Considering nursing but concerned about job prospects in LA/MS/AL

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Hi everyone,

First post here so a brief WOOHOO!

Anyway, I'm currently two years into my science degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering with a second major in Physics, but I've realized there is pretty much one major reason why I'm pursuing this degree: job security. If I finish the program without tanking my GPA and while maintaining my internships (very likely), I am almost guaranteed to get a job very quickly. Without going into great detail, I have been going for this as I want to be able to provide for my mom after I got out and I couldn't, at the time, rely on my siblings careers to allow them to help much. Now, things have changed unexpectedly and two of my siblings are making pretty good money, so I've realized it's pretty foolish to go for something that I wouldn't be very happy in, especially now that the financial reasons for doing so have lessened.

So here is my question:

I am a 20 year old white male from the south LA/MS/AL area. I speak spanish as a half second language (can converse about basic feelings), but I intend to solidify it as a strong second language over the next few years. I'm in excellent shape, I have 3.5+ GPA, etc. Would I be a desirable candidate for a nursing position at a hospital? Are there job opportunities out there for someone like me? I have more questions about pursuing a BSN specifically, but I guess I'll wait to see what you guys think about my first question.

I was homeschooled and ended up having to work full time for most of my highschool years in my dad's company, so when I got into college I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I decided based on being able to provide for my mom which I still have as a priority.

Thank you

Edit: It sounded like I wanted to be a hospital....

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Well, aren't you a smartie . From an academic standpoint, I'm certain you wouldn't have any difficulties & I totally understand your desire for changing into a direction that is more in tune with your own preferences. However --- you should know from the outset that a nursing salary is not even going to be in the same ballpark as with your original career choice. And, the states you have listed are pretty much bottom-of-the-barrel when it comes to US nursing salaries. Take a look at this recent article - Top 10 Best States to be a Nurse | HEALTHeCAREERS

Across the entire US, the number of hospital nursing jobs are shrinking due to unprecedented changes in the healthcare industry. BSN is rapidly becoming a requirement for acute care nurses.

My advice? If you do decide to make the switch, do it right away rather than burn up more time, effort & $ on courses that won't be relevant to nursing. You also don't want to top-out on your financial aid eligibility.

Best of luck to you!

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Hi HouTx,

Thanks for the info and advice! I will ponder this for a while. ;)

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