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>>>>>
I always tell people I was a Nursing Home Administrator in my previous life. I went into it thinking I could change the world and really make a difference in the resident's lives. As it turned out, it's all about business. One day in the shower it just hit me like a ton of bricks (I call it Divine intervention) that I should go to nursing school. It was a huge undertaking, especially since, at the time, my husband was ready to have children. I went to school and was, frankly, bored. That was until my last class, Critical Care. From that time on I knew exactly where I belonged, at the bedside of the critically ill or dying patient. That's where you can really make a difference, at the bedside. I really wish I would have started out in nursing years ago.
I joined the Navy right out of High School and worked in Financial/Supply/Logistics. Prior to my getting out after 20 years I was taking pre-reqs and considering Nursing and Teaching. After I got out I worked for a Railroad Contractor as an administrator/ accounts payable/ operations assistant for 15 months, then as a Navy civilian for another year as a Financial Programs Analyst.
The straw that broke the camel's back was the "more with less" direction the office was taking, 3+ hours commuting every day, and frustration of being hired for my experience but not given any authority.
After 15 years of preaching to "my guys" that "If you're gonna get out plan to use your benefits, you paid into the GI Bill for a reason, USE IT!" I then got the same words from an old buddy (one of "my guys"). I applied to an ADN program and got in (first try!), that was a year ago, I am stoked and only have 54 weeks to graduation!
Now, with 20/20 hindsight, I realize that with GI Bill, my pension, and household sacrifices (with wifey's support!), I probably shouldn't have wasted the 2+ years.
I know the honeymoon may not last forever but, I've only got 20 years, or so, to work! I'd have never thought I'd do 20 in the Navy ... I did, now to knock out these next 20 and ride off into the sunset.
I was a local authority manager who was paid very well compared to nursing for half the responsibility. However working with a hierachy of massive egos proved too much. I am now in my third year as a student with one year to go and loving it. I am in my element and hope this will continue to feel the same when I qualify. I am hoping to work in the US at some point and would love to compare with british working ways.:chair:
I was a water well driller, accountant's assistant, medical claims processor, administrative assistant, and a stay-at-home mom. No matter how long I was at a job, I never made more than $2 over minimum wage.
I was a CNA for 20 years & raised 2 children before going to nursing school. That experience has certainly helped along the way. What a wild ride it has been.
MisfonzRN, RN
11 Posts
I always tell people I was a Nursing Home Administrator in my previous life. I went into it thinking I could change the world and really make a difference in the resident's lives. As it turned out, it's all about business. One day in the shower it just hit me like a ton of bricks (I call it Divine intervention) that I should go to nursing school. It was a huge undertaking, especially since, at the time, my husband was ready to have children. I went to school and was, frankly, bored. That was until my last class, Critical Care. From that time on I knew exactly where I belonged, at the bedside of the critically ill or dying patient. That's where you can really make a difference, at the bedside. I really wish I would have started out in nursing years ago.