Considering a career change

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I am 41 years of age and considering a career change from the Information Systems field to Nursing. I currently possess a B.A. in Information Systems Management and I am thinking of pursuing a BSN degree. I have been laid off from several companies over the last 10 years and I am finding that the IT industry for me is no longer a very rewarding career.

4 months ago, I was laid off from one of the largest if not the largest Independent and Assisted Living care providers in the country that provides IL and AL services to approximately 600 care facilities. I certainly learned quite a bit about the organizational structure and operations of a large IL and AL org, but also I learned much more about myself in that I have a passion for helping people. Co-workers from last org that I worked for also noticed this about me, but also, I took notice in that I developed so many working relationships throughout the entire company.

I seem to have lost my zest to continue working the IT industry...more of being burned out especially with respect to the last company I worked for where I was responsible for business process re-engineering in order to streamline operations associated with access controls(protecting information assets). It was a very challenging opportunity with very tight project deadlines. I learned more than just new IT operations process introduction and departmental startup, but also how IL and AL facilities operate from a bottom line and back end perspective.

Thinking about changing careers and going back to school to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing; I am in a bit of a pickle. I am happily married and have three daughters, 1, 2 and 5 years of age. My wife and I have discussed the possibility of me going back to school. At present, she is all for it, but the effects on our finances and general Family life is weighing on my mind. More information will come about over the next few weeks as I gather my transcripts and attend a meeting with an advisor at a local University.

I have contacted a local University to find more information on the subject and have found that there is a program for folks that currently hold a Bachelor's degree or so called "second degree candidates". Thinking of the future after earning a BSN and passing the required state boards/examination to be licensed as an RN, I will pursue the Masters of Science in Nursing in order to earn the Nurse Practitioner status, but before I embark upon earning BSN and NP status, are there ways in which one can become gainfully employed in the industry?

I understand that there is a CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate that one can earn?

How does one go about earning such a certificate and becoming gainfully employed to assist nurses in order to earn some living expense money and to learn more about the profession?

Are there hospitals/clinics that are in need of CNAs that are willing to pay for training and certification?

How is the current labor market for Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses?

What are some of the most demanding job related challenges that a Nurse Practitioner must endure on a daily basis?

What are some of the major obstacles for a male in considering Nursing as a profession?

For anyone out there that works at a University, has there been an influx of new students interested in nursing programs due to the current Great Recession?

What were some of the most challenging courses for both the BSN and MS in Nursing?

Any information about the profession for someone that is considering a career change is greatly appreciated.

All the best to all Nurses out there!

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DONT DO IT!!!!!!!!!!

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Just curious about your response flygirl43. Are you currently a nurse?

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lmao

I agree with flygirl.

started nursing school, also started working as a CNA, plan being to work pt CNA while completing nursing school, and quickly dropped out of BOTH!!!!!!!!! horrible career choice.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I don't know why the above-posters are so negative. Nursing is not a perfect career, but it has its good points, too. If you think nursing is right for you, then the 2nd degree BSN program is probably your best route. It will get you a BSN in the shortest amount of time -- and the BSN is the degree you will need to open a lot of doors for you.

As for being a CNA, you'll find lots of different opinions on that. Some RN's would rather die than work as a CNA: others think it is a wonderful preparation for a nursing career. Personally, I recommend taking the program and then deciding for yourself. Just because you take the program and get the certification, you don't have to actually take a job as a CNA if you decide it is not for you.

To find a CNA program ... you might try your state's Board of Nursing website. Many such websites include lists of all of the programs whose graduates are eligible to become certified. You might also contact all the local community colleges: they sometimes offer such programs. Of course, you can also check with the hospitals in your area.

Here's a whole other track to consider: You might become and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) or MA (Medical Assistant). These programs are also fairly short and give you some clinical experience in health care settings to see how you like the patient interaction. If your long-term goal is to be a Nurse Practitioner in an out-patient setting (clinic, physician's office, etc.) ... the MA role might be a good choice for you as most MA's work in such settings. They are the people who check folks into the clinic, take their vital signs, draw their blood, etc. (As a CNA, you would be most likely to work in a hospital inpatient setting or nursing home, helping patients with personal hygiene, etc.)

Some hospitals also hire EMT's in their emergency departments, which would give you experience similar to the MA role.

Check out the viability of the EMT and MA routes before you decide the CNA is the way to go.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Career changer,

With your backround, have you considered moving into Healthcare Informatics - either via an MSN specialty or just full-bore Informatics? There is a HUGE push right now to increase 'meaningful technology' in healthcare --Google "ARRA" to see what is at stake here. There is an enormous amount of Federal $ at stake but the implementation targets are very challenging. This is going to drive increased hiring efforts and there is a real shortage of qualified people right now.

Beginning salaries may be comparable, but with a few years experience, the Informatics salaries will leave nursing in the dust. HI jobs are fast paced, but there is much more opportunity for career advancement - just compare how much $ is spent on continuing education between the two groups :o.

Good Luck with your decision.

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I understand that there is a CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate that one can earn?
- you can either take a CNA course at a local community college, or you can become qualified after the first semester of nursing school

Are there hospitals/clinics that are in need of CNAs that are willing to pay for training and certification?
- usually you have to be already working there to qualify for tuition assistance

How is the current labor market for Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses?
- the recession is hitting every field, but as a whole the outlook is pretty good after the recession has ended.

What are some of the most demanding job related challenges that a Nurse Practitioner must endure on a daily basis?
- in a nutshell, NPs practice in a similar role as doctors, if that helps.

What are some of the major obstacles for a male in considering Nursing as a profession?
- I'd recommend going to the male RN section of this forum for this information. https://allnurses.com/men-nursing-forum/

For anyone out there that works at a University, has there been an influx of new students interested in nursing programs due to the current Great Recession?
- I don't work at a university but yes, it is competitive to get into nursing school, and they turn away a lot of qualified candidates, one of the reasons being a shortage of nursing instructors.

What were some of the most challenging courses for both the BSN and MS in Nursing?
- sometimes this depends on the school and their teachers. Many dislike Chemistry and Microbiology
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I am changing careers from another unrelated field (law) to nursing. I think if it's something you really want to do, go for it!! :) I have 3 children also, and I know it will be difficult, but this is something I have always wanted to do. Of course, there are negative aspects to all careers. But I definitely feel life is too short to do something you don't want to do.

I thought about healthcare informatics too, and it might be a good idea for someone with like you with an IT background BUT if what you really want something clinical, go for nursing! You may not be any happier doing healthcare informatics if what you really want to be is a nurse practitioner.

You will arrive at the right decision for you and your family. Good luck!

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I think you will find in the rural sector that FNP's willcontinue to be in demand, for a number of years to come. Why don't you job shadow with one of them and see what you think. Alsoremember if you do the accelerated BSN program you won't have much time for work, there are tons of options out there for RN to MSN programs. a lot are on line also. I am going to to a two yr RN, then a one year BSN then a FNP program. I already have a bachelor's degree, but I need to continue to work. Some of my classes were already accepted so I cut out about 36 hrs of general ed classes. So job shadow and visit the school's nursing department for a tour. I don't think being a CNA is such a great idea

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