? for those who chose nursing as second career ...

colleen10 · Feb 26, 2003

Hi there,

I can't comment on myself personally because I am switching from a career outside of medicine into nursing but I do have a friend who went to school and worked several years as a radiology tech. She decided to leave medicine completely and now works in acctg.

She said that she encountered some problems with staffing, etc. but not nearly to the degree that nurses do. She said the main reason she left radiology is because it was hard emotionally. She talked about how when you are in radiology you see people come in at their worst and sickest but you never get to see them get better or recover. You don't feel like you have made a huge impact on getting them on the road to recovery. And, you have to deal with some really sad cases like bad car accidents, abused children, etc. She even had to X-Ray human bones for the police that were of a murdered woman who had been missing for years.

The final straw was when she had taken X-Rays of a very small boy who came in in really bad shape because he has been severly abused. It was a pretty public story and on her way to the hospital the next day the story came over the radio that the child had died (shaken baby syn.). She turned her car around and never went back.

While you deal with some of the same cases in nursing and despite short staffing, etc. I think in nursing compared radiology you feel as though you did have an impact in the success of a patient and have some closure if the patient does poorly. At least that is how my friend feels.

Dr. Kate, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2003

I don't know that most of us can ever be sure. There are a few people who just seem to figure out what they want, go after it and live contentedly ever after. It's not that way for everyone. You make the best choice you can based on the information you have. If it doesn't work out for you, or if you discover it's a really bad fit, there are other directions.

We no longer live in a one career for a lifetime world. I believe it is now estimated that people will have at least 5 different careers in a lifetime.

Gives me hope I'll one day figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

SirJohnny · Feb 26, 2003

Cynthiann:

I am currently in Computer Science, looking to make the change over to nursing.

Why? It certainly isn't the $$.

For me, I want to do the travel nursing thing. I am still single, so can pursue that lifestyle. Personally, I want to be able to work for a period of time, then take 3 or 4 weeks of to fly-fish or whatever, then go back to work for another period of time.

If that doesn't work out, maybe I will work my regular computer job and do nursing on the weekends. I imagine (and hope) a facility would be happy to have someone wanting to work weekends.

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If nothing else. I am planning on enjoying my experience through nursing. Sounds like an interesting industry to explore. I know that I will regret it if I don't at least pursue it.

After having spent 8 yrs in college - I have my study routine down pretty well. So will stick to that, and hopefully not have too many problems (study wise) getting through the program.

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Well, it's 2:15PM. I am in my cubicle/box hacking away at Java computer code set in Courier New sice 5 font. After 10 yrs in this game, it's just plain getting old.

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Hope my discussion above sheds some light on why I am choosing to go into nursing.

John Coxey

([email protected])

Asiancutie · Feb 26, 2003

sounds like a good career plan john. i can't decide whether i want to go in computers or nursing. i'll just do both! :)

tonchitoRN · Feb 26, 2003

i have known several people who worked in 2 different careers together. for instance, i knew several who were flight attendants and worked part-time as nurse. a few others were realtors and worked part-time as nurse. they did nursing pt because it was too draining to do it ft plus the money was there. hey, the car breaks down call the hospital and say "i am in town this weekend do you need any help'? if you have a continuing relationship with a nursing agency or hospital you would be surprised to see how they are willing to work with you. good luck

Cynthiann · Feb 27, 2003

thanks for the input. You all made some good points for me to think about. I did decide that I'm going to go ahead and apply to the nursing program just in case. I don't want to regret not doing it later and I could always change my mind.

Allison S. · Feb 27, 2003

Nursing and computer science are on the cusp of big things. Lots of hospitals are starting to do things online, and I think there is a huge opportunity for people conversant in both topics.

As far as nursing being a good or bad career move, I think it is both. It is an opportunity for great changes to be made, and it is exciting (and difficult) to be part of that.

Bottom line, nursing is necessary, it is not working, and it will change.

Sounds like fun to me.

rebel_red · Feb 27, 2003

Cynthiann,

Hi and welcome! I have a Bachelor's in Social Work. I spent 8 years in long term care, as Director of Activities/Social Services. When my son was born I had my own business as a "picker/scout" for book sellers and antique dealers. Lil job hopper that I am I have also worked retail and in a sheltered workshop for people who were diagnosed "DD".

What drew me to nursing (at the advanced age of 39) was the same thing that pulled me into social work. The need to make a salient difference on a daily basis on a professional level, as well as a personal level.

Right now I am working as a CNA. Wanted to be sure I was capable of giving basic direct care without being judgemental or puking up my guts. Odd part turns out I love it! I start classes this summer for LPN. (I'm taking the long way, for personal reasons, to BSN.)

Last night I had just cleaned a really messy bm, went to the nurses station picked up my chocolate chunk ice cream and started noshing when my supervisor said to me "Yep you're meant to be a nurse." (Of course it's not that simple but it's a factor...)

still grinning

Tres

colleen10 · Feb 27, 2003

Last night I had just cleaned a really messy bm, went to the nurses station picked up my chocolate chunk ice cream and started noshing when my supervisor said to me "Yep you're meant to be a nurse." (Of course it's not that simple but it's a factor...)

My husband got mad at me the other night because I was eating a late dinner of pasta and meat sauce and watching the operation channel in which they were doing a breast aug.

He had some doubts of me going into nursing but not anymore! :roll

WantAccel.BSN, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2008

Cynthiann,
Hi and welcome! I have a Bachelor's in Social Work. I spent 8 years in long term care, as Director of Activities/Social Services. When my son was born I had my own business as a "picker/scout" for book sellers and antique dealers. Lil job hopper that I am I have also worked retail and in a sheltered workshop for people who were diagnosed "DD".
What drew me to nursing (at the advanced age of 39) was the same thing that pulled me into social work. The need to make a salient difference on a daily basis on a professional level, as well as a personal level.
Right now I am working as a CNA. Wanted to be sure I was capable of giving basic direct care without being judgemental or puking up my guts. Odd part turns out I love it! I start classes this summer for LPN. (I'm taking the long way, for personal reasons, to BSN.)
Last night I had just cleaned a really messy bm, went to the nurses station picked up my chocolate chunk ice cream and started noshing when my supervisor said to me "Yep you're meant to be a nurse." (Of course it's not that simple but it's a factor...)
still grinning
Tres

I know you posted this many years ago, but I'm wondering if you could shed some light on how things worked out, and why you left the social work field for nursing. I am currently working as a social worker, and looking to make the transition to nursing.

Thanks for your help!