Career changers? What is your previous degree in? What was your previous career?

laski · Sep 5, 2011

Paramedic out of high school (contemplated medical school, athletic training). Graduated with a B.A. in English/Technical Writing. Worked in the technology field for a few years. M.Ed. in Teacher Education/Language Arts. Taught high school English, adult learners, technology courses.

I am fascinated by the backgrounds of career changers as well. I was contemplating going back for my Ph.D. and even had the opportunity for a funded assistantship. But, I am finding myself on these boards, signing up for more non-nursing science courses (I start micro in a few weeks), and preparing to re-apply to the nursing program (I was accepted, but I have a 2 and 4 year old and I feel I needed one more year home). So, maybe I know exactly what I want to do

What are your ultimate plans? How have you family and friends responded? Where are you in the application process? The good news, I don't think you'll have any issues with the science courses :)

spore2008 · Sep 5, 2011

I finished all of my prerequisite course work this past Spring and Summer. I am taking my last course now, pathophysiology. I have been accepted into an ABSN and into an Entry Level Master's program. The ABSN starts in January and I deferred on the Master's program for one year which was also starts in January. Both programs are HUGE geographic changes but that is ok since we want to leave the NY metro area. I am not solid yet on my ultimate plans which explains why I am having some difficulty deciding on program. I have passed my 35th birthday and we DO want to at least try to have a family. So attaining yet another degree and family planning are concurrent activities. Incidentally, when I started my PhD I did want to climb the food chain. Now, I believe I'd be content being part of the "web of life." So, I am thinking psych nursing...but I do not know what I am going to be exposed to in nursing school and perhaps my focus may change to a new direction. Perhaps becoming and NP or DNP (more common). Nursing is quite versatile, unlike career opportunities for certain types of PhD scientists.

Where are you in the application process? Do you know what you want your endpoint to be? Or how do you see yourself 1 year from now? And where? What types of programs are you considering? How many prerequisites do you have left to take? If you have any questions about applications and schools, I have a good knowledge base...hey, I am a trained researcher!

laski · Sep 5, 2011

Outside of our differing academic backgrounds, we have a lot in common. I especially am on board with: when I started my PhD I did want to climb the food chain. Now, I believe I'd be content being part of the "web of life." That describes my evolving philosophy perfectly. As for versatility, that is absolutely key for me.

I have two young children--we started our family when I was 35, so I am now quickly approaching 40. I live in a small rural community, so we have somewhat limited academic options. I was accepted to a local ADN program. However, I decided to delay entry by one year so I could have one last year as a full-time mom AND so I could complete the rest of the non-nursing courses in my program (micro, stats, nutrition, A&P II) leaving only 9 nursing courses to take for the ADN--rendering the program as close to half-time as I can get. The director gave me her blessing, which was a huge boost for me.

My ultimate plan is to enter a MSN bridge program at Ohio University--only 5 BSN level courses to take--for my FNP and nursing education/curriculum development. I absolutely love teaching, so I ultimately see myself in a classroom again. I want to get as much experience as I can since I feel so far behind. My hope is that my age and experience will only be an advantage rather than a hindrance. Regardless, I will take nothing for granted.

Also, from what I have learned on these forums, jobs are difficult to come by for new grads. Thankfully, I am in an area where there is tremendous support for new grads and a growing need for NPs. I hope this trend continues as I work toward and finish my degree.

These forums have truly been an excellent support. I am grateful for the advice and support I receive here. I just recently posted about pursuing my Ph.D. and being torn. I had an opportunity to teach this term in the college of ed, but it was not to be. As each day passes since I received the news, I feel increasingly relieved and content with my choice to pursue nursing.

iPink, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2011

I have my BA. I worked for a quantitative consumer research company for a while. While working late one day I asked God there's got to be something better for me. Well nursing is that something better. I'm currently in an ABSN program. Plan is to work for at least 2 years then do a BSN-to-DNP program. It is a 4 year program full-time (or 6 years part-time). That route is something for you to think about if you're still interested in obtaining a doctorate. If not, spend a year as an RN and then go back for a specialized MSN. Don't worry about age, there are plenty of 35yr+ students in my program, many with their graduate degrees, who have made this decision. Good luck.

spore2008 · Sep 5, 2011

Hi Laski,

I am new to allnurses.com and tried to accept your friend request...I also do not have 15+ posts under my belt so I am not quite sure how to move forward.

Interesting about teaching...I got called about 3 weeks ago to teach Biology at the local community college and declined. I also declined teaching at the Princeton Review SAT sections. All in the name of this career change! As for nursing...I considered a number of options including Genetics Counselor and social worker. I simply felt nursing would be more adaptable than most science-based careers still open to me. I think you are making wise decisions based on your situation. Is it feasible to go to the University from your location? Have you considered getting a BSN straight away? On the other hand, going half-time sounds human! The program I am likely to attend is set at break-neck speed with 18-19 credits per semester (3 semesters and you are all done!). As of right now, I think I would like to be a Psych NP/DNP eventually. After these past 3 years, I realize I can look ahead one month at a time. I don't know much about the nursing market in OH or anywhere for that matter.

I am bummed about obtaining my PhD, some days more than others. I remember in college a professor told me not to go for the PhD to have a feather in my cap. Graduate school was a brutal experience at times. I wonder how an ABSN or Master's Entry Program would compare to graduate PhD school. From what I gather, courses and times are dictated to you whereas I made my own schedule for the most part while in grad school.

Are you near a big city? Is there only one school as an option for you? Would you be willing to move? If you can fit the pieces together and stay in one place, that would be fantastic! Good luck!

laski · Sep 6, 2011

I considered the BSN, but the requirements to get in mean several more classes, whereas if I go the ADN route, those classes will be part of my BSN bridge and MSN. Also, money is a consideration. I'll pay about a quarter tuition by attending the local CC rather than the state U (which chances are I'll be attending for the BSN bridge/MSN).

I was a little disappointed about losing out on teaching the course. I was counting on it to help me decide if the Ph.D. was the right path for me. Yet, in the last 36 hours I have heard enough about the program and the lack of opportunities within higher education (which industry DOESN'T have issues right now?), which have left me with serious second thoughts. Like you, I researched nursing, the field, the programs and felt confident about my decision based on the opportunities to work in a variety of areas. With the Ph.D., it was somewhat last minute so my due diligence was lacking.

I don't know much about the MSN level, but I am eager to find out. I also am not sure what the actual situation is in regards to the NP programs moving to the doctorate level. Seems there is mixed info out there.

As for your program--WOW! OSU has a direct entry MSN program that sounds similar--way too intense for me. I've gotten to a point in my life where I want . . . well, a life. While I know nursing school will be a challenge, I am hoping that all my preparing will give me a chance to have one and perhaps even enjoy the process as a whole. Do you have any other options in terms of schooling? When do you start?

I am amazed at how many people with advanced degrees are heading back to school--even more amazed at how many are heading to nursing schools. Not sure if that is the cause of the "glut" of new nurses or not. All I know is that my school starts with about 50 in the program and ends up with about 15 at the end. So, I know a lot are entering, but I wonder how many are actually completing the program?

sugarmagnoliaRN · Sep 6, 2011

BA in Art History... currently working in an office. I'm not too far out of school, but I have a lot of reasons for going into nursing... for one thing, I hate hate hate sitting all day. I get up from my desk pretty frequently during the day but I just hate a job where I need to sit for the majority of it... it's not natural! I want to be somewhere I can feel good about the work I'm doing... I honestly have thought about nursing in terms like, if I hit the lottery tomorrow, I absolutely would be volunteering in a hospital. I was in and out of the hospital as a child and it's scary for the patient and the family... as hard as it's going to be, I want to be that good healthcare worker that makes someone's time there a little bit more bearable.

sugarmagnoliaRN · Sep 6, 2011

Oh and another reason for wanting to be a nurse - our bodies are freakin amazing! So interesting, I could keep learning about it forever.

spore2008 · Sep 6, 2011

Laski,

That is a helluva attrition rate at your school! I asked at both of the programs that accepted me and was told there was no attrition rate. I suppose this means the admissions committee selects its candidates very carefully. I am on the fence about an ABSN vs. Masters Entry Program. There are pros and cons to each. Ultimately, I would like to be an advanced practice nurse but I did not apply to any combined degree program to ensure this possibility. We can move to any geographic location we like...and there are plenty we do not like! I went to college a couple of states away and started graduate school a state further away. Strange, though, as I get older my wanderlust sparkles less and less. My plan is to start school in January. The ABSN is a 3 semester program and then DONE! This is barring the possibility that we get pregnant or any other life dinger dings the trajectory.

laski · Sep 6, 2011

If I could do it in 3 semesters and I were you--absolutely I would! Children definitely adds an extra kink in life planning. And for me, it is because of them that nursing has become a growing desire.

Now, as for you, even if you were to get pregnant while in the program, you'd more than likely be fine. I was teaching high school, student council advisor, and track coach all while in my final trimester! It can be done!

Just got my micro books today. I'm such a geek . . . already through the same page. I'm with sugarmagnolia081 . . . I could keep learning forever. Well, until my brain just finally throws up the white flag (which I hope is never).

michelleinsc · Sep 6, 2011

BS in psychology and EdS in school psychology. I have had my school psych license since '95 and have worked part time on and off since then (we have four kids). I have been feeling really burned out in my job and working in the public school system for the last few years, and finally have hit the point that I decided I either need to make a career change or stop complaining. I am very early in this process...I am just now getting my application in to start pre-reqs this winter. My hope is to eventually go the NP route, possibly in mental health or peds so that my EdS will be helpful in my work. It feels so good to be excited about learning again and taking the steps to make career changes...scary but hopeful!