Career Conflict: Nursing, yes or no

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 9, 2005

Hmmmm.... usually when I see these threads that say, "Should I be a nurse or not?" I don't bother to respond -- or I say something like, "Follow your heart, and only you know what is inside your heart." Sometimes, I even get a little frustrated with people who expect complete strangers to know what career path would be best for them.

However, your particular case is a little different. Not only are you a "full grown adult," but you already have a career in health care that you think may satisfy you. Nursing may not add enough to your satisfaction (and your bank account) to make it worth the big investment of time and money. I think you are right to be questioning this.

Is there any way you can delay your admission to the nursing program? Have you asked them? Sometimes schools allow students to delay admission for a semester or a year without making them re-apply. That would give you time to "try out" the Unit Coordinator position to see if it is a good as you think it is.

If you can't (or don't want to) delay admission, then I would recommend investigating the Unit Coordinator position even more thoroughly than you probably already have. Perhaps you will find that people tend to leave the position after 2 or 3 years. If so, why? Is it because it's not as great as it first seems? Another possibility is that yours is the only hospital in the area that offers such a position. If you happen to have some sort of problems with your current employer, you would not be able to quit and go to another hospital. In other words, if this particular job doesn't work out because of some employer-specific reason, will you be able to maintain a CAREER in health care by switching to another similar job? Does that make sense? In other words ... there is a big difference between finding a specific job that is OK for now and building a long-term career. The long-term career thing requires that you have a set of skills that is marketable to a variety of employers so that you can maintain your career in a variety of settings.

Finally ... maybe you should consider starting nursing school now with the idea that you will give it a semester of two and then see how you feel. That's an expensive option, but it might be the best for you. Starting nursing school does not have to committ you to graduation. Give it a try ... and see how you like. If it doesn't feel right to you, quit. All you will have lost is one semester's expenses -- expensive, but maybe an important investment for you. That way, you wouldn't look back 5 years from now (having a bad day at work) and wonder "What if I had only gone to nursing school?"

Good luck with whatever you decide,

llg

SarasotaRN2b · Jul 9, 2005

Hi llg, thanks for responding. I'm definitely mulling your suggestions and I am going to first see how it actually is working as a HUC (though I admit I am very excited about this opportunity). I figure I'll also look into their policy about possibly deferring entrance to the next class. It would also give me the added benefit of being able to earn some extra money before starting if I still pursue it.

BTW, the position HUC is the same as a unit secretary so I feel that whatever experience I get in this hospital will be beneficial if I decide to go to other hospitals. Because there are so many different types of departments that use HUCs I can definitely have variety in my job.

Again, thank you.

Kris

lady_jezebel · Jul 9, 2005

It sounds like you will really love this job. You can always decide later to attend nursing school, but right now there's no rush. 40 is young in this field, and schooling is only 2-3 years -- so you have plenty of time to do it later if you find yourself developing a greater passion for it.

Right now, follow your heart! It won't lead you astray.

SarasotaRN2b · Jul 10, 2005

It sounds like you will really love this job. You can always decide later to attend nursing school, but right now there's no rush. 40 is young in this field, and schooling is only 2-3 years -- so you have plenty of time to do it later if you find yourself developing a greater passion for it.
Right now, follow your heart! It won't lead you astray.

Thank you, Lady Jezebel. I think it is also a feeling of school burn out. I've been going to school doing the prereqs for a few years, attending every semester including summers. Maybe after a break of a semester or two, I might be more raring to go.

Kris

Curious1alwys, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2005

I feel alot of the same way, tired of school. The nursing classes are super interesting, but it is still hard work I suppose.. :rolleyes: I got a little more going on than that, but I do plan to alleviate some of the stressors to ensure my success in the program.

Have fun in your new job! I am looking to get into the front lines of healthcare too, from a back office job! Good Luck in whatever you decide!:)

SarasotaRN2b · Jul 15, 2005

I'm almost finished with my first week as a HUC (unit Secretary). I have to say it has been a very eye-opening experience. I also realize that yes, nursing is something I should definitely pursue. I realize that I was just having cold feet. I would suggest others who are finding themselves anxious about clinicals is to look into getting a job in a hospital or even volunteer.

Kris

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 15, 2005

I'm glad to read you are resolving things in your mind. Sometimes, you just need to give things a little time to work themselves out and become more clear.

Good luck to you!

llg

studentdeb · Jul 15, 2005

I'm almost finished with my first week as a HUC (unit Secretary). I have to say it has been a very eye-opening experience. I also realize that yes, nursing is something I should definitely pursue. I realize that I was just having cold feet. I would suggest others who are finding themselves anxious about clinicals is to look into getting a job in a hospital or even volunteer.
Kris

I agree with you. I just quit a Unit Secretary job because I didnt' like it. It also helped me to realize that I do not want to do nursing. I didn't like the rude doctor's, the craziness around the desk, the very low pay and working holidays and weekends. I was just offered a position with the government working M-F, flexitme, 10 paid holidays and other benefits plus good pay. It opened my eyes that you really have to be someone special to work in the hospital. I know I could do the work, but want to be able to do things with my family and be able to take time off when I want and not have to worry about finding people to fill in for me etc. I am still interested in Social Work and still may pursue that part-time as they have those positions with the government also.

So yes getting in the hospital is a good idea for people who are not sure, it helped me quite a bit.

I so much appreciate what nurses do much more than I did before.

Debi

Curious1alwys, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2005

Kris..

I was glad to see that you went for it. Cold feet is oh-so-common. I just jumped over that hurdle and am in week three of NS. If you like your job as a unit secretary, odds are you will like nursing. I think if you didn't go for it now, in a few years you would regret it....

Best of luck to you!!!

I'm almost finished with my first week as a HUC (unit Secretary). I have to say it has been a very eye-opening experience. I also realize that yes, nursing is something I should definitely pursue. I realize that I was just having cold feet. I would suggest others who are finding themselves anxious about clinicals is to look into getting a job in a hospital or even volunteer.
Kris

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 16, 2005

All I can say is to follow your heart and don't believe everything you hear. You should explore things on your own and so you can decide if something is right or not. I say don't knock it till you try it. If nursing is in your heart then go for it, but if you are having second thoughts, sort them out first, prioritize and then gather a conclusion. Best luck to you :)

fulwood · Jul 16, 2005

I agree follow your heart. Do not be like me. I have always wanted to do nursing but have not always followed my gut instinct. I took Human Anatomy classes as far back as 1992 and guess what I am still not a nurse! Despite what many people's experiences are in nursing, even today 13 years since took my first Anatomy class still want to do nursing. I am well aware of the good and bad in nursing but still think it is one of few careers where you have many options.I just graduated (May '05) with degree in Business and Gerontology and as US population is aging rapidly a nursing degree can only enhance things. So at age 43 (nealry 44) I have decided to apply to accelerated nursing programs and take my chances.I will probably have to

retake couple of classes but that is fine. I just wanted to let you know that there are older folks contemplating nursing as career, to go with your gut instinct and wish you the very best in your pursuits.