Changing Careers....is Nursing a good choice? Need some Advice!

[Jepa23]

Hi All! I am new to this site and am looking for some advice. I am 28yrs old and currently working in the Corporate world. I took the "work your way up" approach and do not currently have a degree. While I have been very successful in my career I have always felt something was missing and have been fascinated with the prospect of becoming a nurse. I love helping people and making a difference in people's lives. While I know money is not everything I have to say my biggest dilema does come down to that. I currently make very good money and intend to keep my current job as long as I can while completing my pre req's. I've done some research and it seems most new nurse grads make on average between $23-$25 per hour (depending on the area) and that would equate to approx a $30,000 pay cut for me. Also because of my current salary I would need to pay for school out of pocket as I do not qualify for financial aide. I really am not a superficial person. I just dont want to make a really big mistake. So I figured I would ask the people that would know best. Is it worth it? Would you start over and go from living comfortably money wise to taking a substantial paycut? Thank you to eveyrone in advance for the advice! :):)

[JenniferSews]

I left one of those successful, work my way up type of jobs to finally realize a lifelong dream of nursing. After lots of hardship with school I found myself back in basically the same position. There are NO jobs for new grads in my city. I took a job doing paperwork and after what I've seen the last year for new grads I'm happy to have that. I'm going back to school and will probably continue on this track, sad as it is for me to give up my dream a second time. At some point the devil you know is better than the devil you don't. I wish I had hung up my dreams years ago and never tried.

[Preeps]

I don't mean to be negative or pop your bubble because by all means if it is your heart-felt dream then go for it. But you wanted advise. I would not do it. And I too came in to nursing from a second career.

Nursing is a very high stress job. Have you talked to a lot of nurses who work in the setting you are interested in? You say you have no college courses completed? Are you looking for a 2 year AS program or 4 year BS? It is a long hall if you are starting from scratch. Talk to nurses who work in the hospital. Many are unhappy and stressed out. Quality of life is not a reason to go into nursing IMO. If you are making > 75,000 a year then you are in for a big pay cut.

Also, read the posts on here about grad nurses unable to find jobs (some for years). Nursing is not a sure thing any more for jobs. I would consider it carefully. I wish I had. I am not saying I regret my choice. Because I learned so much and feel I am a caring nurse. But truth is, if I knew everything I know now I cannot say for sure I would have chosen this path. I could have stayed with my other job but it would have meant a tranfer to another state and the job was not secure. You seem like you have a secure job so in this economy I would think it through. Good luck.