I was a ______ prior to being a nurse/student nurse

[nurz2be]

I have seen TONS of people who have said "nursing is my second, third or fourth career." As I have become more and more curious I was wanting to start a thread to see what areas and walks of life all the nurses and student nurses had before embarking on this incredible medical journey.

I will go first.

I was a TRUCK DRIVER prior to being a nursing student..

NEXT.

I am excited to see what you all did in your PAST LIVES>>>>>

[APBT mom, LPN, RN]

Before I decided to be a nurse I worked at:

a pet shop

a pizza slinger at Little Caesars

a telemarketer sold cell phones, direct tv, magazines, electicity for ENRON, credit cards

cleaned houses

patient sitter

medical assistant

now I'm just a student

[BBQvegan]

Hey, cool thread.

In high school I worked for my family at a real estate office and managing a mini-warehouse facility.

In college (while studying International Business and French), I worked in my school's International Education office, as a Bridal Consultant (telesales for a DJ company), and as a waitress.

Lived in Korea for 1 year teaching English to kindergarten and elementary kids.

Worked 4 years in a non-profit international agribusiness development organization in Washington, DC.

Decided I was bored with an office job. Found my passion. Am finishing level 2 of BSN program. Am happy and excited!

[lisamaree]

I was an assistant manager at a retail store and volunteer with St John (ambulance service here). I knew I couldn't work in retail forever, it bored me too much. At least in nursing I feel I'm fulfilling my potential (yes even on those crazy busy, hectic stressful days) and it might be cliche, but at least I feel like I am making a difference now. I know this is the right career for me!!

[suzy253, RN]

An administrative assistant for 20+ years.

[TrudyRN]

candy striper

[Lainie B]

Would you believe...a TAX COLLECTOR?

I had a nice office job... but volunteering with the local EMS gave me the desire to do something that made a difference (and be compensated for it)

New Grad 8/07 - getting that first year's experience behind me

[nurz2be]

Thank you to all for posting and for those who are still posting. This is a fun thread that I have been thinking about for awhile. I really enjoy seeing others like me, who chose later in life to be a nurse. I am actually quite surprised at the number of those who went straight from high school or shortly there after to nursing.

Keep those posts coming...I have yet to see a prior lawyer or police officer. I am SURE there is one out there.

[Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

After getting a B.A. in psychology in college I was:

~A flight attendant for several years and served in the USNR in intelligence

~Changed jobs to work in public safety as a police officer, structural and aircraft rescue firefighter and licensed paramedic

And now a registered nurse..... I'm currently researching a future career as a PA or NP.

I'm also wondering if I'll ever figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

Hopefully, I'll know before I retire!!!!

[Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

LOL nurz2be! I just read your post above.

I guess I'm the first to admit a prior career in law enforcement.

[nurz2be]

LOL nurz2be! I just read your post above.

I guess I'm the first to admit a prior career in law enforcement.

I wonder why exactly that is.....LOL

[jmking]

Let's see...

clerk at an arts and crafts store

made eyeglasses

apprentice optican

eyewear specialist

LPN

Now in RN school

[AllieSparksRN]

a professional college student for years...ha ha....i worked at a sporting goods store...nanny...also worked at a gym/day spa...