Changing to a non-nursing career?

Published

Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse.

Hello!!

I was wondering if I am alone in what I have done? I have been an RN since 1991. I have worked in Nursing homes and Home Health moslty, with some time in Cardiac Rehab and with mentally handicapped. This year as my baby headed to Kindergarden (along with my 3rd and 5th graders), I accepted a position as a para-professional (teacher aide) in the Special Ed department of our local school. Having just 2 weeks under my belt - I love it! I am excited to get up and go to work everyday. My kids ride with me to school, and then home with me again. No daycare. No more nights/weekends/holidays. I am getting close to all the kids in my classroom and am looking forward to helping them this year and many to come. Anyone else find more fullfillment after switching careers??? I feel like I totally picked the wrong field so many years ago, LOL!

Denise

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Glad to hear you were able to make this change and that it is making you happy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health.

Am taking early retirement this year. Thinking about what other non-nursing jobs I could do. I really would like to try my hand at a Waffle House! Sounds silly, I know, but the people who work there seem to really like what they do. Of course, I would love to teach in an LPN/CNA/MA program, but I don't have any med-surg experience and this is a mandatory requirement.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Registered Nurse.

Congradulations on finding employment that makes you happy. I admire your courage. I know the skills learned in nursing can be used in many other careers, but I did'nt think potential employers could see this. It's nice that you did not have to go to school again to make the transition.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good luck and wished I had done the same many yrs ago....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in medical surgical, homecare hospice.
Hello!!

I was wondering if I am alone in what I have done? I have been an RN since 1991.

Denise

You are not alone. I have also contemplated changed careers. I used to be a para also, this was before becoming a nurse. I loved it. I loved going to work. But I would never go back to that b/c I would never be able to pay my bills on that salary. How are you able to do it? financially?

Maybe you can consider going into education.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse.

Financially I can do it, because I was only working PRN (12- 20 hours per week) before I accepted this job, so the money is about the same. I know I could make more than double my current salary, but at the cost of having my kids in daycare, missing holidays, birthdays, etc, being exhausted after 12 hour shifts, and being all around crabby. Its not worth it to us.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.
Am taking early retirement this year. Thinking about what other non-nursing jobs I could do. I really would like to try my hand at a Waffle House! Sounds silly, I know, but the people who work there seem to really like what they do. Of course, I would love to teach in an LPN/CNA/MA program, but I don't have any med-surg experience and this is a mandatory requirement.

Do it. A well-run Waffle House with mutualy supportive staff and management (and some of them are NOT) could really brighten your day. But ANY place with that kind of support could be fun. Not to mention the Valentine's Day Specials.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in medical.

I recently quit my new job in an outpatient oncology. I quit my job in a hospital last year where I worked for several years and truly hated it. I really don't like nursing and don't want to do it anymore. I was always jealous of all non-nursing jobs like pharmacists, medical assistants, medical receptionists, IT specialistst. Right now I'm staying at home and don't know what to do with myself, but I'm determined to find a Non-nursing position. I love travelling and Irecently thought that I could work in a hotel or something like that. I just don't have any other skills besides nursing. I'm still relatively young ( middle 30s') and need to work for another 30 years. I don't need much money, I don't have kids and don't plan to have and my husband makes good money. We don't have any debt either. I just want to look forward to go to work and not be stressed out all the time ( like most of the nurses are).

I'm happy to hear that you made a great transition to something that you love to do. I'm determined to do the same and try different things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi neatnurse30,

I am also a very experienced nurse but not really happy about it as nursing was not my first choice in the beginning. I just can't help but notice after reading your mail that we're in the same boat. Actually, I'm doing nursing very part-time now because of my poor back. I have 3 kids so I have to keep working. Till I Found this telecommunications business w/c I started part-time but now doing full time because of its unique concept. Well, I'd like to invite you if you won't mind my asking. I have met a lot of people from diff. walks of life, some nurses, doctors, real estate brokers, business owners, etc.in this endeavor. Most of all, I'm happy being on it. So, in case you're interested to know more, let me know. We have helped people in so many ways. I just hope you'll find what you're looking for -soon. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in medical.

Sangria,

Yes, I would definetely would like to know more what you are doing. I hope it's not some type of sales business, because I'm not good at it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatric/Sub Acute, Home Care.

I too a seasoned nurse of 17 years in LTC have had it. I would love to go back to a state park job teaching kids about The Native Americans of the East Coast. It was what I truley enjoyed. Funny ....all the work you do to achieve a great career and you unfortunately find out its not what you think it was when they brainwashed you in school. Sad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion