career change, looking for advice.

[hokiecsgrad]

Hi there,

I'm looking at moving into nursing. I currently hold a BS in Computer Science, which you may have heard is the employment touch of death these days, but am looking at moving into nursing. Specifically, anethesia.

From what I've read, not many people switch INTO nursing. As a matter of fact, there seems to be a mass exodus away from nursing.

Being as how this decision will effect the rest of my life, I've got a TON of questions. I'd really love it if I could get some help from the people on this board.

The most obvious question I have is, "What is driving people away from Nursing?" Why would I want to go into nursing, when so many other people are leaving?

Another question...when I went into Computer Science, they were handing jobs out like candy. If you could switch on a computer, you had a job. Four years later, there's not a job to be found. If I invest the next four - six years of my life into nursing/anesthesia, is the same thing going to happen? Will I come out of anesthesia school only to find that there aren't jobs availabe anymore?

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but those are the two biggest. Thanks for your insight!!!

--Ryan

[ICUBecky]

ryan,

as you have probably heard...there is a huge nursing shortage...so you could do any type of nursing you desire. however, you do have to face the consequences. short staffing, very unhappy coworkers and patients, demanding doctors, long shifts, working weekends and holidays, in some cases mandatory overtime, working midnights, crappy income for what you do...etc. these are hard things to get used to, especially if you are not used to it. but, nursing is a VERY rewarding profession, when it all comes down to it.

as far as anesthesia, it seems like the career choice for many RNs lately...so my thoughts are that in a couple of years, the need may not be as great, and it may be hard to find a job. but, that is my opinion, as i really haven't researched it. i would go into the CRNA thread and ask them what they think... i already know that in Ohio, it is hard to find a nurse practitioner job.

[PennyLane, RN]

Best of luck in making your decision Ryan. I chose nursing as a second career, and am also working full-time in the IT field while taking my pre-reqs for a BSN program that I'll begin next year. I have a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science.

Job security is one of the 'perks' of choosing nursing, but for me, it was far, far below the meaningful, human aspect of the job. People are just more interesting than computers, IMHO. :roll

I also want to continue on after getting my RN to anesthesia school. I know it will be tough, and the road is long, but I can't wait to get started. You should be going into this decision with enthusiasm, or else I think you'll burn out really soon.

Volunteering at a hospital is a great idea! I manage to sqeeze in 4 hours/week in the SICU of a large medical center nearby.

Make sure this decision is the best one for you before you commit to it!!!

[montroyal]

Ryan,

I don't want to discourage you in your pursuit of CRNA. Those requirements you listed are the minimum for entry to most programs. Most people who apply are above those. Just out of curiosity, how long was your dad an RN before he went to CRNA school? I am sure he would be a valuable source of information. The other thing I would suggest, is talk to the admission people at different schools and ask the were the average student stood with GPA and work experience. This will give you a better understanding of what you may expect.

I also looked at the web site Np2b suggested. The requirements are listed below. As you can see, clinical experience is required.

It also states only a few openings so you can bet it will be very competitive.

"Nurse Anesthesia, Direct Entry Program

The Nurse Anesthesia Program will consider Direct Entry applications for a very limited number of slots from those applicants who meet the following requirements:

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a science (i.e. chemistry, biology,

microbiology, etc.) or an advanced clinical degree (i.e. Physical Therapy, Respiratory

Therapy, Doctor of Dental Science, etc.)

Must have very strong undergraduate GPA (minimum of 3.2 - prefer higher)

Must have work experience in a clinical setting"

"Well, yes and no. I have always wanted to help people. But, honestly, I don't know how well I'd do at it. I like helping people, but I really don't like being around sick people. =)

There's a specific reason that I want to go into anesthesia, and that's because your patients are asleep most of the time! =) Kidding...sort of. "

I wonder if you really understand what a CRNA does after reading this. CRNA's are responsible for "sick people" otherwise they wouldn't be having surgery. Those scheduled everyday surgeries may appear routine but can turn into a nightmare in moments. That not even counting the emergency surgeries were the patient was never what you would call stable. There is nothing like having a patient on lidocaine,dopamine.dobutamine, levophed, diprovan and a host of other drugs wheeled into your OR. That doesn't even count the swan, art line, vent and cranial bolt. All of which are not covered in nursing school. You will be responsible for giving drugs were less than a 10cc (two teaspoons) up or down over an hour can make the difference between life and death. This is were years of critical care experience really makes the difference. You can learn anything from a textbook, but very few things in nursing are text book.

[sjoe]

You would learn a lot by checking out the threads on this forum, as well as those on the CRNA forum.

[NurseAngie]

Originally posted by montroyal

Ryan,

" You can learn anything from a textbook, but very few things in nursing are text book.

AMEN to this!!! This is ABSOLUTELY the truth. I could personally not imagine being in nursing for a stable job or the income. Neither are a guarantee. (even with todays shortage) The responsibility that comes with this job can almost be overwhelming at times. I don't mean this to be rude, but I did want to give you something to consider. If you make a mistake with a computer, you will not face losing your license or law suits, but that is a possiblity in nursing. I do not know you personally, so only you know what you can live with day in and day out. This is often a thankless job and helping people (healthy and ill) to be at their optimum is what it's all about. If that is something you can see yourself doing then WELCOME to nursing!

~Angie