From Business Degrees to Nursing

Mission · Apr 1, 2011

Hi Morrio82,

I am also second career nurse with a ba and ms from my previous field. I completed an accelerated BSN program in '06. 5 years later I can tell you I am very happy with my choice and the opportunities that becoming a nurse has given me.

Dalla · Apr 1, 2011

I also have a BA in business management. Got my ADN and am currently in a BSN program. It was required for my nursing school program that every student be a CNA - they did not have to work, but needed to be certified. I think I would have been a better nursing student and first year nurse if I had also worked as a CNA for a year or two. I was not always comfortable in clinicals and think that more than the 2.5 weeks as a CNA would have helped. Not to mention, when we all graduated from the ADN, those who were working as CNAs were able to find jobs pretty easily as RNs. Those of us who weren't had a really hard time finding a new grad position and had to go to nursing homes. Still trying to get into a hospital role.

pedicurn, LPN, RN · Apr 1, 2011

Thank you for the encouragement! I also believe that having a business background could potential lead to other career opportunities in administration as well. As far as the nursing profession taking a toll on you through out the year, I completely agree that it can, and probably will. Thankfully I have the benefit of being in a family that is used to the work (Dad=OBGYN, Mom=RN with 30 years experience in NICU, Burn Units, Orthopedics and OGYN), Aunt=RN, 2 Cousins=CRNA's). Anyway, I do appreciate the support!

Well I'm inclined to believe that unfortunately it wont lead to administrative positions. It may even be seen as a threat by those recruiting managers who don't have the degrees you have. You might well become frustrated at not being able to exercise your full professional potential in nursing. And you may even be penalised for your skills ie denied interviews / told you are overqualified / told you might get bored in the role / punished for having creative thinking skill ( that's being 'difficult').

Actually creative thinking skill is not nurtured at all in nursing - let alone recognised.

You will see consultants brought in to do work that you could manage. You will see nursing management embrace a 10 yr old fad like the holy grail

I'm with oneclearday .... I would rethink nursing. But if you are determined to go through with it then the relative job security and hourly pay rate (instead of salary) will be big pluses. I have seen many corporate types go into nursing - some love it but many become frustrated. They have lots of skills that nursing could utilise but they are rarely asked or given opportunity. The culture takes a lot of getting used to and you may not ever learn to tolerate it - the pathetic behaviour from many of your coworkers (cattiness and bullying). Read the recent thread about babyish stickers and reward boards ...are you really ready for that?

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2011

Hello everyone! I'm brand new to this forum, but I'm not a novice when it comes to getting advice from specialty forums such as this. I think they are all great resources!
I have two business degrees, B.S. Management and a M.B.A., but the desire to work in the field of medicine and healthcare that I had previously blocked out of my mind can't be ignored any longer! I will be starting nursing school in the fall going after an ADN from a very respected community college program, then continuing on for the BSN through my alma mater's RN-to-BSN program (it will take less time to achieve the BSN this way, rather than starting after the BSN from the get go). I am however, getting married in June, and my fiance will be working full time and I plan on working part time (as I have already had most of the elective courses in the program, I will only be looking at taking 1-2 classes a semester) so I think working part-time will be very doable. I just don't know what types of jobs I should look at. I know I could probably work in the business side of any Dr.'s office, or hospital, but I want something that will allow me to gain some experience with patients. Have any of you been in this situation, or have any advice for types of jobs that I could potentially look for considering my background? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

What about becoming a CNA? That would get you some exposure to patient care plus could help you get a job once you graduate (your unit might hire you on as a nurse when you graduate).

There were a ton of former business and finance folks in my 2nd degree BSN program. Good luck to you!