Future Nursing Career - Questions.

[princess_lily]

I am 33yo and a mother of 2 (one of which is on the way - due November)

My whole life I have loved taking care of people - many have said I should become a nurse. In college, not knowing where my life was headed I decided to take a Major in Graphic Design and minoring in Art History. Entering the workforce, after a few years I realized I wanted for more security.

I loved working with people, but graphic design was leading me in a sales path - which isn't my strong suit. I was one of a billion kids trying to fight to keep their jobs, the advertising always wanted to find someone fresh and cheap to use. I realized I am more of a person who is willing to listen to people, follow direction, and make others happy - but have the most job security no matter where I went, and provide a good income to my family.

After the baby is born, and things settle down I am thinking of continuing my education to become an R.N. I would love to work either in Maternity Wards of hospitals, or in pediatrics - or an elderly care unit. Am I crazy to think of becoming a nurse at 34-35yo?

There is a community college in the area which allows for women to become R.N.s, but should I enroll in a CC or a 4yr college? There is one locally which has an amazing nursing program.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

No, you're not crazy, but nursing doesn't offer that much job security, either.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

until the economy improves and more baby boomers can retire, the hiring for new grads is slow. It will come, maybe by the time you get out of school. I was 45 when I started nursing school.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I can understand your wish for a "better" career trajectory than what you have experienced so far. But nursing is not a 'sure thing' by any means. Unless you have a bachelor's degree (BSN), you will be ineligible for hospital jobs in most areas of the nation - even smaller cities and rural areas are moving in that direction. Jobs can be very hard to come by, especially for new grads.

Salaries for bedside nurses top out at ~ 5 years, so unless you continue your education or move up the career ladder your income will rapidly stagnate. The physical workload is much more than you anticipate - on-the-job injuries are very common, especially musculoskeletal strain and accidental exposures. At the current time, most hospital jobs are 12 hours shifts, every other weekend & many holidays which can make it very difficult on your family life, particularly if you have to work nights as most people have to do in the early years of their careers.

You'll have to invest a lot of your time, effort & money to become a nurse. Make sure you understand the reality and all of the consequences rather than buying in to the "angel of mercy" image that has been perpetuated by popular myth.

BTW, you may get a lot of flack from our male colleagues by pointing out that your local CC has a program "which allows for women to become RNs".... although I am sure that your comment was not a deliberate put-down, just unconscious acceptance of a stereotype.