I don't run into this problem, but I am looking at this as more of a long term career change (countrys health care needs continue to grow)

Its a FANTASTIC long term career move, and in the short term your likely to get a job with an ADN in certain areas...it sounds like your area is one. Where I live ADNs are sort of locked out these days for new grad jobs, and the ones working are being forced into getting BSNs or losing their licenses....thats just NYC. As far as the prereqs for ADNs your right, there are none...its kind of backwards but you may find that those are the courses you will encounter taking later. I actually found the prereqs more challenging than the nursing classes but thats just me.

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I am almost in the same situation as you. I graduated in 2008 and worked as auditor for the last 2 years at a large accounting firm. Within the first few months of working I realized that accounting was not my true passion, but I stuck with it for almost two years. I've always wanted to do nursing and finally decided to go back to school. Today was my last day at work:yeah:...and I start classes for my CNA certification next week.

I decided to take the long route and get my BSN. I will be working as a patient care tech while in school as a form of income and to gain experience in the hospital setting.

My friends and family have been really supportive of my decision. The hardest part was leaving my current job for the "unknown", but now that I've done it I feel so free. I know it's gonna be a hard journey, but I am ready for the challenge.

Good luck to you!:up:

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