Career Switchers

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Career switchers what was your career prior to nursing school, why did you switch and what is it that you think you can bring into nursing from your prior career?

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, SU2013:

Prior to going back to college last year, I was in information technology (IT) for close to 30 years with the last 18 being focused on Internet security as it related to business web site hosting and web site database servers specifically those running on Linux-based operating systems. The company for whom I worked was sold to a Texas-based firm (I'm in the Amish area of PA). Rather than go back to school to learn Microsoft Window-based security and administration, after talking with a vocational counselor, and taking a variety of tests decided to head in the direction of a registered nurse. I finished my prerequisites this past May, and was accepted into a RN program to start January 2015. My hope is that my attention to detail and pattern matching skills (both came in handy in terms of developing defences against hackers as well as tracking down hackers) will be helpful as it relates to patient care. Add in my weirdness that has freaked out all past employers I'm rarely phased (one boss used to shoke that there could be dynamite going off next to me, and I'll still be working on target) might pay off in emergency situations (we'll see if it translates to healthcare, not sure).

How about you?

Thank you.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I've been a call center representative for about a year and now I'm a prior authorization representative, about to accept a daycare job haha... I don't have much work experience yet but I'm glad I figured out I wanted to be a nurse before I was in too deep with my original major.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

Oh, and I know a lot of medical terminology and prescription names and uses coming from my two call center positions. Customer service experience will help as well, hopefully. Working at a daycare will help me with patience :)

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

I was a mechanic for 20 some years. Hated every minute of it, but it was what I needed to do at the time to provide for my family. After a falling out with others at the family business, I quit and signed up for nursing school the next day. It took 3 years to get through it (prerequisites and RN program) and I am now an RN in the surgical center in my local facility.

The human body is just a machine. You would be surprised how many similarities there are.

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I have a degree in Psychology/education although I wanted to major in nursing, but was discourage. Also, I have worked in education and for the state Medicaid system utilizing it's database to provide service to those whom apply. I am a career switcher that at this point trying to decide between nursing and instructional technology/Technology education in which I have been accepted into the Masters Program and I'm almost sure that I will be accepted into the nursing program. Therefore, at this point I have decisions to make on which will be the better choice for me ....since I am well diverse in various fields. Also, I have some home health care experience in which I loved, but I also like computers and instructional designing.

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I was an elementary school teacher for 9 years. At one point I was halfway to a masters in English as a second language instruction.

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By the way you guys I have been posting just asking random questions. Thanks for all your helpful and intelligent answers. ...it helps me to understand my journey on this career road by relating to others and your experience. Thanks again.

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