Nursing as a career change

[rnckr, ADN]

I'm a 43 year old man who has been a manager in a call center for many years but have been laid off twice in the last three years. I am considering going back to school to become an RN. I have several nurses in my family, including my mother who is now retired but has done many things in nursing and loved most of it.

Nursing appeals to me primarily because nurses seem to always have work. This would be a radical change for me and I am little nervous about what I might be getting into. I'm reading a "Change Your Career" book about nursing and it is answering some questions.

Is there anyone out there who has done something similar that might have some words of wisdom?

Thanks!

[Harleyhead]

I did nursing as a 2nd career and made a good choice. I am making a good salary with good working conditions. But all work places are not the same. Make sure you are comfortable working with and for women. Need more specific info send me an email.

[SoundofMusic]

What sort of questions do you have? I changed careers into nursing myself -- let me know what you "need to know" and I'd be happy to answer what I can.

[justavolunteer]

I am 'justavolunteer' on a patient unit. If you are totally unsure about hospitals, volunteering can be a way to find out. You can usually do as little as 4 hours per week. You can't do much direct patient care, but you may get an idea what the hospital setting is like.

[amjowens]

I just finished a LPN program, and immediately began a RN program. I've gotten my first job as a LPN, and am balancing full-time school and work.

I precepted with a nurse who was there for a paycheck. She wasn't ashamed to say so. She'd tell you how if she were to go on with school (she was an ADN), it would NEVER be in nursing. She said she would go into business. This person was not a bad person, but she was not (in my opinion) doing anyone (esp herself) any good as a nurse. I really hope she goes on into business.

Nursing needs people who are passionate about nursing, not who are there just to have a job. If you truly are wanting to be a nurse, go for it. BUT PLEASE, don't go into it just for a job. Nursing positions are competitive too now in this economy. You might not realize that, but who do you think can pay for the pricey elective cases so hospitals can train and hire new grads??? I've had to go about an hour from where I live to get my first job. RNs aren't getting jobs in my area, as many hospitals have hiring freezes. The economy has it's ups and downs...it will come back. A paycheck can be had much easier in many other professions. Nursing doesn't pay good enough to do all you have to do if you're doing it just for a paycheck.

BTW, I just read that about volunteering. No, become a nurse aide (a two or three week class, and many schools are now requiring this anyway in some areas). Volunteering is very nice, and should be done if you want. But, volunteering (traditional hospital volunteering) is like watching Discovery Channel - just a view. Excellent for the viewing, but won't really give you much more unless a very unique situation.

[EfabellaRN]

thats why nursing is sometimes what you called a calling for most people because we endure salaries that are sometimes inadequate for what we know and do... hehehe but thats nursing ...