career change to nursing the right choice?

[Dino]

Hi, I figured I would ask the guys on here about being a nurse and making a career change. I was anticipating going to a 2nd degree BSN program this fall, and hoping down the road to go anesthesia. But every time I go allnurses forums all I read is how miserable, overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated nurses are. I realize don't go by everything you read, but alot of people on here just have nothing good to say about the profession. Is it really this hard being a nurse?? My goal was to get the nursing degree and work in ICU, then after a couple of years apply to anesthesia program, if I don't get in then get nurse practitioner as back up. Currently, I work in pharm sales and earn a nice living, however, job security is very unstable in this profession, I have a biology degree and some grad courses in biological/medical sciences, and every time I think ok, this is the right choice, I read horrific stories on here about the nightmare on all levels of being a nurse. I have met RN's who became drug reps, and even they have said, there is no nursing shortage, there is just a shortage of nurses who want to continue to work in the field. Can any of you help out with some good advice??

[charlestonsailing]

It is intersting to hear from the pilots changing careers. When I got out of the Navy over 5 years ago I was sure I wanted to be a commercial pilot. I had dreamed of it all my life. I got a job that would allow me to work on the ratings pretty hard and was trucking through. Finished my Private and was building time for instrument when one day it hit me, man you pilots live a rough life. I love the view out the window but my god I was making a 6 figure income. I decided I would treat work as a job and just go where the money was. I staid with my 6 figure job and have been one big ball of grumpy almost ever since. Actually it probably got bad when I sold my little C150 as it was no longer a training item but a pure toy.

Finally the economy took a nose dive and I am making about 60% of last years income. I decided we can live on less money and I love the part time work I do as an EMT. So here I am. 9 days from leaving my company to hit school full time.

I too hope that I can someday get into an advanced practice area and make some money again. I'd love to get back to flying someday but I want it to be in something a bit more substantial than a 150.