CCRN looking towards JD

[Dontknowwhattodo]

Greetings Everyone!

I am currently a practicing CCRN working in a combined ICU (ie, we see it all, from GSWs, to CRRT, to CABGs, to Cranes). I've been working in this unit since I graduated with my BSN about 5 years ago. I initially came to this unit to garner an edge when applying to CRNA school, but I am no longer interested in becoming a nurse anesthetist. This is mainly due to the fact that your patients don't remember you, the 90% boring/10% panic rule, and you have to deal with surgeons on a daily basis. None of those sound appealing to me anymore. I actually went into nursing with the path to CRNA-dom in mind. So, I've hit a bump in the road.

I have recently started to consider law school. I thought to myself, "maybe I can get to a policy making level", and influence nursing as a whole, instead of only affecting my patients. I grabbed an LSAT book and plan to take the test this October (I will be signing up for the test this week, as August 30th is the deadline). This morning, after my shift, I decided to do a search about the subject and this is what I've found. *crickets*

I see a lot of JDs getting their RNs. This is worrisome to me, simply because people are turning down six figure positions to become a glorified grunt? This coming from a nurse that does get to make suggestions to the doctors (most nurses don't have that option). Granted, I do well for being a 5 year RN, but I'm not touching 6 figures, and I work night weekend option (one of the highest paid bedside positions, but not the most accomodating).

I really don't know what I want to do, honestly. I just know it's not what I'm doing, and I'm pretty sure it's not CRNA. The only options I really see for myself at this point are MD and JD. I have a sibling that's a doctor, and I really don't want to go through what they went through... 7 years of hell and a ton of student debt. At least law is 3 years of hell instead! Maybe I should suck it up and become a CRNA for the salary and the freedom?

At this point I'm just looking for some information from any RNs that have gotten their JD, and if they're happy they did. What types of careers they're in, and would they do it again if they had the choice. I'm interested in the positives and the negatives. Any information is appreciated. I need to figure it out soon, as I'm afraid I'll wind up in the psych wing if not.. (joke... kinda )

Thanks for your thoughts in advance!

[Annie Sthesia]

I could have written this myself! I'm a second career nurse, even completed the first year of didactic in a CRNA program, but left because of the inept way it was being run, and not being ready, and a discussion with the director of the program--back at the bedside in smallish ICUs, it's been difficult to get to where I SHOULD be to reapply to anesthesia school. On a whim, I started to consider the JD. I worked with a JD/CCRN in my last ICU, and was always amazed that she'd be still at the bedside, but she had her good reasons.

Anyway, I'm also discouraged at the news--reading the advice here and the links...it does not bode well for the bsn/jd combo, does it?

Just wondering if you went into something else, are still at the bedside, changed your mind about CRNA (as I think I'm doing) or what you decided.

Good luck, whatever it is!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

As for legal nurse consulting, you're right that a number of the "prep courses" and "certifications" stink. The ABNS only approves one the LNCC, and you know (or maybe you don't) how very strict they are about approving nursing certifications. Contact the AALNC for more information. I agree, this is a lot more fun than being a new law grad and the attys really appreciate our expertise.

[TammyG]

I am one of those JDs that quit and went to nursing school to be a "glorified grunt." I practiced law for 20 years, hated every minute of it. I love nursing. I help people every day. I don't feel like a grunt at all. If I did, I wouldn't be doing this.

But if you feel like a grunt as a nurse, I can tell you that you will hate being a lawyer. Working 100 hour weeks (no overtime pay) for some jerk of a senior partner, being on email 24/7, doing all-nighters to rewrite a brief for the 4th time . . . that is what you can expect. There are lawyers out there who feel like they are fighting the good fight, and doing something positive for the world, but they are few and far between.