Career Recommendations

[rwbil]

I have a BS degree in Engineering, but this field is really not for me. I am looking for something else that I would enjoy doing. I would want to make at least $20/hour or it. I would not mind going back to school for a couple of years in order to find a job I would really enjoy. I always thought about being an Optometrist. But I really do not want to go back to a full time school for 4 plus years. Maybe somebody here has an idea of another job like that. What I like about that career is:

1) You are not dealing with surgery and for the most part the people you see are healthy (I do not want to be giving shots, draw blood, or deal with people's teeth),

2) I have a natural interest and ability in math and science,

3) You are not selling anything. I hate selling,

4) You are helping people,

5) The job pays well,

6) You work in a comfortable indoor setting,

7) You can work part-time,

You are meeting new people all the time and get paid to socialize. I love talking to people as long as it is not selling or dealing constantly with complaining people.

Any thoughts in the medical field that is similar without going back full time to school for 4 years would be greatly appreciated.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I love talking to people as long as it is not selling or dealing constantly with complaining people.

Hmmm - I think you may want to re-think nursing if you don't want to be exposed to complaining people. People have a right to complain when they're sick - it's just part of the job.

[rwbil]

I guess I should have said irate people. There is always some complaining. Even the Optometrist gets people complaining about their vision. That I can deal with. I thought about CRNA, but it was as much schooling as it would take me to become an Optometrist especially when you factor in the 1 year work requirement.

[CountyRat]

rwbil: complaining or irate, call it what you want, nurses get plenty of both. remember, as nurses we see people at their worst moments; in pain, in fear, dying. unlike what you see on tv, the extreme distress of illness and injury does not bring out the best in people. quite the opposite. as for the pleasant environment and socializing, we consider it a good day when we can find time to go to the bathroom. and, you are going to have to give shoots my friend, and a few other things you may like even less than that. the care we provide is often uncomfortable, sometimes painful for the patient, and they rarely suffer stoically. nurses do not do surgery, but we do assist in bedside procedures, and we do not use those protective eye shields, gowns, and gloves because we like the fashion statement they make!

here is a thought; go volunteer at a local hospital. let the nurses know that you are thinking about a nursing career, and ask them to let you assist them. see what we really do (forget everything that you have ever seen on tv!). pay attention to how patients, families, doctors, and hospital administration treat nurses. i think that after a few shifts, you will know the answer to your question.

best of luck to you!