Nutrition to nursing?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone. I am new to this site as I am starting to seriously consider nursing school. It's been in the back of my mind for years now, and I am at the point in my career as a Registered Dietitian to either get my masters

in nutrition or just go ahead and move forward with nursing school. I love being an RD because I feel I make a difference in some people's lives and I find nutrition fascinating and I like the healthcare environment. However, my main issue (and I don't know if I'm just being picky, plagued with too many options) is that I feel kind of insignificant. And to piggy back on that, I hate feeling like the "food police", having to tell people to eat certain foods and avoid others. I know this sounds ironic, because I'm a dietitian, but our wealth of knowledge is so much deeper than what we use in our practice as RDs and I end up just feeling like the food police. I want to help people but I feel like I have more potential to reach then that which can be reached through being an RD. I should also say, my happiest days at work are ones where there is a lot going on and I really feel I accomplished something. Other days I feel like I didn't do anything that significant (I work in dialysis). So, I'm doing my research on schools and trying to decide which bests suits my needs. If any nurses out there could weigh in on some of my concerns, I would really appreciate it:

I live in Dallas so the cost of living is high. I will more then likely do an accelerated online BSN so could only work part time (if even that) while in school. Any nurses out there do an accelerated program and also work part time during it? Id be taking out loans and want to make sure this is an investment that will not only repay itself in money but in job satisfaction and quality of life. I am nervous I will become a jaded nurse and regret going to nursing school to begin with. That I'll miss my weekends and good nights of sleep. I also have mild anxiety, which I can control pretty well on my own (I don't take medication and wouldn't ever intend to). It usually hits me when I'm feeling stagnant (i.e. lying on the couch doing nothing). However, I am also worried being exposed to all nurses do it will send me over the edge into regular episodes of panic attacks. I'd like to believe I have the mental stealth to get through that, but it's still a concern. I am single and 27 years old (in two weeks) and have a very energetic dog. It would definitely be an intense 15 months if I did get

into the nursing program. But when I am 30 I don't want to look back and say "dang I wish I had just gone ahead and done it". At the end of the day it's really important to me to feel like I'm doing something that really matters and is making a difference in people's lives. I guess I just feel slightly underwhelmed as an RD and feel I could be doing more to contribute to society. Any input?! Thanks everyone!!

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Don't do it. RDs at my hospital have great hours and lives outside work. They have weekends off!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I had a cohort who went from Nutrition to Nursing; she moved out of state and currently enjoys her job.

I suggest that you shadow a nurse and research thoroughly before making a decision.

Best wishes!

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Based on your post I don't think your experience in a dialysis clinic exposes you to nursing in general and being in healthcare already I think you should have a much better idea of what nursing positions you'd be likely to attain.

Are you familiar with the job market? Of the options and work loads many new grads are facing? Of the current healthcare climate, inpatient in particular? Of the typical tasks and working conditions?

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