Current Autoworker looking to Transistion into Nuring

rnffemtguy, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2009

I really applaud you for being willing to take the initiative to change careers, I did it when I was 31 years old and I'm very glad that I did. As for education, I don't know if there are any programs/schools around you that have hybrid programs, the community college I went to is a 1+1 prgram, first year was LPN, second was RN, I did a year of prereqs before I got into the program so it was a 3 year deal for me total. The good part about this is you can obtain your LPN liscence and work as a Practical nurse while in RN school, which gives you a huge leg up, but that's just my :twocents: Best of luck in whatever you pursue, and trust me, you won't regret it!!!!

VORB · Feb 5, 2009

There's not so much a nursing shortage right now, but rather a nursing instructor shortage. Hence the wait-lists.

Whatever wait time they tell you now can decrease dramatically as those on the list before you fall off of it for whatever reason. [i was called 1 semester earlier than I was expecting.] Pick a school, get on the wait-list, and start your pre-req's next term if you haven't already begun. Then when they do call you, you'll be ready to go.

I would go right into an RN program (2-year would be my suggestion) and see about a hospital job while in school if that's what you want. In some states you do not need a CNA license to be a patient care tech. Call the HR dept at a nearby hospital. I would also suggest getting the highest-paid job possible while in school, even if outside of healthcare, as it will be difficult working even 30 hours/week during some parts of the program.

Good luck.

KY RN · Feb 5, 2009

I worked for one of the Big Three in Ky. I took the two year educational buyout and enrolled in an LPN program. I bridged directly into an RN program. I worked in a factory for 10 years and at 33, took the buyout. IT WAS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE!! I love working as an LPN. I love the fact that I can make as much as I did at a Big Three, without all the hassles. No more sweating in the summer from heat, no more fear of being laid off, no more body aches from working on the line, and no more down weeks(months!) If your company offers a 4 yr buyout, I would actually advise that from hindsight. :yeah:

chuckz, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2009

Which plant did you work at freshstart? I worked at MTP of Ford for 12 years and took the educational buyout in 2006. It was the best decision I have ever made. We are struggling, but my wife, son and I are making it. I am at Madonna University because I figured if Ford was footing the bill, it might as well be at an expensive and wonderful university. I have two more semesters left and I will have my BSN. It was a boon to take that buyout.

As for yourself, do you have any college credits behind you that might transfer? If you do, schoolcraft is an option as well as Madonna. I transfered credits in so it didn't take too long to be accepted into the program. I would recommend starting your prereqs if you don't have them done and then applying to either an ADN program such as schoolcraft, OCC, MCCC or HFCC or to Madonna, Eastern, U of M, Oakland University or Wayne.

Madonna doesn't have a waiting list, but they make you take a plethora of other classes such as religion, family and culture as well as Pathophysiology. I advise you to start taking classes ASAP even if you don't take the buyout yet.

It can be done. My wife and I are doing it and we will be done in April 2010. One year and I never have to worry. I am going for my Master's after that also on Ford money.

Good luck to you and if I can help you in any way, please PM me.