Career Switchers-Any Regrets?

Aquamarine · Dec 30, 2004

Hi - in response to "switching careers",

I wanted to be a nurse when I went into nutrition in the 80's. The nursing program at the school I was in was rather punative and all my friends in that program warned me repeatedly not to go into it. I stayed in Nutrition and loved my job, responsibilities, my role in health care and I went about as far as I could. I was especially fortunate for all my freedom in my employment to be all that I could be, to use all of my talents to promote nutrition the way I wanted to. I did it, and did it well. After awhile I felt I was capable of much more. More of a challange, more to learn to give more to the patients I would be involved with.

I like the hands on of nursing most of the time. I like knowing more behind the diagnosis and being part of the cure, or the road to optimal helath. It is intimidating but exciting. I can make a difference, I know it, I have done that already as a nutritionist. I think my background in nutrition, just like your background in teaching will just make you a degree better and will have more to offer in changing the health situation. I feel personally that education will prevent repeated visits, is less taxing to the financial aspects of healthcare and by teaching effectively when you are a nurse YOU can make a big difference.

I had a daughter who was sick for most of 18 yrs., over 18 operations. I could have used some health education, some social support, I never ever got it at Children's Hospital. Everything I learned I learned on my own. I have the drive, I got books, medical dictionaries, talked to other people, etc. That was before the computer and the easy access to knowledge. It would have been so very much easier if a nurse would have taken the time (I was there enough) to explain a few things to me, or give me the resources so I can learn.

As a student, if I know the night before who my patient is going to be and what the illness, I go on the internet, look information up in my med/surg test, get whatever community support groups phone numbers....I give them a packet of information to make them more informed, more apt to make the changes to improve their health and prevent readmission needlessly. Hey, they can toss it or possibly read it. I don't care if it is then or the next time they are feeling sick and are fearful....the information at least is in their hands.

I cannot think of anything better than having a profession that you can add to nursing to make you a better nurse. Teaching to me is the key in many cases that can change health. I am a frustrated teacher, social worker, nutritionist etc. So I bring whatever I can to nursing. I love taking care of patients and making them feel better in any way I can. I hope nursing is the ultimate way of doing what I want to do, it is my last career change.

I am not feeling exactly all confident in all my clinical skills but my drive is there, I want to be good and maybe the best...I have been like that all my life. So I do not think this will be any different in attaining as anything else. When you talk to other students no one feels like they will be able to "really" do this but it is a step at a time and you will reach your goal, then new steps to bigger goals.

Have confidence that there was a reason you first got the idea to go into nursing in particular. I cannot imagine the reason was not honorable and that you will be even better than the average nurse because you bring your past profession to the field. Education is the key.

Good luck, you can do it if it is what you want to do. Remember a tinge of insecurity is normal here and there....sometimes you need to feel a little fear to stretch yourself to be more than what you are. Whatever you give will always come back to you. :rolleyes:

Carleigh · Jan 1, 2005

Nancy,

Thanks so much for responding! It is a hard decision to leave a steady income and go into the unknown of a new career. It sounds like it was a good choice for you. Happy New Year!

acgemt · Jan 1, 2005

Sometimes I question if going into nursing was what I really wanted to do. Being an EMT is a very rewarding job, which I love with all my heart, but there is so much burnout involved and I already had one hip surgery related to it...they always say lift with your knees and not your back...well I did...and I tore my hip socket instead:chuckle . Anyway...you guys are making me nervous with the whole NCLEX discussion forums...people taking the exam more than one time and things like that. Kinda makes me second guess myself and makes me think I am not smart enough (I have the street/clinical smarts...just not book smarts in some aspects...but getting better). I think once I get figure out exactly what I want to do and get settled in a job, then the pressure will be off and I can definitely say I have no regrets. Until then...only 5 months to go!!!

HatchyMilatchy · Jan 5, 2005

Carleigh-

I also hold a BS in Education- though I have never taught full time. I realized I didn't like teaching while I was student teaching. :rotfl: Talk about ironic.

The thing that appealed to me about nursing is OPTIONS. If you don't like one particular area you can keep tring different ones until you hit your niche. I think if you are truly fed up with teaching, nursing is a great option because it gives you so much flexibility in terms of what type of nursing you can do with a genreal RN degree. Good Luck! :)

Jedi · Jan 5, 2005

Hi C -

I switched careers to go into nursing. My regret in regard to nursing doesn't have to do with nursing, but rather my choices after graduation. I went from a very good nursing school to a community hospital with dangerous RN to patient ratios. This hospital also did NOT contribute to RN's furthering their educations. I did this in order to get the best rate per hour, free parking and a great view. I also wanted to experience working in a Catholic hospital.

Some of the experience that I got was great. I really enjoyed working in a Catholic hospital. I experienced great autonomy and a great working relationship with doctors. My boss was incredible. (This is part of the reason I took the job also). I ended up staying in med/surg too long, after my great boss left. I should have stayed 1 year, then moved on to a specialty area. I had the smarts and motivation. Unfortunately, I didn't work at a hospital interested in cultivating their RN's by furthering their education. In fact, the hospital I worked at was involved in a financial scandal that involved tax evasion and embezzlement by the CEO. That all unfolded after I left.

So, I moved to a hospital that was unionized to get higher pay and educational benefits. I liked the unit manager. Unfortunately, she was not my supervisor. In fact, I had THREE supervisors who should have been named Moe, Larry and Curly. (Can we say "too many chiefs, not enough Indians"?) I did not like that scenario at all. I'm sure it works for some, but I did not like management crawling all over me for silly reasons, e.g., asking questions during report, "giving someone a dirty look when I walked down the hall" - (I mean, come on, you call that management?, kind of funny, because I had absolutely no idea when or where the "look" happened, and the manager had no idea either). It didn't help that I got a preceptor who was not interested in teaching me anything. (It came to light per her later report, that she thought that I already had the experience on this type of floor). Kind of scarey that she had been on the floor longer than any of the other nurses and was the union rep.) I ended up quitting after six months of hell. I loved the patients and most of my fellow nurses. I also learned a bit, but not as much as I would have liked. The managers were a little horrified when I told them my preceptor would not review my charting, would not go over protocols with me, would not teach me how to use the monitors to calculate drug dosages, despite my repeated requests. All in all, it was just a really bad, very unfortunate experience that turned me off to nursing for the last 5 years.

After being in other fields, I took an RN refresher course, and am readying myself to go back in. I can't stand desk jobs. I did some managing for awhile, but really feel that I have the heart of a nurse. I like helping people. I haven't started interviewing yet, but if I go back to the hospital, I will only go to a Magnet hospital (known for educating RN's) and I will listen to all of those around me who have something to say about different hospitals reputations before I make my decision on where to go to work). I may actually go to work in a non-hospital environment for a short time to get comfortable again before going for the gusto.

Nursing has a lot of rewards, but you have to be motivated and stay on top of what is going on in the industry. I highly recommend reading nursing journals and chatting (this is a great forum). If you are a person who excels in a very structured environment, I recommend going with a hospital with "clinical ladders", any place that recognizes continuing education. It may be more satisfying. I wish I would have started out like that. I guess you live and learn.

Aquamarine · Jan 5, 2005

Hi..I liked your information and think it is "sad but true" . I worked in a major medical center for 15yr. I was not a nurse but in another field. I decided after all those yrs. to switch fields and go into nursing.

I know what you say is true and have seen it over and over. When I got to nursing school, I have 5 more months...the instructor and clinical director said "nurses eat their young" I don't think it is all a joke for that is what I have seen.

You have to walk in a place of employment and be strictly professsional...no personal information given....observe.....or you will be the next eaten. You have to follow your heart of course but do not let anyone ever stop you from doing what you want to do. I would not let a course, a person,age, ever stop me. You might have to change jobs but eventually you will find your nitch. I worked in a place where I witnesses nurses eating thier young! They would write each other up for everything....not professional, not good team members, and not

very encouraging. I even learned to not walk up on the floors smiling and friendly or I would never get the charts I needed to complete my work, the nasty nurses would take them right out of my hand! You have to conduct yourself with a little edge...I don't know exactly how to put it.

After you learn what the "real deal" is you can then open up a little and make work relationships based on what you have observed. It is like survival of the fittest. I agreee it is crazy to have to be that way but better than getting out of the field. If you have nursing in your heart, the skills will follow....I know it is difficult, everything is a day at a time. I guarantee that if you experienced that situation that it all came to light about that person and it was unfortunate

Don't work in a place that puts your license at risk everyday from poor management. Management sets the tone, a good manager will get the team spirit going.

One of the first things I am interested in is what is your orientation period about, how long, etc. After I am a good nurse then I can go where I want. I think job hopping is in order for that reason although I always stay were I am at usually.

I think you are making the right move going back, you can use the past experience to make things better now....Good Luck.

Hi C -
I switched careers to go into nursing. My regret in regard to nursing doesn't have to do with nursing, but rather my choices after graduation. I went from a very good nursing school to a community hospital with dangerous RN to patient ratios. This hospital also did NOT contribute to RN's furthering their educations. I did this in order to get the best rate per hour, free parking and a great view. I also wanted to experience working in a Catholic hospital.
Some of the experience that I got was great. I really enjoyed working in a Catholic hospital. I experienced great autonomy and a great working relationship with doctors. My boss was incredible. (This is part of the reason I took the job also). I ended up staying in med/surg too long, after my great boss left. I should have stayed 1 year, then moved on to a specialty area. I had the smarts and motivation. Unfortunately, I didn't work at a hospital interested in cultivating their RN's by furthering their education. In fact, the hospital I worked at was involved in a financial scandal that involved tax evasion and embezzlement by the CEO. That all unfolded after I left.
So, I moved to a hospital that was unionized to get higher pay and educational benefits. I liked the unit manager. Unfortunately, she was not my supervisor. In fact, I had THREE supervisors who should have been named Moe, Larry and Curly. (Can we say "too many chiefs, not enough Indians"?) I did not like that scenario at all. I'm sure it works for some, but I did not like management crawling all over me for silly reasons, e.g., asking questions during report, "giving someone a dirty look when I walked down the hall" - (I mean, come on, you call that management?, kind of funny, because I had absolutely no idea when or where the "look" happened, and the manager had no idea either). It didn't help that I got a preceptor who was not interested in teaching me anything. (It came to light per her later report, that she thought that I already had the experience on this type of floor). Kind of scarey that she had been on the floor longer than any of the other nurses and was the union rep.) I ended up quitting after six months of hell. I loved the patients and most of my fellow nurses. I also learned a bit, but not as much as I would have liked. The managers were a little horrified when I told them my preceptor would not review my charting, would not go over protocols with me, would not teach me how to use the monitors to calculate drug dosages, despite my repeated requests. All in all, it was just a really bad, very unfortunate experience that turned me off to nursing for the last 5 years.
After being in other fields, I took an RN refresher course, and am readying myself to go back in. I can't stand desk jobs. I did some managing for awhile, but really feel that I have the heart of a nurse. I like helping people. I haven't started interviewing yet, but if I go back to the hospital, I will only go to a Magnet hospital (known for educating RN's) and I will listen to all of those around me who have something to say about different hospitals reputations before I make my decision on where to go to work). I may actually go to work in a non-hospital environment for a short time to get comfortable again before going for the gusto.
Nursing has a lot of rewards, but you have to be motivated and stay on top of what is going on in the industry. I highly recommend reading nursing journals and chatting (this is a great forum). If you are a person who excels in a very structured environment, I recommend going with a hospital with "clinical ladders", any place that recognizes continuing education. It may be more satisfying. I wish I would have started out like that. I guess you live and learn.

Jedi · Jan 5, 2005

Thanks Nancy! It's very hard to let that bad experience go. It really does haunt me. I'm very lucky in that I have a very supportive boyfriend who tells me I am brave to go back. He had a bad experience in his industry, and despite the fact that he loved what he did and was rated #3 in the country for operating certain types of equipment, he can not find it within himself to go back.

I think more nurses should not only be good nurses, but "good people and coworkers" while at work.

One thing is for certain, if you changed careers to get rid of office politics, forget it, because office politics are everywhere!

Best to take the high ground 100% of the time and always stick up for yourself and look out for your own best interests (in the way of your career).

Aquamarine · Jan 5, 2005

You are right, those politics are everywhere, just have to find a place that they are the most tolerable. Guess what nursing shcool has it's share...a lot of politics. You have to do what ever you have to do in order to be able to do what you truly love. Who knows after you get some experience maybe you can start a little business of your own, then you can control the atmosphere. A friend of mine got kicked out of nursing, she was a sweetheart, not failing but a weak average of 78-80%. They kicked her out saying her careplans were too weak from clinicals...TWO days before the end of that clinical rotation, we never get our homework back...still have not from last semester so how can you do better? They told her she could not come to lecture...she was passing and paid for those lectures. The dept. had just found out they did not do good on the boards last year so they want to improve their pass % and thought we can get rid of the weak ones, especially the ones that they are certain will NOT fight back. They would have done it to me too but I have had to learn to fight...they must see it in my eyes, I do not take no for an answer. My average was 84 in the end....a "C". One test I did not carry all the answers over to the answer sheet...they told me but would not give me the points. I told the school...they were going to go to bat for me but I thought if I pass I will let the points go...or they will get me too in clinical. Crazy isn't it? But true.

It is sad because I have learned to put my sweetness aside and be tough. I will have save it for the patients.

You too can do the same....don't get discouraged, don't let anyone or anything ever change your spirit. Figure out a way around it, there is a solution to every single problem if you just sit back and think.

Again...good luck, you will be a great nurse...and the kind I would want to take care of me if I ever end up in a hospital.

Nancy

Thanks Nancy! It's very hard to let that bad experience go. It really does haunt me. I'm very lucky in that I have a very supportive boyfriend who tells me I am brave to go back. He had a bad experience in his industry, and despite the fact that he loved what he did and was rated #3 in the country for operating certain types of equipment, he can not find it within himself to go back.
I think more nurses should not only be good nurses, but "good people and coworkers" while at work.
One thing is for certain, if you changed careers to get rid of office politics, forget it, because office politics are everywhere!
Best to take the high ground 100% of the time and always stick up for yourself and look out for your own best interests (in the way of your career).

Maggie Ryan · Jan 5, 2005

Nancy,
Thanks so much for responding! It is a hard decision to leave a steady income and go into the unknown of a new career. It sounds like it was a good choice for you. Happy New Year!

Hi I'm in the same situation I have to make that critical decesion to quit my secure job of 10yrs (Sales Correspontent) which I cannot stand to do anymore and with a good Salary before Friday 1/7, that is my deadline and I'm so confused :confused: as to what to do whatever decision you make Best of Luck to you :wink2:

studentdeb · Jan 6, 2005

Hi I'm in the same situation I have to make that critical decesion to quit my secure job of 10yrs (Sales Correspontent) which I cannot stand to do anymore and with a good Salary before Friday 1/7, that is my deadline and I'm so confused as to what to do whatever decision you make Best of Luck to you :wink2:

Maggie

I can totally relate where you are coming from. I have up my job 1 1/2 yrs ago to take the prerequisites and also gave up my seat twice in the nursing program. I am now done with all the prerequisites and am scheduled to begin 1/18/05 the nursing courses and clinicals.

I am scared that I will not like it, wont' be able to do it or will totally mess up on compentencies. Daily I tell myself to not do it.

maybe we will both do it and love it.

good luck and let us know what you decide.

Debi

shellyj-rn · Jan 6, 2005

I graduated from nursing school (AAS) in May of 2000. I have been an RN for almost 4 1/2 years and have no regrets. Prior to that I was just a plain old factory worker, making good money and good benefits. The plant closed and I had to make some decisions as what to do. I decided nursing would be a choice or starting position as there were so many options once you had your degree/license. During nursing school, I was wondering if I actually made the right career choice or not. I really wanted to go into physical therapy but there were no schools that taught that within a reasonable driving distance. Nursing school was brutal, the teachers either liked you or didn't. They weeded out the weak, even though they say they don't. I worked on a med surg floor for 1 1/2 years then went to the ER to work. (I vowed that the ER would be the last place besides OB that I would go to, can't tolerate screaming babies-sorry). I have been an ER nurse for almost 3 years and am learning something new and exciting all the time. ANd yes, I have learned how to tolerate those screaming little bundles of joy. To this day have no regrets about the career choice I made. I have no desire to do PT at all. Keep me in the nursing field as long as I can. :balloons: