Do I want to be an RN forever? Going back to school for something far different.

[kitkats4breakfs]

Hello fellow nurses

I am an ADN level Registered Nurse. I've been practicing for a little less than 2 years. I do enjoy being a nurse, however I know that I do not want to be in health care forever, not even for the next 5 years. I am a mid 20's male. I have 6 of the 30 credits required for my BSN, however I am set on majoring in something else - such as Computer Science or Information Technology. I am also interested in possibly being a high school teacher. My heart tells me to jump into something else, but I know it would be more practice to continue nursing. Can anyone offer me more insight?

I have been thinking of making this switch since my first day ever working the floor as a nurse.

I know that with a nursing degree, one can only do nursing. However with other degrees like: accounting, business, education, psychology, Criminal Justice - other job opportunities are available. I've seen such instances were a person majors in accounting became a high school teacher. Another a person majors in psychology, has a job as a research coordinator.

I feel like I have already made a decision, but I just feel like I could use some advice and insight.

[pixiestudent2]

If you do switch.. I'd be wary of getting a degree in something like criminal justice or psychology. Very few jobs, without an advanced degree.

[JaxJax5423]

with a nursing degree....a BSN...you can just get a teacher cert and reach highs Choo health science, LVN and CNA courses, Education at a hospital, with a BSN you can get your feet wet in nursing informatics (computers, programs...etc).

[JaxJax5423]

*teach high school

[setsuna92]

You can definitely go back for your bachelors in a different field. I agree with the post above. You can get your BSN and go right for teaching after getting a certification. I would believe since you already have 2 years experience working at the bedside, that would make you more marketable to teach at the high schools. Of course, keep your ADN license active until the receipt of your BSN license if you decide on that route.

[Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN]

As you said, your decision is already made, but just know that there's a place for research as an RN. Yes, even as the coordinator.

Look up Nursing Informatics to marry nursing with your interest in Computer Science or IT.

When your school sold you the idea that nursing opens up so many doors (they seem to tell us all that), they weren't exaggerating. There is a great big world outside of bedside acute care nursing. (You'd be well-served to go ahead and finish that BSN beforehand, though)