I've been a ghost on these forums for quite some time now, I've read everything from the gleaming posts of those that love their jobs to the endless negative posts by those who probably would have been better suited for a different profession.
So far I have been able to wade through the negativity while keeping my head held high enough to keep an interest in the medical field... though it's getting harder and harder. This is my story so far...
Let's throw one thing out there to give you some better perspective. I am a male and I'm 27 years old.
Growing up I never had an interest in school, I hated everything about it. As much as I was told what I did here would impact my future... I didn't listen and found it more entertaining to spend my teenage years being a teenager.
I spent a majority of my 20's being... well, what would be a continuation of being a teenager. During these years I went to college twice, both times with not much interest in what I was doing. First I went to college for Computer Programming, and then a few years later I went for Acting. I dropped out both times. Decided college was not for me, as there was nothing that interested me - though I didn't give it much thought either.
I've done a few odd jobs here and there. I've worked in Radio, Film etc and while I loved these jobs, finding secure jobs in these avenues are near impossible. In the end I interned for Radio (without pay) for an entire year and never got a job, and watched all my successful friends in Radio get fired. Film is even more fickle and ultimately is just a great way to end up as a waiter/waitress.
I've also worked as a bartender, grocery bagger, customer service representative, dating coach, entrepreneur, writer, and publisher. None of these careers have felt right to me.
I am also a rescue diver, and during my rescue and CPR/first responder courses, some of the stories peaked my interest in a medical related field. The rush of saving lives intrigued me, I've always been an adrenaline junkie.
I for quite awhile wanted to go into firefighting, and knew that you had to have your EMT license to do that... so I started researching that. While Firefighting had the rush that I was looking for most of the time, I psyched myself out, and ultimately wasn't comfortable with putting myself into a burning building.
So what about EMT-B? Well, an exciting job to be sure, but for poor wages and not much advancement. Paramedics pay increase for an additional 1 and a half years of schooling didn't seem to be worth it either.
I dropped this idea for a few months since I missed the deadline for classes anyways.
During this time I had to do some short term care.
My grandmother has dialysis, and she goes to have this done a few times a week. Usually one of her daughters takes her, but as they were out of town I took the job. I had to pick her up from her nursing home, help her get her stuff ready, help her out the door, into the car, out of the car, into the dialysis center, to where she needed to go.. and then I would have to pick her up later and do it all over again. This of course is pretty simple stuff, but I enjoyed it and it once again piqued my interest in the medical profession.
(Side note about working with the elderly - I'ts amazing how we spend most of our lives trying to act like we are strong , but in the end all we all have to show everyone just how weak we really are, I think that has to be hardest part of growing older)
So I started looking into it some more, it didn't really dawn on me before to go back to college or even that there might be jobs similar to an EMT-B in the hospitals but as I researched I found jobs that would be suited to my need for a rush and my desire to help others. All of them in the nursing field.
Coming to this idea was a shock to me, since my mother has been a nurse for a very long time and I had never considered following in her footsteps.
ER Nurse, OR Nurse, ICU Nurse etc.. All of these specialties looked amazing to me. Many with the ability to travel (my favorite thing to do!) As quickly as I got excited, my excitement was dashed away.
5-7 year waiting lists? I'm already 27!
So I researched some more... I don't like accepting defeat.
Schools that don't have waiting lists? Sure they are out there but my GPA cumulative from the few courses I took in college are at a resounding 2.33. Well, that's not good enough to get into those schools.
Military nursing programs? Sure - Always a possibility, but a sure fire way to get deployed (even if you are in the reserves, nurses get shipped out all the time - and as much as I respect the soldiers who do fight for America, I'm not about to spend 4 years on a BSN, only to get shot over seas.
Alright, Alright.. seems I am out of options. Not quite.. I researched more..
I can spend time getting my GPA up by working my prereqs? - Well I could, and I would - if I knew what prereqs to take. It seems all the no-wait schools have different prereqs that they require. I take a few and maybe I can apply to ONE school and get denied just to attempt again a year later? No, I'd rather be able to apply to multiple schools.
On top of all this.. tuition is another scary subject. I have no money, and am deeply afraid of collecting high debt (as ive never been in debt) and not being able to pay it back. How in the world am I going to be able to afford this? I'm coming to the conclusion that... I'm not going to be able to afford it.
More Options? Well, I looked at Rogers State University since my best friend is moving to Oklahoma and they only look at 5 prereqs for your GPA. You ace those courses I can't imagine it would be hard to get into the program. Problem is - they are a university and are EXPENSIIIVE. If i were a resident of Oklahoma the prices wouldnt be too bad but since I'm from Michigan they jump from 100 to 300 (plus a ton of additional fees) Next. 
Frustrated by my lack of options at this point, and a need to make money NOW as opposed to later. I figured I could work on my GPA while maybe getting my foot in the door.
Turns out EMT-Bs can work as an ER Tech in a hospital, awesome!! Classes start next month, well.. I'm going to sign up for those classes right now.
This might sound dumb to you but the EMT School requires that I be fully shaven, and I've only shaved twice since high school. Both times I looked like a young 10 year old virgin boy and it just brought back memories of getting relentlessly ridiculed in high school and middle school. First off, I would not be able to get any respect in any profession looking like a pre-pubescent.
Now while I understand this is a requirement to get a good seal for the N95 mask, it's not something I am willing to do. I know that many nurses, many MANY male nurses have beards (and mine IS nicely trimmed) so that is something I am still looking into, Maybe this is because there are alternatives to the N95 in hospitals that are not available in an Emergency Vehicle.
Also considered the possibility of shaving (UGHHH) for the 4 month long EMT-B class, and then grow it out as I apply for ER Tech Positions. (Still thinking about this one)
Before anyone says anything - yes, I am aware I would have to shave for any nursing program out there (and that is something i could handle knowing that I could grow it back for my career choice)
I am a very confident person, but only with my facial hair (the only thing that makes me even remotely look like I am a man 
)
One nurse told me I should become a CNA, to help better my chances of getting into nursing school and volunteer some hours in the field that I want to work in.
Volunteer, cool.. I can do that.
CNA? This is something I could not do. Much respect to all the CNAs here... but, wiping butts for a profession does not sound like fun. I can handle phlem, vomit, blood, you name it... but poop is not my cup of tea. Yes I know I will have to deal with that stuff in various points in my career if i went into nursing, but as opposed to it being a small part of your job, being a CNA, it's mostly your entire job.
My local community college has a 4 month Registered Medical Assistant Program for 6,000 with 5 weeks externship, so I was going to jump onto that only to find that it's impossible to find a job as a MA (according to people here and other forums), and especially impossible as a male MA (seems employers are a bit sexist when it comes to this specific profession)
Looked into LPN courses but it seems the demand for this profession is dwindling and even considering there is a long waiting list for these programs too.
So here I am, unsure of what pre-reqs to take since they all differ from college to college, what to do in the meantime (ER Tech, MA, LPN, Burger King) How to afford tuition if i DO find a program... you name it - I am have a difficulty with it.
For the record my credit score is clean and near perfect. I've never owed a bank more than 700 dollars and hate owing people or places money.
I have been for many days now waking up, looking up medical professions and options, and reading on these forums, for over 12 hours a day (Not a joke, I woke up at 2pm today, and have been here in this computer chair since.. It is now 4:05 am)
As I watch my friends make things of themselves, I'm 27 - uneducated, jobless and have no skills or talents that could prove useful in any other careers. I love to help others and I love the concept of saving lives and helping people get better. I need something secure that allows me to travel. (If humanitarian work paid, that is what I would be doing right now)
I'm becoming more depressed by the day. Wondering how much longer it will be until I throw in the towel, buy my first trailer home and get a job at McDonalds.
Someone, anyone - please, who can feel my pain who has gotten through this please offer some advice or guidance. I'm seriously stuck and not sure where to go.
Negative Nancies - your opinion is welcome here too as long as its constructive, but what I really need is some positive uplifting advice because I honestly feel like I have run into a brick wall. Perhaps I've decided to grow up a bit too late...
