what did you do in your former life?

Nurses General Nursing

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This is for all those who have changed careers....what did you do before you decided to become a nurse??? This is just to satisfy my own curiosity....I am currently working in retail and have started prereqs for a nursing program. However, I'm also considering becoming an elementary teacher...I thought if people would share their stories it might shed a little light on my own situation. Thanks....

Hotel desk clerk, seamstress, fitter, and monogrammer for department store, greenhouse attendant, warehouse worker, receptionist for three different kinds of companies, photo kiosk person, photoprocessing person, music store manager, gofer, housewife, file clerk, police science student, music student, Spanish student.

(Late bloomer.)

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I was a 'technical clerk' for many years in an engineering company - kinda like the ward clerks we have in hospitals.

Then when all my boys were little I had to come up with something to do at home so I start designing craft projects for magazine, and sold my own line of clay creatures.

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Not a Nurse... YET, but working on it.

I'll have my associates of science this spring.

Let's see... 4.5yrs USAF (security police) 8.5yrs Federal Corrections Officer(worse job I've every had!), 7yrs to present working for Compaq/HP tech support.

I love computers and technology, but all the jobs are going overseas or we're being replaced by H1B Visa workers, so it's time for another career change. A neighbor of mine, who is a nurse, suggested I look into it.

The more I looked, the more I liked. I'm looking forward to becoming a nurse

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

I live at the Dollar tree......it was love at first sight!!!!!

I :redbeathe the Dollar Tree!
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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

My first job was at Dairy Queen. Then I went to CNA school did that from 1992-1996. Them went to RMA school worked doing that from 1996-1999 until I graduated from nursing school in 1999....I also have a AA in Liberal Arts and a Masters in PMS....lol or so my husband says:rotfl::rotfl:

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Specializes in Orthosurgery, Rehab, Homecare.

Wow, we're a talented bunch!:bow:

I was a buffet attendant (fancy huh?), line cook, waitress, bartender, and Patient Care Tech (CNA w/o licence). Sometimes I feel like I've gone back to being a waitress/bartender :beer:

And I :heartbeat Dollar Tree too!

~Jen

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Let's see...my first jobs were working in factories during the summer when I was in High School. I also did security guard work at local special events, then went on to get my Private Investigator License, and did retail investigation for awhile.

Best summer of my life was doing a canoe route survey for Ministry of Natural Resources. I paddled a canoe all day and got a terrific tan! I also had a stint working at a large riding stable as a groom and teaching beginners.

I spent several summers teaching outdoor education, and enjoyed it so much, I went on to get my teaching degree in science and environmental science. However, I graduated at a time when there were very few teaching jobs available, and after a number of years doing supply teaching, I was ready for a change. I got a summer job working as a home helper, then decided to go into nursing the next fall.

I have also done a lot of temporary secretarial work, when needed to keep body and soul together, and food on the table. One of the part time jobs turned into a steady job in the accounting department doing accounts receivable entry...BY HAND!! I think of all the jobs I've ever had that was the one I was LEAST suited for! :rotfl:

I also spent 3 years working for a large retail nursery as a gardener/salesperson, then 2 summer working for the city of Toronto as an outdoor gardener. Those 2 jobs put me through nursing college after I quit teaching!

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Specializes in OB, lactation.

I've been a middle school, and high school teacher, also worked at a children's mentoring agency as a case manager, & a few other part-time jobs. Then I was a stay at home mom for several years before starting nursing school. I have also been a breastfeeding counselor for about 6 years.

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Specializes in MedSurg.-Tele, Home health, LTC.

i was a waitress for 4 years, nurse assistant for 10 years.

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Solicitors clerk

Artist

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ER.
so, ask your self this, what would people say over your grave?

ok this should be its own thread!! im sure people will say something like "did you ever see her? hmm.. nah i think she was a lump under the covers, wasn't she? yeah, narcoepilepsy or something?" then my family will pipe up (they'd better), "she was a nurse!"

as for life before nursing - secretary here for nearly 20 years, including as a 71l20 in the army (that gave me my first admin skills, thank you!). i've secretary'd in many areas, including temp, army, clinical research, heart association, and on and on. honestly, that background, basic as it sounds, helped me so much as a nurse. i can handle tons of paperwork without blinking an eye, i'm a computer geek out of necessity, and i learned customer service skills like answering a phone and smiling while i tell you i have time to help you, long before those things were scripted. and any good secretary can tell you - we know time management and prioritizing and multitasking with the best of 'em.

:pumpiron:

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I'm not a nurse yet (will be an RN in 2010), but I'm a dental hygienist right now and have been for the past 12 yrs. Once I get that nursing license, it's "hasta la vista, baby" to dental hygiene (and it won't be soon enough!!).

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