If not nursing then what?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I am someone who never had a real job before becoming a nurse. I mowed lawns and landscapes for people under the table before graduating. Now that I work I always think...what about when I want to step away from bedside nursing-what if I step away from nursing all together?

What career interests any of you? What would you do other than nursing or what have you done before nursing?

-Detective work for me ;)

Specializes in ICU.

Baking.

Davey Do

10,476 Posts

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
I am someone who never had a real job before becoming a nurse. I mowed lawns and landscapes for people under the table before graduating. Now that I work I always think...what about when I want to step away from bedside nursing-what if I step away from nursing all together?

Well the OldDude still mows lawns during the summer when school is not in session and he's not working as a school nurse.

Maybe, if you liked doing that, you could have a little business called "SheriffLaurens Lawn Mowing Service"!

What career interests any of you?

From 1996 to 2003 I did quite a bit of free lance artwork- you know, murals for community theatre, street cartooning, shows, commissions, newspaper comics, and the like. I worked as an artist in conjunction with being a part time and full time nurse. I got out of it when my art became more work than pleasure at a time I found a well-paying nursing position.

So now I do my art almost totally for pleasure and work as a nurse for money.

My wife Belinda, who's a medical nurse and pretty danged crafty in her own right just the other night discussed using our interests for some income after we retire.

what have you done before nursing?

I worked in retail, as a deliveryman, houseparent, teacher's aid, weatherizer, campground caretaker, the last job before nursing I stocked vending machines.

Thanks for asking, Sherifflauren and good luck to you on your detective work!

SheriffLauren

92 Posts

Specializes in Adult Psych.

That's awesome that you have all that artistic ability! I also paint as a hobby, I never considered doing it as my job however, I was afraid it would become less enjoyable if I had to rely on it for my income. Art and doing crafts is so relaxing I find, especially after a tough shift.

p.s. I live in the city currently and i actually miss doing the yard work I used to do :D

SheriffLauren

92 Posts

Specializes in Adult Psych.

Baking is fun! My fiance says his dream is to have a doughnut shop someday.

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

Once worked with an individual who had a landscaping business on the side, along with his military career. He said he was all set for when he retired from the military. He serviced quite a few accounts in the area of the city around Augusta National Golf Club.

Sour Lemon

5,016 Posts

I am someone who never had a real job before becoming a nurse. I mowed lawns and landscapes for people under the table before graduating. Now that I work I always think...what about when I want to step away from bedside nursing-what if I step away from nursing all together?

What career interests any of you? What would you do other than nursing or what have you done before nursing?

-Detective work for me ;)

I kind of like the idea of running my own little group home, although I really have very little idea of what that would entail. I like seeing little groups of special needs people eating at the food court in the mall, for some reason. I see them roaming around at Target, too ...and they seem so family-like and happy despite the challenges they obviously face. I have my own little happy family to take care of for now, though.

Hoosier_RN, MSN

3,959 Posts

Specializes in Dialysis.

If I could craft and make the money I make as a nurse, with the benefits, I'd be doing that. Unfortunately, it doesn't work out that way. I was in the Army when I first got out of high school (that was a lifetime ago) and worked in a factory in maintenance after that for a few years. If I had to get out of healthcare, I think I'd go back to programming (my first bachelors degree), catch up, and see if I could cook up a new career

SheriffLauren

92 Posts

Specializes in Adult Psych.

I had an assistance manager who ran either a group home or some type of assisted living home, i think she had less than 10 residents at a time. I don't know the particulars but I know they are in high demand, there are very few places for people who need ltc, group homes, assisted living. If you ever do it you'll have customers.

Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

I'd like to be a professional student and independently wealthy. I do have nostalgic feelings about being a pharmacy tech which feels like 100 years ago. Today I rented my son's trumpet at a music store. I thought, I could totally do this job as I was being checked out and how wonderful it would be to have no one's life on the line. I had to help the person behind the counter figure out her computer and help check me out! ;-)

Ultimately though, I have always wanted to be a provider of some kind so I am shooting to be an NP!

SheriffLauren

92 Posts

Specializes in Adult Psych.
I'd like to be a professional student and independently wealthy.

It would be pretty cool to have time and money to study whatever you wanted. Id like to study criminal justice.

Specializes in Adult Primary Care.

If I had to pick something else, I would want to go to Culinary School. I love to cook!!!!!

+ Add a Comment