Career Change

I also am in the midst of a career change. I was making a decent living as an airline pilot, and I gave it all up (the pay, benefits, unlimited travel to anywhere in the world...anytime...on any airline....for free) to follow my dreams and be a great nurse. So I say, follow your dreams.

Julesradio,

I always encourage people to go ahead and get yourself in a healthcare environment as soon as you can because you learn so much that way. Not only will you learn a lot and that will help you during your nursing school days but you will be a better nurse later because you've been in the trenches. You also have the opportunity to work in hospitals or other facilities and you will make contacts (networking baby!).

You have to evaluate your personal situation and determine how much of a financial hit you will take and can tolerate. Its the real world out there and you have to pay your bills but I think it is an excellent plan if you can swing it. Good luck!

If you enjoy your job and the money is needed for you to get through school, I would say stay put and complete your prereqs while doing so. I was only able to take one at a time while I worked, but having a previous bachelor's I was able to complete all the prereqs and coreqs in the two years it took me to get accepted at my local CC.

I think it has taken me a bit longer to feel comfortable in the healthcare setting, but have taken on an internship this summer and will continue working prn as a tech on the same unit. This has helped immensely!!

It's been a mixed bag in our class as to whether working in healthcare is a plus -- some had problems with checkouts due to bad habits they had picked up or feeling they were more scrutinized; one is absolutely acing our classes, while 2 are barely passing each semester. The other handful are doing no better or worse than the rest of us academically.

I think you have to decide when you're ready to make the plunge. If you're not ready to leave your current career while you work toward your new one, then wait until you get closer to starting school. Call local hospitals/nursing recruiters to see what their requirements are (don't just apply online; hard to get a response or information that way). Many in our area will hire you right after you finish your first semester as a "tech II" or some more advanced form of an aide so it's not necessary to complete their formal training programs.

Good luck!! You will make the right decision for you!!