This is not another "should I be a nurse" question. I KNOW I want to be a nurse. My mother was a nurse for 40 years. I wanted to go into nursing back when I was in college in the early 90's, but my mother talked me out of it (Go figure). I am now 39 years old, have had a few career detours (2 BS degrees later), but am now 100% ready to pursue my dream.
I've researched the job market IN MY AREA and right now, it's still good. But I don't know if it will be in 2 years...then again, how could I know that? I can only see what they are projecting...which all bodes well for me down the road.
BUT - I've been reading AN for about a month now...daily...many times a day in fact...and I am just bummed out! No one seems to like their job, their managers, their co-workers...and this is if they are lucky enough to HAVE a job. That coupled with the fact that my (extended) family thinks I'm crazy for going back to school because I am married with 4 kids and have been a stay at home mother for many years and do not (financially) have to work...(emotionally - that's another story), makes me just completely question everything I thought I knew. Husband is behind me 100% which is a huge plus. This is my last shot...I've gone to school twice tip toeing around what I really wanted to do because I was afraid of the science courses. No more. I have a 3.9 in computer science...I'm not afraid of science any more...I have more confidence now than I ever have....
I really WANT to be a nurse. I don't care about the money you make or am delusional and think it's all a piece of cream pie. I, of course, want to contribute to my family's finances...but we've done just fine for 10 years on one income...so it's not money that's motivating me is what I guess I should be saying.
So what IS motivating me? I don't know...I just have always wanted to BE A DAMN NURSE! I'm not thinking ahead to when I'll be a NA or a NP or an ABCDEFG...I just want to go to school, be a nurse, and go from there.
But now...reading AN where the only excited people are the nursing students, and everyone else, even here, is looking at me like "Nursing? Really? you're an idiot". And more like..."you want to work? you're an idiot". Same thing in this case. Well...the whole thing is enough to make me want to eat an entire DQ cake myself. And I just left the gym...
*sigh* I'm frustrated, scared, and have 2 weeks before my pre-req classes start.... UGH!
I wouldn't recommend the CNA route, what if you decide it's not for you and you want more, besides your mother was a nurse for 40 yrs. I would go for RN.
I made the decision to start an ASN program in January of this year, and will be starting next month. I've been sitting on pre-reqs for the ASN program for 6 years now. Although I don't feel the time was wasted, I have two beautiful children and an awesome husband, I'm ready to jump in with both feet.
I'm in a similar situation as you, not having a 'money issue.' I just wanted to do something that I would enjoy and feel that I'm contributing to the family, fiscally. My husband does back breaking work all day everyday. He doesn't complain, because it has to be done, but I don't like seeing him like that.
I was worried about age but my husband brought it to my attention that I could be an RN in two years or just be two years older.
And yes, AN does have a negative vibe, but it's representative of the world around you. You don't get a chance, in the physical world, to talk to every 'joe' that's having a bad day or has lost their joy in life. I love the negative peeps here, they keep it real. All you can do is try to be a light in this darkness.
I do have a secret though, when I start losing hope and feeling the weight of life, I pray to Jesus; then all the things that were mountains to me become mole hills again.
Well...for someone who has close to it all. I'm sorry but I will not jump on the band wagon and tell you words such as, "You can do it," ,"Oh try it", and all other what nots.
Apparently the same was done for your other two degrees and look where you ended up- not usisng either of them.(Great job of studying for the degrees though:yeah:).
You stated you want to be a DAMN nurse, then be a DAMN nurse already and ignore what people might say.
From my standpoint, you're still pretty undecided.
Facts( from what you wrote up there).
1. You don't have a care about the financial side.
2. You have the full backing of your husband, 100%.
3. You're done with having kids( I infer this), more time for you perhaps.
My Take- You're bored and need something to do and coincidentally, you have the resources to back it up. What you need is staying power.
I say this in a caring way, just because you're bored doesn't mean that you should jump o something immediately. Besides, you've had two tries and none of them good. Computer science is a dream maybe just not your dream.
Pick something and stick with it!
PS
Ignore the negative mood, people will always talk. Weed out the nonsensical and take what's useful to you.
I say this in a caring way, just because you're bored doesn't mean that you should jump o something immediately. Besides, you've had two tries and none of them good. Computer science is a dream maybe just not your dream.
For cripes sake ... That chip on your shoulder must get heavy.
OP, I hear you. I also had another career before being a SAHM for several years. It was never assumed that I would remain out of the workforce permanently ... so I had some time to contemplate my next move, and the backing of a spouse and family to do it. Spouse earns twice what I do, so even now my income is "extras", savings, and college fund for the kiddo. Remember that the percentage of folks who remain entirely in one industry or one job for a working lifetime is now quite small ... this is a major change from earlier generations.
If you really feel drawn to nursing, and you have a mature understanding of the ups/downs/ins/outs of the job and the capacity to maintain a healthy sense of self within the intense craziness that is often day-to-day bedside care ... go for it.
Well...for someone who has close to it all. I'm sorry but I will not jump on the band wagon and tell you words such as, "You can do it," ,"Oh try it", and all other what nots.
Apparently the same was done for your other two degrees and look where you ended up- not usisng either of them.(Great job of studying for the degrees though:yeah:).
You stated you want to be a DAMN nurse, then be a DAMN nurse already and ignore what people might say.
From my standpoint, you're still pretty undecided.
Facts( from what you wrote up there).
1. You don't have a care about the financial side.
2. You have the full backing of your husband, 100%.
3. You're done with having kids( I infer this), more time for you perhaps.
My Take- You're bored and need something to do and coincidentally, you have the resources to back it up. What you need is staying power.
I say this in a caring way, just because you're bored doesn't mean that you should jump o something immediately. Besides, you've had two tries and none of them good. Computer science is a dream maybe just not your dream.
Pick something and stick with it!
PS
Ignore the negative mood, people will always talk. Weed out the nonsensical and take what's useful to you.
thanks for your very candid input. All I will comment on is this...I will assume that you are on your first career. I certainly wish for you that this career is all you've ever wanted and that and that this career will be a perfect fit for you for your entire life. Some of us, admittedly, have had a harder time finding our niche in between raising a family and being married and all of the responsibilities that includes. I could write a book on why those other degrees did not work out - but let's just say they didn't. Because life is messy and complicated and rarely occurs in a straight line.
Your other comments are valuable, and I agree with some of your sentiments. I will say, however, that with 4 kids, a house and a husband to take care of, I am never, ever bored. Unfulfilled professionally? Absolutely. Bored? no.
@Porridge....thanks for that comment. Maybe 'regret' was too strong of a word...but let's just say that I have a better understanding of what to expect from myself and others in both posting here on AN and dealing with real live nurses in the workplace. So, for that, I am grateful.
I thinks it's a good foundation for all nurses to start out as CNA's, I know there are some that will disagree, but it's a good starting point and get's your foot in the door. I absolutely love my job currently! I am going on to be a NP and I only hope I love it as much as I love where I am now. If you think your true passion is nursing then do it. It is a demanding job emotionally and physically and I think that's why it can be high burn out. I've only been a nurse for 5 years so I am still learning new things every day and that's what I love about nursing is that it is always changing and never gets boring. Good luck to you.
This is not another "should I be a nurse" question. I KNOW I want to be a nurse. My mother was a nurse for 40 years. I wanted to go into nursing back when I was in college in the early 90's, but my mother talked me out of it (Go figure). I am now 39 years old, have had a few career detours (2 BS degrees later), but am now 100% ready to pursue my dream.
I've researched the job market IN MY AREA and right now, it's still good. But I don't know if it will be in 2 years...then again, how could I know that? I can only see what they are projecting...which all bodes well for me down the road.
BUT - I've been reading AN for about a month now...daily...many times a day in fact...and I am just bummed out! No one seems to like their job, their managers, their co-workers...and this is if they are lucky enough to HAVE a job. That coupled with the fact that my (extended) family thinks I'm crazy for going back to school because I am married with 4 kids and have been a stay at home mother for many years and do not (financially) have to work...(emotionally - that's another story), makes me just completely question everything I thought I knew. Husband is behind me 100% which is a huge plus. This is my last shot...I've gone to school twice tip toeing around what I really wanted to do because I was afraid of the science courses. No more. I have a 3.9 in computer science...I'm not afraid of science any more...I have more confidence now than I ever have....
I really WANT to be a nurse. I don't care about the money you make or am delusional and think it's all a piece of cream pie. I, of course, want to contribute to my family's finances...but we've done just fine for 10 years on one income...so it's not money that's motivating me is what I guess I should be saying.
So what IS motivating me? I don't know...I just have always wanted to BE A DAMN NURSE! I'm not thinking ahead to when I'll be a NA or a NP or an ABCDEFG...I just want to go to school, be a nurse, and go from there.
But now...reading AN where the only excited people are the nursing students, and everyone else, even here, is looking at me like "Nursing? Really? you're an idiot". And more like..."you want to work? you're an idiot". Same thing in this case. Well...the whole thing is enough to make me want to eat an entire DQ cake myself. And I just left the gym...
*sigh* I'm frustrated, scared, and have 2 weeks before my pre-req classes start.... UGH!
People who are unhappy are more likely to post about it, looking to vent. I don't think the complaints are untrue or not the reality in many places, but I think they appear out of proportion for how things are. Does that make sense?
I graduated and found a job within 4 months of graduation (felt like an eternity!) in the exact type of nursing I wanted to do. There are things I don't like about my job, but overall I'm happy there, like most of my coworkers, have good managers, etc.
In two years you'll be two years older regardless of what you decide to do about school. I say go for it!
All good advice...except that I will say that "Someone Else" will not be paying for this degree. My husband and I will be paying for it with our joint accounts. See, this is something that bothers me as a stay at home parent, and of the many reasons why I want to work. SAHM are just not valued. My husband and I have been married for 16 years. He works, I've raised our kids. But the money is OURS. I play my part of the team, he plays his. The money isn't his because he's the one that works outside the home. I work plenty inside the home. But I face that perception all of the time so it's not new...although it is just as annoying.
I appreciate the advice and I will look into the CNA programs...although I don't know how I would do that; go to school and raise 4 kids at the same time, but I will certainly look into the requirements of the job. I thank you for your input...
If you don't feel valued as a SAHP I don't think you're going to feel any more so as a nurse. Feeling valued needs to come at least in part from within. If you really feel the need to work you have two degrees collecting dust.
If you don't know how you'd go to school and raise 4 kids to do a CNA program how do you think you'll be able to do an RN program.
At 39 years old you have two BS degrees, thats two opportunities you've had to go for a nursing degree and didn't. To be honest you seem a bit flighty. I can't help but think (from your posts) that you have some personal issues you should discuss with a professional, being a nurse isn't going to fill the unmet needs that you seem to have.
At 39 years old you have two BS degrees, thats two opportunities you've had to go for a nursing degree and didn't. To be honest you seem a bit flighty. I can't help but think (from your posts) that you have some personal issues you should discuss with a professional, being a nurse isn't going to fill the unmet needs that you seem to have.
I have two bachelor's degrees and a master's and I am more proud of my measly little LPN diploma than all those degrees and any prior professional experience combined. I don't see anything "flighty" in someone with some maturity and experience coming into the profession with their eyes open.
That said (*), I am kind of curious about the comment that the OP can't do the CNA course and take care of her kids.
I found it very beneficial for me to be a CNA before going to nursing school because health care is such a dramatically different type of profession than anything I had done before. It gave me a very solid foundation in the types of patients, issues, politics, and personalities that I would be working for.
I almost had a nervous breakdown, but I got through it and am grateful for the experience.
She was venting for the same reasons you have vented I am sure over the years...I wonder if anyone has ever answered any of your posts in this manner...
Frankly, I am at a loss for words for this epitomizes all of the posts where people have been saying "why is everyone so mean?" most of the time I blow those off and don't pay attention, but this got to me....
She was only looking for advice--not someone to hold her hand...are you really that cold??
I sure wouldn't want you taking care of my mother with that attitude...you may be an excellent nurse, I don't know, but your compassion just tanked.
Plain speaking isn't rude and condecending unless it's not what you want to hear.
I'll take a nurse who shoots straight from the hip any day over one that blows sunshine any day.
Frankly, I'm at a loss for words over the glut of fragile flowers that want to go into nursing.
Plain speaking isn't rude and condecending unless it's not what you want to hear.
I'll take a nurse who shoots straight from the hip any day over one that blows sunshine any day.
Frankly, I'm at a loss for words over the glut of fragile flowers that want to go into nursing.
Hmmm......I'm at a loss for words for those who think being honest = being rude...there is a difference. You can tell someone they are a total buttwipe in a way that doesn't demoralize them.... And does 'nurse' = insensitive? I hope the h*ll not.
I do like straight shooters too- but ones who don't go about it at the expense of the other person.... Someone can tell me something I don't want to hear, but not skewer me as a person. I don't expect you to 'get it'.... but the "glut of fragile flowers" seem to outnumber you..... maybe they're not so fragile if they tolerate abrupt and cold peers. JMHO :)
).
That chip on your shoulder must get heavy.
And does 'nurse' = insensitive? I hope the h*ll not.
gatormommy
88 Posts
I wouldn't recommend the CNA route, what if you decide it's not for you and you want more, besides your mother was a nurse for 40 yrs. I would go for RN.
I made the decision to start an ASN program in January of this year, and will be starting next month. I've been sitting on pre-reqs for the ASN program for 6 years now. Although I don't feel the time was wasted, I have two beautiful children and an awesome husband, I'm ready to jump in with both feet.
I'm in a similar situation as you, not having a 'money issue.' I just wanted to do something that I would enjoy and feel that I'm contributing to the family, fiscally. My husband does back breaking work all day everyday. He doesn't complain, because it has to be done, but I don't like seeing him like that.
I was worried about age but my husband brought it to my attention that I could be an RN in two years or just be two years older.
And yes, AN does have a negative vibe, but it's representative of the world around you. You don't get a chance, in the physical world, to talk to every 'joe' that's having a bad day or has lost their joy in life. I love the negative peeps here, they keep it real. All you can do is try to be a light in this darkness.
I do have a secret though, when I start losing hope and feeling the weight of life, I pray to Jesus; then all the things that were mountains to me become mole hills again.
Phillipian 4:13 does it for me.